International Humanitarian Law/Armed Groups Expert

Result of Service

Submission of interim and final reports to the Security Council.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

The position is expected to become available on 16 August 2022 until 15 November 2023, subject to the renewal of the mandate and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organisational setting and reporting:

The Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1973 (2011) (“the Panel”) consists of six experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Panel’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Panel acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya (“the Committee”).

The Expert will serve with a Panel reporting to the Sanctions Committee and the Security Council. The Expert comes under the overall guidance and management of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically, of the Senior Secretary of the Security Council Committee, the Chief of the Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division. The work of the Panel is facilitated by a Coordinator who is also an expert on the Panel.

For more information about the Panel, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1970

Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority, the international humanitarian law / armed groups expert will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following duties:

Substantive

• Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to Libya, in his/her area of expertise;
• Contribute to reporting on any violations of the sanctions regime through reports of the Panel to the Committee and the Security Council required under relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Committee;
• Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel for improved implementation of the Security Council resolutions related to Libya, based on the Panel’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities;
• Undertake investigations relating to violations of international human rights law or international humanitarian law, or acts that constitute human rights abuses, in Libya;
• Contribute to the compilation of information on armed groups in Libya;
• Provide support for other experts on the Panel with regards in issues related to armed groups in Libya.
• Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel’s activities;
• Assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime;
• Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology;
• Provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations; and
• Take on other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Committee.

Organizational

• Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel, including a travel schedule, at the outset of the mandate, which will be updated regularly;
• Participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organizations and United Nations field presences;
• Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility;
• Collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other Panel members;
• Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Panel’s investigation; and
• Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate.

Administrative

• Abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others.


Competencies:

Professionalism

• Knowledge of sanctions-related issues and developments in Libya and the region.
• Substantive knowledge and field experience in the area of experience.
• Strong analytical capacity and research skills.
• Ability to develop a sound investigative case study featuring corroborated information from credible sources, and ability to synthesize this information into an easily-readable case study which can be incorporated into a Panel report.
• Ability to treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and resist political pressures.
• Ability to work under pressure and in dynamic situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting. Knowledge of the United Nations’ institutional structure, mandates, policies and rules, as well as its relationships with regional organizations, Member States and other international partners.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including in difficult environments.
• Incorporate gender perspectives in the substantive area of responsibility, in all relevant areas.


Planning and organising

• Proven capacity to plan and execute a work plan, and adapt, as required, to fluid priorities and demands.
• Ability to work independently in a systematic and productive manner. Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.

Communications

• Strong oral communication and drafting skills.
• Ability to interact positively with high-level government officials and the diplomatic community.

Teamwork

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic and political work environment.
• Ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
• Supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect his/her own position.

Technological awareness

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Ability to use other relevant software (such as photograph management tools and mapping tools), as well as database software to organize, analyse and archive collected materials during investigations is desirable. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications:

• An advance university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law, political science, international relations, relevant technical field or other relevant area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant area is required.
• Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations is highly desirable.
• Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required.
• Experience in writing high-quality reports is required.
• Proven interpersonal skills in complex, political and structured working environments is required.
• A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable.
• Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage

Additional Information

-The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

-Candidates should list all work experience and diplomas in the relevant part of the application. Work experience and diplomas only mentioned in the cover letter will not be considered for screening purposes. Statements must include concrete start and end dates, detailed description of tasks and achievements and whether the experience was obtained in full-time or part-time. Candidates should note that eligibility and fees will be decided based on their submitted application only. There is no option to revise an application after submission.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.