HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / International Criminal Law Advisor (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is based within the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, located in Juba. The role operates under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Commission, contributing to its mandate and scope within the UN Secretariat's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer/International Criminal Law Advisor will provide critical legal expertise to the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This involves advising the team on international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law frameworks relevant to ongoing investigations. The role requires conducting thorough legal research, preparing legal opinions, and liaising with transitional justice actors. A key function is to investigate alleged violations, gather evidence through interviews, and corroborate information. The advisor will analyze gathered information, suggest legal qualifications, advise on proof standards, and identify responsible parties. This position is crucial for ensuring the legal accuracy of all commission documents, identifying patterns of violations, and drafting comprehensive legal analyses for reports, ultimately informing recommendations on accountability measures.

Responsibilities

Advise the team on applicable legal frameworks and standards for human rights investigations. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law, liaising with transitional justice actors. Investigate alleged violations by interviewing victims and witnesses, gathering and corroborating information. Analyze gathered information, advise on proof standards, and identify responsible parties. Provide legal advice and assist in drafting legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing documents. Ensure the legal accuracy of all commission documents, including reports and submissions. Identify trends and patterns of human rights and international criminal law violations. Draft the legal framework and analysis for commission reports, ensuring consistency with the mandate and applicable law. Conduct information gathering, including interviews and analysis of open-source material. Integrate gender perspectives into legal analysis, reflecting gendered impacts of violations. Advise on legal findings and recommendations, particularly concerning accountability measures. Coordinate with gender advisors to ensure effective analysis and reporting on sexual and gender-based violence.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law is required. At least two years of experience providing legal analysis to human rights investigative bodies or tribunals is also required. Experience in the region is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong analytical and research skills, legal writing and expression, ability to prepare legal documents, witness examination, legal argumentation, negotiation skills, ability to work under deadlines, knowledge of UN system, communication skills, teamwork.

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