Volunteer Assignment

National UN Volunteer: Legal Specialist – Full time
Duration: 1 year
Working hours: Full-time – 8 working-hours/day
Host agency: United National Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Starting date: October 2013

The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is seeking a qualified Vietnamese candidate for a National UN volunteer for the position a Legal Specialist. The incumbent will be based at the United National Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in strengthening the Rule of Law and Justice in order to ensure proper enforcement of legislation and policy documents and due legal protection to the people, especially to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. In pursuing its objectives, UNODC makes every effort to integrate and mainstream the gender perspective.

UNODC in Viet Nam is part of the One UN and as such has contributed to the strengthened Rule of Law, Legal and Judicial framework in the country. UNODC, for example, contributes to the output 2.4.3 of the One UN Plan 2012-2016 by supporting further development of gender-related legal and policy framework, programmes and practices to address gender discrimination and gender-based violence. The UNODC efforts are aimed at bringing the Criminal Justice system in compliance with relevant international standards to ensure that criminal justice practitioners are capable and efficient in dealing with gender specific cases.

UNODC recently initiated the assessment of the situation of Women in criminal justice system in Viet Nam in support of the Government’s efforts towards an effective gender equality in the criminal justice system. The assessment was supported by UN Women and UNFPA. The assessment identified gaps and formulated relevant recommendations for further Government action to be supported by UNODC and other UN sister agencies.

By undertaking relevant assignment the national UNV is expected to support UNODC work in Criminal justice area by providing legal expertise to and assist in the legislative developments in Viet Nam in line with recommendations of the assessment mission and in order to keep a gender equality perspective in the forthcoming review of national legislation and policy documents. In performing relevant functions s/he will work under the management structure of UNODC Country Office in Viet Nam and benefit from the substantive guidance of relevant UNODC experts in the South East Asian Regional Office as well as in UNODC HQs.

The UNV will work in close cooperation with other UN Agencies under the One UN cooperation framework, as well as with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Security, Government Inspectorate and other relevant government agencies in Viet Nam.

Term of Reference: Detailed Description of Assignment for the position can be downloaded from UNV website: www.un.org.vn/unv       

Under direct supervision of the UNODC Country Manager in Viet Nam and guidance of relevant international UNODC experts the UNV volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

- Review current legal framework in Viet Nam and provide recommendations for their revision to ensure compliance with relevant international instruments;
- Assist in establishing closer links of UNODC with domestic Legal Aid providers to ensure their involvement in the delivery of services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations in line with the objective of the new One UN Plan 2012-2016. This will also help to strengthen capacity of the Legal Aid providers;
- Disseminate and adapt to the local context the UNODC standards and norms that establish best practices and encourage compliance with international obligations;
- Draft relevant reports and briefs;
- Perform other duties, as required.

Furthermore, UNV 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 UNV 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;
- Learn on the mandates of UNODC and other agencies working in the Rule of Law and Justice area;
- Contribute to the efficiency of UNODC legal support to Viet Nam with due understanding of the legislative developments in the country;
- Draft reports and briefs, and respond to requests from UNODC Headquarters and provide inputs to other reports of the Country Office;
- Assist in strengthening cooperation between UN/UNODC and domestic Legal Aid providers thus contributing to better utilization of legal expertise available in the country.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

- Education:     University degree in Law;
- Work experience:    At least 3 years of work experience on legislation development, legal advisory services, provision of legal aid and/or in the field of Criminal Justice. Prior experience of working with UN is an asset;  
- Languages: Excellent spoken and written English.

HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- Proven ability to work as part of a team
- Good at communication
- Dynamic, creative and enthusiastic personality

Application procedures

Interested national candidates should include a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and an application letter (both in English) marked: “National UNV Legal Specialist” to the address below or via email to [email protected]  (preferable)

UNV Field Unit
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
25-29 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hanoi
Deadline:  10 September 2013

Acknowledgements will be sent to short-listed applicants only.

The United Nations Volunteers programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UNV volunteers and welcomes applications from women.

Job Details
Organisation Name: 
The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV)
Location: 
Ha Noi
Application Deadline: 
Tue, 2013-09-10