Legal Affairs Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political processes in the country and to carry out a number of security-related tasks. The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap, focusing on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return of displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections. (http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma).

Context

• Conducted, legal research, analysis, including in the field of UN rules and regulations, SC Resolutions, peace agreements, Mission’s compliance with international and national law including in the field of international/comparative law, interpretation and application of constitutional, legislative and other instruments governing Mali, rules and international law and regulations governing United Nations peace-keeping operations, and prepare legal opinions for the units/sections/departments and Senior Management as required. • Effective, sound and accurate legal advice, analysis and assistance to the SLA and “external clients” is provided. • A significant direct contribution to the efficient and effective functioning of the Legal Affairs Office and an important indirect contribution to overall objectives of the UN Mission in Mali

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor and the direct supervision of the Legal Affairs Officer, the UNV volunteer will be responsible for: • Conducting legal research and analysis about UN rules and regulations (including those concerning claims against the Mission), SC Resolutions, peace agreements and Mission’s compliance with international and national law; • Advising the Mission vis-à-vis local and government authorities, including on is-sues relating to UN privileges and immunities, as set out by the relevant UN Conventions and the Status of Forces Agreement; • Translating legal documents as requested by the Legal Affairs Office • Assisting Procurement Section in negotiations on contracts with suppliers of goods and /service providers ensuring that contractors respect UN rules and regulations and national laws; • Advising on, drafting, and/or reviewing drafts of contracts, agreements, communications opinion, minutes, reports, notes, orders, institutional and operational modalities, and other legal documents; • Conducting comparative legal research on issues of Public International Law including the interpretation and application of constitutional, legislative and other instruments governing Mali, as well as United Nations peace-keeping operations; • Liaising and coordinating legal research and analysis with other Sections/Units/Divisions, as appropriate; • Undertaking extensive analysis and research of legislation and jurisprudence relevant to the different legal opinions requested from the Office; • Serving as member on committees and ad hoc task forces, as appropriate; • Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peacebuilding and development process and experiences from the above outlined activities and submit them to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Promote and/or advise CSO’s and Citizens groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), and encourage relevant - groups to use OV whenever – technically possible; • Performing other related duties as required;