National Professional Officers are employed for functions in UNMIS which by their very nature require national knowledge, culture experience and languages.

Duties and responsibilities:

Accountability: Within limits of delegated authority, and under the supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, the Legal Officer is required to:

• Provide advice on questions concerning the legal status and privileges and immunities of the UN under the 1946 Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the UN, and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) concluded with the Government of Sudan.
• Conduct training on the privileges and immunities of UNMIS and its members for both national and international personnel.
• Provide advice on UN administrative law, procurement and contracts. Assist in the defense of UNMIS against contractual claims and disputes.
• Provide advice on civil and criminal proceedings that pertain to either the Mission or its personnel.
• Review and provide advice on questions relating to the preparation and finalization of Boards of Inquiry Reports, including providing legal briefings to members of the Boards of Inquiry and, providing comments on the first draft and subsequent drafts, as needed.
• Liaise with attorneys concerning claims from their clients against UNMIS
• Provide advice to international legal officers and the Mission in general on laws of the Sudan as they pertain to matters referred by other Departments in the Mission to the Legal Office.
• Drafting of correspondence in Arabic to local authorities, including judicial authorities, concerning the application of the SOFA.
• Provide assistance to members of UNMIS in communicating with the local authorities, including the judiciary, on legal issues.
• Perform such other duties as may be required in furtherance of the work of the section.

Competences:

• Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the specific sector; substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job; strong analytical skills combined with good judgment;
• Planning and Organizing: Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision;
• Communication: Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely conveying maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations;
• Teamwork: Proven interpersonal skills and ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Education: Advanced university degree, preferably in domestic and constitutional law; candidates with degrees in international law, public administration, political sciences or international relations with a legal concentration or component will also be considered.
• Experience: 5 to 10 years work experience in legal analytical work. In-depth academic background and practical work experience in the areas of governance and constitutional issues.
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic and must be of a level sufficient to enable the incumbent to draft legal texts clearly and precisely. Knowledge of other Sudanese languages an asset.