INTERNATIONAL UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT Preamble: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UNV volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UNV volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive. UNV Program Strategy Result Framework Outcome 6: Volunteer contribution to operational and capacity building support to UN missions strengthened and recognised 1. UNV Assignment Title: Justice and Rule of Law Officer 2. Type of assignment: International UN Volunteer 3. Project Title: UNV support to UNIOGBIS Rule of Law and legal, policy and institutional Reforms 4. Duration: 1 (one) year contract, renewable subject to mission mandate and satisfactory performance. 5. Location, Country: Republic of Guinea-Bissau (volunteer may be required to work anywhere in the Mission area including in remote areas such as Buba, Sao Domingos, Bafata, or Bubaque); the exact duty station will be determined upon arrival and can change in the course of the assignment). 6. Expected starting date: Immediate 7. Brief Project Description: The Rule of Law and Security Institutions Service (ROLSIS) of UNIOGBIS embraces the governance of security, defence and justice reforms in its core. It supports the establishment of effective and efficient police, law enforcement, criminal justice and penitentiary systems to contribute to the peace-building process and the fight against impunity in Guinea-Bissau. ROLSIS works towards a re-founding of the Armed Forces in the context of a democratic state that respects constitutional order and civilian oversight. ROLSIS also assists national authorities in combating illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime in the context of criminal justice reforms. 8. Host Agency/Host Institute: United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau UNIOGBIS) http://uniogbis.unmissions.org/ 9. Organizational Context: UNIOGBIS current mandate is governed by Security Council Resolution 2203 (2015). UNIOGBIS was established in 2010 by Security Council Resolution 1876. Subsequent Security Council resolutions have renewed and revised its mandate, in accordance with developments on the ground. UNIOGBIS works under the auspices of the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA). 1
10. Type of Assignment Place: Family Duty Station 11. Description of Duties: Under the direct supervision of the head of the justice and rule of law component within the Rule of Law and Security Institutions Service, the international officer will be responsible for the following duties (These duties are generic and not all duties may be performed by individual incumbents, depending on prioritization and additional work programme requirements): Provide technical and operational support for implementing criminal law and judicial reform programmes and related activities including workshops, seminars and outreach programmes and assist national actors in mobilizing resources, as and when required; Provide sound technical advice and assistance to build national capacities for good governance in various rule of law-related areas, with particular emphasis on the criminal justice sector and legal and policy development; Conduct research and analysis and provide expert advice and technical assistance to national counterparts on legal, judicial and penitentiary systems, including on legal, institutional and security sector reform as well as constitutional, judicial and penitentiary aspects and with that objective, establish and maintain excellent working relations with the police, the prosecution and prison services, the judiciary and other Government officials as well as with the respective mission components (e.g. human rights, political affairs, gender, public information); Participate in the mapping and assessment of the judicial and legal systems, on the functioning of the criminal justice system as well as in the establishment of systems for measuring rule of law (rule of law indicators) and their mainstreaming in the UNIOGBIS ROLSIS Work plans; Participate in joint programming activities, the drafting of joint projects and the implementation of area-specific arrangements such as the Global Focal Point (GFP) on Police, Justice and Corrections Areas in the Rule of Law in Post-Conflict and other Crisis Situations; Assist with the preparations of the Annual Forum on Criminal Justice, consolidate the final report of the Annual Forum on Criminal Justice and ensure smooth administrative processes related to its publication, dissemination and follow-up to its recommendations; Assist in the organization and substantive preparations for, and final reports of, a variety of the meetings, including national expert Working Groups on criminal justice reform and military justice reform; Elaborate strategies for the validation of proposed course of action, recommendations or legislative initiatives in the areas of focus; Perform legal research and draft legal analysis, legal opinions, reports, assessments, legislative reviews, and commentaries on criminal justice issues, military justice issues, legal and constitutional reform, as appropriate; Assist in key activities with other mission components (e.g. human rights, political/civil affairs, gender,) and other United Nations and external assistance providers, as required; Provide regular, sound advice to the Justice and Rule of Law Unit, and through his/her supervisor to the Chief ROLSI and assist in other technical duties as required. 2
