Rule of Law Director

The mandate of the Office of the Quartet (OQ) is to increase Palestinian economic and institutional development and empowerment.  In the event of a resumption of final status negotiations, the OQ would support Quartet members in their efforts to realize a successful outcome.  

The OQ works to deliver its mandate in five key sectors: water, energy, movement and trade, rule of law and telecommunications. In each of these sectors we use our unique position and deep expertise to support the development of critical enabling projects, agreements, policy changes or institutional development to   deliver greater Palestinian economic development and empowerment. All workstreams are delivered in line with national priorities and strategies and support progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The OQ works with a range of stakeholders to deliver its objectives, including the parties, members of the Quartet, donors, and the international community. The OQ also works through different coordination mechanisms, for example: by leading Task Force meetings on critical projects; by providing regular updates and opportunities for discussion with Quartet members and other member states; through the Netherlands-facilitated Trilateral meetings; and through twice annual meetings of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) as well as the Local Aid Coordination Secretariat (LACS).

The OQ’s Rule of Law Team works closely with the parties, bridging between them as appropriate, in pursuit of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to its work in the area of Rule of Law, Governance and Security focusing on three mutually reinforcing objectives:

1. Strengthening the security sector;

2. Strengthening the justice sector;

3. Improving fiscal and financial stability.

Working under the supervision of the Head of Mission and in collaboration with the Deputy Head of Mission, the Director of Finance and Operations as well as other Directors, the Rule of Law Director is responsible and accountable for:

1. Leading the OQ’s Rule of Law work programme in the areas of justice, security, and fiscal stability, in accordance with the objectives set out in the OQ Strategy.

2. Managing the OQ’s Rule of Law team, including, but not limited to, planning, supervising, reporting and evaluating the team and their work.

3. Monitoring, investigating, assessing, and reporting on relevant policies, actions or activities that relate to the PA economic, security and justice sectors.

4. Participating in co-ordination efforts with other international organizations, missions, and donors working on economic, security and rule of law reform and development for the PA to promote identified objectives.

5. Addressing governance issues and shaping the political developments associated with the team’s work.

6. Contributing to the integrated planning, action and strategy of the OQ.

7. Maintaining a strategic and policy focus on the sector, including relevant analytic political, security and economic metrics.

8. Brokering agreements between relevant parties as necessary, negotiating with the parties, and facilitating Palestinian-Israeli cooperation as appropriate in the economic, security and justice sectors.

9. Coordinating and working with senior stakeholders in the Palestinian Authority, Government of Israel, the International Community and the private sector in respect of developing and facilitating implementation of Rule of Law initiatives.

10. Working with and supporting other teams at the OQ to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to multi-sector issues.

This role represents a senior and central leadership position within the OQ, requiring high-level engagement with a wide range of stakeholders in the political, technical and diplomatic communities, including government Ministers, Ambassadors, and senior members of the security establishment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead a work programme central to the advancement of Palestinian economic and institutional development and empowerment, working within a challenging and rewarding environment.

The work is of a highly confidential nature and the Director must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality. 

Education:

• An advanced degree in law, economic governance or political science or other relevant discipline is highly desirable. An undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Skills and experience:

• A minimum of 10 years  experience in project and/or programme management in an operational capacity including experience managing and motivating teams is required.

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a leading capacity in the areas of Rule of Law, Governance or Security is required. Within this context, an understanding of the principles of institutional development and modern state building, and experience of presentational and advisory functions is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of the political context in Israel and Palestine is required.

• Excellent communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to both write and present high-quality written documents/presentations and key concepts in English is required.

• Knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of international relations and diplomacy is highly desirable.

• Experience in providing technical assistance and expert advice on programming and project management in the areas of Rule of Law, Governance or Security to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of the financial and trade arrangements between the Palestinian Authority and Israel is highly desirable.

• Legal experience is highly desirable.

• Experience working within the UN system or with International Donors is highly desirable.

Language Requirements: 

• Excellent command of written and spoken English. 

• Fluency in Hebrew and Arabic is an advantage. 

The contract for this position will be issued by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of its Client the Office of Quartet pursuant to an agreement between both parties whereby the successful candidate's contractual rights and responsibilities will be managed by the Office of Quartet (OQ) office and not by UNOPS.

1. Contract type : The position is open for Both Nationals & internationals
2. Contract level ICS 12 equivalent to IICA3 for internationals & LICA  Specialist12 For Nationals. 
3. Contract duration : 6 months with likelihood of extension based on performance and funding availability

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.