Ombudsperson, Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee

Position description

The Office of the Ombudsperson was established by Security Council resolution 1904 (2009). The mandate of the Office was extended in resolutions 1989 (2011), 2083 (2012), 2161 (2014), 2253 (2015), 2368 (2017), 2610 (2021) and 2734 (2024). The Ombudsperson is mandated to receive and review petitions from individuals, groups, undertakings or entities seeking to be removed from the Security Council’s ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List and to make recommendations, based on an analysis of all available information, on whether or not the listing should be maintained. The Ombudsperson is responsible for maintaining and further developing consistent policies, procedures and standards as necessary for the independent examination of petitions. The Ombudsperson interacts with petitioners, their legal representatives, Member States and relevant organizations in performing the functions of the Office and is expected to work closely with the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and its Chair, as well as with the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. 

Expected duration

This position is expected to become available in October 2025 for an initial period of 12 months, with a possibility of extension up to a maximum service period of 60 months, subject to the renewal of the mandate (currently through 17 June 2027) and budgetary approval.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Ombudsperson is responsible for carrying out the tasks set out in Annex II to resolution 2734 (2024), including the following duties:

• Receive and review petitions for delisting presented by individuals and entities designated by the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee;
• Engage with petitioners, their legal representatives, lawyers, Member States, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and other interlocutors to obtain relevant information for the analysis of delisting petitions, including through in-person interviews;
• Conduct independent research to find information of relevance to delisting petitions;
• Prepare a detailed Comprehensive Report including a recommendation as to whether or not the designated individual or entity should remain on the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List;
• Present Comprehensive Reports to the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee;
• Prepare and submit biannual reports to the Security Council on the activities and the operation of the Ombudsperson mechanism;
• Direct the substantive work of staff supporting the Office of the Ombudsperson;
• Inform newly listed individuals and entities of their listing and the possibility to submit a petition to the Office of the Ombudsperson for a review of their listing;
• Conduct briefings and other outreach activities as necessary;
• Assume other duties as mandated by the Security Council. More information about the tasks and procedures of the Office of the Ombudsperson is contained in Annex II of Security Council resolution 2734 (2024).

Qualifications

An eminent individual of high moral character, impartiality and integrity with high qualifications and experience in relevant fields. These include:

Education:

An advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Over 15 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience as a legal practitioner or judge in national or international criminal law and/or legal frameworks for combating terrorism is required.

Competencies:

Professionalism:

• Impeccable personal and professional integrity;
• Experience in relevant fields, such as international public law, human rights, counter-terrorism and/or sanctions;
• Demonstrated understanding of UN sanctions, including the legal and procedural aspects of listing and delisting of individuals and entities;
• Experience in drafting legal opinions, decisions or judgments and in conducting extensive legal research and analysis;
• Strong advocacy, diplomatic and political skills, with a track record of succeeding in a complex political and multicultural environment with diverse stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability of dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information appropriately;
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in the application of due process principles;
• Demonstrated understanding of the United Nations system and mechanisms, including knowledge of the practices and working methods of the United Nations Security Council, its subsidiary bodies, and of the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsperson;
• Ability to work in dynamic and high-pressure situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• A strong personal commitment to carrying out the Ombudsperson’s mandate impartially and independently, in line with the principles of the United Nations.

Planning and organising:

• Proven capacity to plan and execute a programme of work, and adapts, as required, to fluid priorities and demands;
• Ability to work independently in a systematic and productive manner.
• Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.

Judgment/Decision-making:

• Mature judgment, initiative and resourcefulness;
• Gathers relevant information before making a decision and considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them;
• Checks assumptions against facts and determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision;
• Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Communication:

• Strong communication and drafting skills;
• Strong diplomatic skills;
• Ability to effectively present complex ideas and report effectively and in a succinct manner, both in oral and written form;
• Proven ability to defend and explain difficult issues to high-level government officials and the diplomatic community.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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