Individual Contractor- Legal Assistance (Victims of SEA)

Organizational Context

The Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate (OVRA) operates within the UN Secretariat, implementing a victim-centered approach to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). This role supports the "Justice" pillar, focusing on holistic justice for victims, including accountability, restorative measures, and resolution of paternity and child support claims for children born of SEA.

Job Purpose

This role aims to enhance access to justice for victims of SEA and their children by addressing legal and procedural barriers to paternity recognition and child support claims. The purpose is to identify and map legal aid providers, establish a network, convene stakeholders, and develop strategies to improve legal assistance. By strengthening national and international capacities, the role contributes to ensuring victims receive meaningful access to remedies, legal recognition, and civil justice outcomes, crucial for their long-term recovery, dignity, and socio-economic stability.

Responsibilities

The individual contractor will conduct a comprehensive desk review and consultations with UN entities and national legal actors. Key duties include identifying and mapping qualified lawyers and legal aid organizations willing to offer pro bono services in target countries. The role involves establishing a network of these providers, convening meetings to exchange best practices, and developing strategies for resolving paternity and child support claims. Additionally, the contractor will produce a technical paper on best practices for legal assistance to SEA victims and establish a multi-stakeholder forum to address legal barriers to paternity recognition for children born of SEA.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in the rule of law, including providing technical assistance to national authorities, is required. Demonstrated experience supporting and advising national legal assistance providers and pro bono lawyers is essential. Experience in resolving complex legal and procedural issues in criminal, administrative, or family law is also required. Familiarity with family law and issues related to paternity and child support claims for SEA victims is highly desirable.

Skills

Legal research and analysis, Stakeholder engagement, Network building, Technical assistance, Family law expertise, Paternity and child support claims, Confidentiality and discretion, Fluency in English, Fluency in French (desirable).

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