Rule of Law Technical Advisor – Retainer

Organization: UNOPS
Location: Remote (Home-based)
Contract Type: International ICA (Retainer)
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
Level: ICS-11 / IICA-3
Department: LCR, ICMCO, Costa Rica

About UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a central operational arm of the UN, supporting its partners with peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development initiatives around the globe. With over 6,000 personnel in 80+ countries, UNOPS is known for delivering complex infrastructure, procurement, and project management services in some of the most challenging contexts worldwide.

Project Background

UNOPS is leading a critical correctional infrastructure and justice reform project in Sint Maarten, where the deteriorating state of the Point Blanche Prison has drawn attention from international monitoring bodies. The goal is to design a new, resilient correctional facility aligned with international human rights standards and focused on offender reintegration.

This role will contribute to designing the justice sector’s “soft components,” including operations, legal reform, and rehabilitation processes.

Role Overview

As Rule of Law Technical Advisor, you will provide expert-level support to ensure that justice reform elements are fully integrated into the design and implementation of the new prison infrastructure and broader justice system. Working under the supervision of the Senior Project Manager, you will play a key role in advising, planning, evaluating, and supporting technical cooperation with justice sector stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support

• Analyze prison population data, infrastructure conditions, operational frameworks, and reintegration needs

• Lead the development of master plans for the prison system

• Integrate “soft component” considerations into all project phases

Advisory Services

• Provide expert advice on criminal justice programming and project strategy

• Review legal and operational proposals related to Rule of Law reforms

• Advise stakeholders on international best practices

Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building

• Contribute to evaluations and share recommendations for continuous improvement

• Facilitate training sessions and public workshops on prison reform best practices

• Document lessons learned and ensure knowledge transfer across teams

Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in Law with a focus on Criminal or Penitentiary Law is required

• A Bachelor’s degree with 9+ years of experience in similar fields may be accepted

• PRINCE2 or MSP certification is an asset

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years working in penitentiary systems, Ministries of Justice, or similar roles

• Experience in prison management and judicial system reform is essential

• International and Caribbean regional project experience is highly desirable

• Prior involvement with UN agencies or similar organizations is an advantage

Skills

• Experience conducting and leading workshops and writing technical reports

• Familiarity with Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) is a plus

Languages

• Fluency in English is required

• Working knowledge of Spanish or French is desirable

Application
Candidates are encouraged to upload a cover letter outlining their motivations and alignment with the UN values of Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, and Humanity.

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Apply through UNOPS Careers before July 1, 2025.