Legal Officer, Iraq Program, E5
ICMP, Netherlands
Job Description
Organization profile
Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. Be part of a growing international organization that is dedicated to tackling this global challenge.
The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is a treaty-based international organization with headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. Its mandate is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating missing persons. As the only international organization tasked exclusively to work on the issue of missing persons, ICMP maintains field programs throughout the world. To learn more about ICMP click here.
Iraq Program
The ICMP is implementing a multi-year project in Iraq to support authorities in their efforts to account for persons missing as a result of armed conflict and violations of human rights.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this position is home based but involve travel throughout the Iraq. The successful candidate will review and evaluate legislative developments relating to Missing Persons, advising ICMP on and contributing to legislative reform efforts, and providing legal support to the Iraq Program. The position requires advanced legal knowledge, in addition to advanced diplomatic skills and political awareness, as well as a commitment to promoting the rule-of-law and human rights in Iraq.
- Conduct a comprehensive comparative review of current federal and provincial legislation against international norms and standards related to missing persons, identify gaps and developing recommendations for legal reform
- Provide advice and technical assistance to ministries and institutions in the development of legislation to meet international legal obligations pertaining to the issue of missing persons
- Advice relevant ministries and institutions in their effort to implement the provisions of international human rights instruments that address the issue of missing persons
- Provide support to legal professionals and legislative initiatives by civil society organizations directly engaged in missing persons issues and in support of the development of professional capacities
- Participate in training and capacity-building activities organized by ICMP related to the rights of families of the missing
- Provide legal advice and support in developing cooperation agreements between ICMP and Iraqi federal and provincial authorities; and
- Other related duties, as assigned.
Requirements
- University or equivalent degree in Law
- Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
- Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English essential, knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish is an advantage
- In-depth understanding of rule-of-law and its application to the issue areas
- Sound knowledge of human rights
- Proven ability to work effectively in a highly political environment
- Discretion, tact and professionalism
- Understanding of the institutional structure in Iraq related to missing persons, as well as Iraqi criminal procedure and public administrative law, is desirable
- Proven ability to work remotely
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications, including TEAMS, Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
- Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender
- Commitment to the underlying objective of assisting the authorities and families of the missing in locating missing persons in an impartial and transparent manner
- Physically and mentally robust with the ability to operate effectively in post-conflict environments
- Willingness to travel and to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings, when necessary
Benefits
This position is for an initial temporary basis with a competitive salary at the E5 level on the ICMP professional salary scale. The position includes generous paid leave and extensive health insurance benefits. In addition to an attractive base salary, this position is eligible for expatriate benefits.
Review of applications will begin on 28 September 2021.
Start date: ASAP
This is a remote position with travel to Iraq (Baghdad and Erbil). The position is for an initial 2+ months until 31 December 2021. An extension is subject to further funding.
ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diver