Legal Assistant

Following many changes in context in Sri Lanka since 2015, and the universal commitment made in September 2015 to ensure the achievement of sustainable development by 2030, UNDP embarked on a process of re-defining the alignment and strengthening the design of its access to justice/ rule of law, human rights, Parliamentary support and peacebuilding portfolio.

UNDP from 2017 will support Sri Lanka with innovative programmatic and operational design and implementation of priority actions identified in key policy frameworks and plans. To this end, UNDP will work in collaboration with several stakeholders, including government, semi-government, civil society, private sector, UN agency and development partners and through increased engagement with the people of Sri Lanka, on the above mentioned inter-linked and complementary thematic areas of focus, to provide integrated and high quality technical advisory and support services.

Against the above-mentioned backdrop, continuing its support to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRC), UNDP Sri Lanka seeks to recruit a Legal Assistant to be based at the Human Rights Commmission of Sri Lanka.

The UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks under the direct supervision of the Chairperson and Board of Commissioners - Human Rights Commission.

The UN Volunteer will be accountable to the Programme Manager UNDP on obligations stemming from the placement of the UNV by UNDP at the Human Rights Commission for the performance of the said functions.

• Assist with reviewing of case fileS
• Assist the Commissioners in drafting recommendations
• Providing research assistance to Commissioners
• Preparation of briefing notes and other required documentation

Results/Expected Outputs

• HRCSL is supported in efficient case reviewing
• Drafting of recommendations
• Undertake research and prepare briefing notes and other documentation of high quality, in an efficient manner

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• 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.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• 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.

• Education – Required Degree Level:   Bachelor's degree

• Type of degree: Bachelor’s degree in Law or Attorney-at-Law

• Required Experience: Minimum of three years of work experience in legal research work. Experience in Human Rights related work or litigation work is preferred.

• Experience Description:
• At least 3 years’ experience in legal research work is preffererd.
• Experience in the field of human rights or litigation in the field of law would be preferred.
• Excellent knowledge in jurisprudence, recent judgements and updated knowledge in the field of human right  

• Language Skills: Strong spoken and written English skills are essential; Sinhala and/or Tamil would be an advantage 

• Areas of Expertise:              Democratization, elections and governance

Living Conditions:

Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. Colombo is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfalls occur. Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations on 14 December 1955

Conditions of Service:

A six- month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of LKR 59,650 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and a resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements