Senior Rule of Law Officer

About the role

The Senior Rule of Law Officer will work within the Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Service of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Based in Tripoli, the incumbent supports the Chief of Service in shaping mission‑wide strategies that promote the rule of law and uphold international human rights standards.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Chief of Service in developing policy direction, strategic guidance and a repository of rule‑of‑law materials for the mission.
• Provide substantive advice on justice, corrections and legal reform to ensure coherent delivery of rule‑of‑law interventions.
• Lead the justice team, fostering synergy with human‑rights teams to strengthen the justice system, review legislation, rehabilitate facilities and build institutional capacity.
• Establish and maintain effective contacts with national government officials, judiciary, public prosecution, prisons, security agencies, NGOs, academia and other stakeholders.
• Represent UNSMIL in coordination mechanisms at mission level, UN Country Team and the broader international community.
• Coordinate with UN headquarters sections to enhance rule‑of‑law and human‑rights programmes.
• Perform programmatic and administrative duties, including budgeting, performance reporting, staff recruitment and performance management.

Required profile

• Extensive knowledge of legal and judicial systems and proven expertise in international human‑rights standards.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans for justice sector reform.
• Strong ability to work with diverse government and civil‑society actors in a complex, post‑conflict environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills to manage multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills