Job Opening Job Title: Senior Legal Adviser (Asset Recovery) Department/ Office: UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME Duty Station: WASHINGTON Posting Period: 21 September 2011-21 October 2011 Job Opening number: 11-LEG-UN OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME-20660-R WASHINGTON (E) United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Conference Support Section (CSS) of the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch (CEB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and will be based within the Joint Secretariat of UNODC/World Bank Stolen Asset Recovery ( StAR) Initiative in the World Bank premises, in Washington, USA. The Senior Legal Adviser (Asset Recovery) will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Section and the overall guidance of the Chief of the Branch. Responsibilities The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Act as UNODC central point of contact for countries seeking or receiving support under the StAR initiative; Guide the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of UNODC-led activities within the StAR Initiative, aimed at assisting the Member States, as well as other interested parties in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, especially its provisions on international cooperation and asset recovery; coordinate the inputs provided by other sections/branches within UNODC;
Conceptualise, lead and supervise the planning, coordination and delivery of a variety of specialized technical services for governments, e.g. expert advisory services, expert group meetings, training seminars, etc., in order to assist them in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, especially its provisions on international cooperation and asset recovery; Review, evaluate and provide specialised legal advice to high-level Government officials on national legal systems and implementation structures; identify, evaluate and recommend required corrective measures and improvements, including for international coordination; capacity building and specialized training of senior officials, in particular in the areas of international cooperation and asset recovery; Lead large, complex field and technical missions to assess the needs and elaborate assistance proposals with cooperating governments, international funding institutions and UN agencies; review the appraisals/assessments of the draft programme and project ideas and proposals for technical assistance; Contribute to and lead the identification of emerging trends, policy and programme challenges, opportunities and the formulation of strategies for addressing them; develop and propose strategies for the delivery of appropriate technical assistance; elaborate policy and strategy documents; identify and elaborate programme interventions for providing relevant legal advisory services to countries and for intergovernmental forums; Provide policy, strategy, programme and substantive advice and input to the staff of the Joint Secretariat for the refinement, implementation and management of the Joint Secretariat s programme of work; contribute to the periodic review of project content, implementation modalities, results and impact assessment and selfevaluation, partnership building; contribute to fostering open and timely communication among the members of the StAR team; Lead and supervise the review, appraisal and promotion of best practices and programmes in connection with international cooperation and asset recovery; Conceptualize, develop and lead the preparation of specialized technical documents and publications; guide, evaluate and review specialized substantive input of senior and other experts; Promote the profile of UNODC s anti-corruption work and mobilize policy and financial support among donor countries; act as the central point of contact in UNODC for donors providing voluntary contributions to the StAR Initiative, and donors providing support on asset recovery; work closely with relevant UNODC units/sections on the identification of funding needs, priorities and/or sources. Guide and oversee the preparation of materials and participate in major donors meetings and fund-raising missions and activities, as required;
Oversee the efforts aimed at enhancing the institutional knowledge and understanding by Governments, as well as other UN agencies of the nature and extent of the existing and emerging issues and challenges in relation to asset recovery and international cooperation; promote the profile and advocate the use of UNODC advisory services and mobilize policy and political level support among recipient countries; Provide specialized policy, strategy, programme and legal advice and technical input to DTA senior management, the Chief of the Branch and the Manager of the StAR Joint Secretariat on the complex legal and substantive issues related to the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, especially its provisions on international cooperation and asset recovery; monitor and report on the status of key deliverable to senior management at UNODC; Participate in and lead specialized aspects of policy consultations with Government representatives and high-level officials from other UN system entities, international and regional intergovernmental organizations, etc.; Participate in international, regional and/or national meetings; participate in high level intergovernmental and inter-organizational consultations and high profile and specialized technical meetings; provide expert advice for major external events and activities; provides substantive and policy representation of UNODC; present the work of the StAR initiative in various forums; liaise with relevant international organizations; Provide substantive, strategic and programmatic guidance and advice to experts, consultants and contractors in delivering assistance to countries on the legal and other related aspects of implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption, especially its provisions on international cooperation and asset recovery; Lead and oversee programmatic support necessary for the functioning of UNODCled activities in the Initiative, including preparation of performance parameters and indicators, policy and operational objectives, programme performance reports, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, etc.; ensure preparation of related documents/reports (work programme etc.) in a timely and efficient manner; Provide support to the administration of StAR-related trust fund(s); Make reports regularly to the Conference of the States Parties to UNCAC on progress in the implementation of the StAR initiative; Serve as an effective spokesperson for UNODC-led activities in the Initiative, works with the relevant public relations staff in UNODC when public relations issues arise related to StAR and establish collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside UNODC;
May perform other duties as required. Competencies Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to international cooperation in criminal matters and asset recovery with a focus on corruption related issues; has good knowledge of legislative aspects of preventing and combatting corruption, including their international dimensions; has ability to identify key strategic issues, negotiate, analyze and contribute to the resolution of complex problems/issues; demonstrates analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis; has excellent skills in coordination, communication, diplomacy and team-building; has knowledge of the work of the United Nations in crime prevention and criminal justice, in particular, has knowledge of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the existing regional and sectorial anti-corruption instruments; applies good judgment in the context of assignments given and provides effective specialized expert advice. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization s strategy and the work unit s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides
feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. Education Advanced university degree (Master s degree or equivalent) in law (preferably with a specialization in international law and criminal law), or in a directly relevant field (international relations or political science). A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in international, regional and sub-regional cooperation in the areas of crime prevention and criminal justice, preferably in the area of corruption and asset recovery is required. Experience in policy and legal advising, especially in government legal advisory services and practice in the judiciary or prosecutorial service is required. Experience in national legislative reform, anti-corruption legislation and international cooperation, including extradition, mutual legal assistance is required. Experience in the work of treaty implementation review bodies is an asset. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is highly desirable. Assessment Method Written test and competency-based interview. Special Notice This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note. United Nations Considerations The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and
subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. 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.