ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: RSCSL-2025-001
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 December 2025
POST TITLE AND LEVEL: Legal Officer – P3
DUTY STATION: The Hague
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: RSCSL
ORGANISATIONAL SETTING
The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) is the successor Institution to the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) with the responsibility for discharging the Judicial, Legal and Administrative obligations that remain after the closure of the SCSL.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Registrar, and within limits of delegated authority, the Legal Officer will carry out the following functions:
• Provide legal advice on matters relating to the exercise of the functions of the Registrar including
(a) matters relating to suspects, accused and convicted persons;
(b) matters relating to RSCSL proceedings
(c) matters relating to witnesses and victims; (d) matters relating to host countries, other governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations;
(e) matters relating to the press and public and
(f) matters relating to agreements and contracts to which the Residual Special Court is a party.
• Provide assistance with negotiations and drafting of bilateral agreements between the Residual Special Court and other entities.
• Provide assistance with drafting and reviewing of amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Practice Directions and other legal instruments applicable to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.
• Draft written submissions and assist with the preparation of oral submissions before the RSCSL on matters relating to the Registrar’s functions.
• Conduct research and draft legal and other correspondence and memoranda.
• Monitor motions submitted by the parties, and decisions, orders and judgments rendered by the RSCSL in judicial or other proceedings before the Court.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Registrar.
COMPETENCIES:
Professionalism: Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, and significant experience in the practical application of legal principles, concepts and policy to a range of legal work and issues is required.
Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct legal research on a range of relatively complex and intricate issues; experience in drafting and negotiating cooperation agreements, memorandum of understanding; experience in drafting court submissions; and drafting procedural and operational regulations is desirable. Experience working with international tribunals is required. Experience working with the Special Court for Sierra Leone or the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone is an asset.
Communications:
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having interactive communication, when appropriate
• Tailors tone, style and format to match context
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information appropriately
Planning and Organizing: Ability to work effectively under pressure and to adhere to strict deadlines; strong organizational skills in carrying out duties and organizing legal files is required. Proven track record of pro-active and pragmatic approach to providing solutions and course of action where common practices do not exist.
Technological Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and the ability to use relevant software applications, in particular internet/intranet services, databases, etc.
Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with colleagues; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, preferably in Africa, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Education: Advanced degree in law is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in international/criminal law may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional legal experience in international criminal law, international human rights law, public international law and/or domestic criminal law and criminal procedure (both civil and common law jurisdictions).
Experience in legislative drafting and working with international tribunals is highly desirable.
Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction is required.
Languages: English is the working language of RSCSL. For this position fluency in oral and written English is required.
