UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Preamble:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1. UNV Assignment Title:NUNV Legal Officer

2. Type of Assignment:National UN Volunteer

3. Project Title:UNMIK (United Nations Mission In Kosovo)

4. Duration:30 June 2014with possibility of further extension which is subject to mission requirement and performance of the Volunteer

5. Location, Country:Pristina, Kosovo

6. Expected Starting Date:November, 2013

7. Brief Project Description:N/A

8. Host Agency/Host Institute:UNMIK (United Nations Mission In Kosovo)

9. Organizational Context:The UN Secretary-General indicated in his Report of 12 June 2008 to the UN Security Council that UNMIK would reconfigure its presence in Kosovo, taking into account the readiness of the European Union to take on an enhanced operational role in the area of the rule of law.

Asmall Rule of Law Liaison Office was created to perform the liaison between UNMIK, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, other Kosovo rule of law related institutions and EULEX on the wider rule of law area including, but not limited to police, customs and justice issues in the Kosovo-Serb areas, as well as to perform external relations functions on behalf of the Kosovo government that will not be undertaken by EULEX.

It will provide the mechanism for delivering real-time problem solving analysis and advice to the SRSG in the exercise of his executive authority. It will also be responsible for coordinating with EULEX for the preparation of inputs for the SG reports etc.

10. Type of Assignment Place: N/A

  1. Description of tasks:

Under the direct supervision of the Rule of Law Liaison Office management, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  • Gather information and report in the area of activity of Kosovo’s justice and rule of law institutions and on the activity of EULEX.
  • Support technical level liaison with EULEX aiming at advancing justice related issues of practical concern.
  • Support liaison between UNMIK and the Kosovo rule of law institutions.
  • Liaise with local and international actors represented in Kosovo for the provision of legal support in the justice sector.
  • Report weekly on rule of law related matters of major concern to Rule of Law Liaison Office and the Mission in general.
  • Advise on and facilitate the processing of international legal assistance requests to and from States, including international wanted notices, transfers (“extraditions”) and rogatory requests.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions on a variety of issues relating to the justice sector in Kosovo in general on the basis of the applicable law, international law and international human rights law.
  • Harness, organize and report on historical information of the Mission in the Rule of Law sector.
  • Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

  • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
  • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
  • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
  • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
  • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
  • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

12. Results/Expected Output:

  • Play a key role in exerting the remaining functions of UNMIK/RoLLO that would include monitoring and reporting on the Kosovo’s rule of law institutions with a special focus on Kosovo communities.
  • Liaison with EULEX for that purpose and facilitating, where necessary and possible, arrangements for Kosovo's rule of law institutions engagement in international relations.
  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies:

  • Professionalism – Knowledge of Kosovo justice system and experience in applying legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal problems and issues and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and collaborate with others to achieve results. Demonstrated organizational skills. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues.
  • Communication – Excellent interpersonal and communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including ability to defend difficult issues and positions to senior officials.
  • 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.
  • Teamwork – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect to diversity.

13. Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Master degree in Law.
  • Good knowledge of public international law and judicial institutions.
  • At least three years of professional legal experience is required in the practice of law, either in an international organization, in Government, or a law firm, with experience in international, administrative, commercial and/or criminal law matters.
  • An understanding of the Kosovo judicial system and/or the applicable law is desirable.
  • Experience in international legal assistance is desired.
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken), knowledge of the Kosovo official languages.

14. Living Conditions:

UNMIK is located in the industrial zone in Fushe Kosovë/Kosovo Polje. The National UN Volunteer is expected to cover the transportation costs.

15. Conditions of Service

Monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to 455 Euro, life, health, and permanent disability insurance; resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

DetailedCV referring to UN Volunteer Assignment No: MIK (NUNV) 01-2013 should be sent to the attention of the UNV Programme Officer and the UNV Programme Assistant on the following addresses:

E-mail to: and

Please indicate in the subject line the vacancy number MIK (NUNV) 01-2013

Description of Assignment prepared by the Project Manager/UN Agency:

Rachid Arfi, Head, Rule of Law Liaison Office

Date: 07 October, 2013

Description of Assignment approved by UNDP/RR/CD or UNV Country Office Teams/Support Office:

UNMIK UNV FU

Date: 07 October, 2013