Promotion of the UN Volunteer Programme mandate 1 UN volunteers are expected to integrate the UN Volunteers Programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN volunteers should dedicate a proportion of their working week to the following in support of and in synergy with their primary role as Judicial Affairs Officer. Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); Be acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiating and/or participating in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site; Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible; Encouraging, mobilising and supporting co-workers, fellow UNV volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis; Discussing with supervisors on how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed through the assignment and integrate activities that promote volunteerism for peace and development into work plans; Assisting with the UNV buddy programme for newly-arrived UNV volunteers. Lastly, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training and capacity-building. 12. Results/Expected Output: Capacity of sub-national actors strengthened through legal, judicial and penitentiary reform programmes, which are coherently and timely implemented; Coordinated and coherent approach at the sub-national level in the mapping and assessment of the judicial, legal and penitentiary systems; Rule of Law Indicators are used within UNIOGBIS ROLSIS to measure progress made in national criminal justice institutions with a view to provide informed technical advice and assistance for the development of the criminal justice system in the country; National criminal justice institutions are fully appraised of the Rule of Law Indicators concept and importance, and take steps to select a number of indicators to measure their own progress; A national/sub-national dialogue on measures to fight impunity for serious crimes and white collar crimes is promoted and supported by UNIOGBIS ROLSIS; Sub-national justice strategies strengthened by provision of strategic/technical advice; Research materials and analysis are available on time and in accordance with criteria discussed; Reporting obligations are met in a timely fashion and with the expected quality standards. 13. Profile Requirements: a) Qualifications, skills, experience: Advanced university degree (Master s degree, JD or equivalent) in law, or bar qualification or equivalent, in addition to a first-level degree, is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with other 1 The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was created by the General Assembly (GA) in 1970 through GA resolution 26/59. Since then, UNV s mandate has been expanded by GA resolution 31/131 in 1976, GA resolution 56/38 in 2001 and others in the follow-up to the International Year of Volunteers in 2001. 3
relevant academic qualifications and/or legal experience in the field of rule of law assistance may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Advanced University degree in Criminal Law, International Public Law or human rights is an advantage. Work experience preferably in the field in one or some of the following is highly desirable: criminal law, legal reform, judicial reform, military justice, security sector reform; judicial related issues; Work experience embedded in, or as a mentor working alongside national institutions counterparts is desirable; Demonstrated diplomatic skills in relations with local national authorities; Excellent written and spoken English and Portuguese; Knowledge of French and/or Bissau-Guinean creole is an advantage; Willingness to work and live in the field under challenging climate and logistical conditions; Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word etc) and other IT applications and office technology equipment; Have a valid driver s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 vehicles; Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System; Sound security awareness. b) Competencies and values: Professionalism - Demonstrated in-depth understanding of specific sector; substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job; strong analytical skills combined with good judgment. Judgment/Decision-making - Demonstrated sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. Ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives. Communication - proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills in English, and Portuguese. Knowledge of Bissau-Guinean creole or French is an advantage. Planning and Organizing - Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan. Teamwork - Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment; Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values. 14. Living Conditions: UNIOGBIS duty station is considered a family duty station, and is currently under UN Security Phase II. Some degree of medical service is available at the UNIOGBIS duty station. Certain vaccinations are mandatory to enter Guinea-Bissau. Limited access to banks and limited to local ATMs. Housing and accommodation is moderate, but access to electricity and clean running water can be problematic. Internet access and mobile communications are offered and available by local companies. Language: Official language: Portuguese; Spoken language: Creole. Working languages at the United Nations are English and French. Electricity and Communications: Some zones of Bissau have electricity nearly 24 hours a day, others depend totally on generators. There are several internet cafes in Bissau; and 3 major mobile phone companies. 4
Security: Although there is a certain political instability, the day-to-day life is calm and neither the International Community nor the population is aimed at. The UN staff and volunteers are equipped with hand-held radios. Health: The health sector is very precarious. The United Nations have their own health center. Capital: Bissau Climate: Bissau approx. 25 to 40 degrees Celsius; Rainy season from June to October. 15. Conditions of Service: Contracts are issued for 12 months at a time (renewable depending on mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and/or satisfactory performance). Settling-In-Grant is provided. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost-of-living expenses equivalent to US$ 2,142 for a single person; US$ 2,392 for persons with one dependent; and US$ 2,592 for persons with two or more recognized dependents. Life, health and permanent disability insurances are included, as well as periodic home leave, final repatriation, and resettlement allowance. UNV will provide a copy of the UNV Conditions of Service to the successful candidate together with the offer of assignment. 16. How to apply If you are not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by completing the UNV web application at the following link: http://one.unv.org/main/?lang=en Important: please select the following code from the drop down menu on the first page of the application: 2015_GBS226. If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: http://myprofile.unv.org, click on the Special Recruitment option on the left menu, then click on the Edit button and select the advertisement code 2015_GBS226 from the drop-down list. Closing Date: 17 Mai 2015. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 5