Commercial Dispute Resolution Analyst

Job Title: Commercial Dispute Resolution Analyst

Organization: UNDP

Job Identification: 13155

Location: Baghdad, Iraq

Apply Before: 09/05/2023, 06:59 AM

Job Schedule: Full time

Grade: NPSA-8

Vacancy Type: National Personnel Service Agreement

Practice Area: Governance

Bureau: Regional Bureau for Arab States

Contract Duration: 1 Year

Education & Work Experience: Master's Degree

Other Criteria: 0 years (with master's degree) or 2 years (with bachelor's degree) of relevant experience

Required Languages: Fluency in both English and Arabic is required.

Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks

Mobility required/no mobility: no mobility required

Job Description

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

Strengthening accountability and tackling corruption are essential for Iraq's long-term stability, economic recovery, and development. Iraqi and regional Kurdish governments have recently initiated steps to drive an ambitious anticorruption agenda. However, significant gaps remain in legislative and strategic framework, investigation and adjudication, enforcement, and recovery of stolen assets. In March 2021, Iraq adopted the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, but implementation measures are needed. 

In May 2021, UNDP in Iraq launched the project “support to justice initiatives curbing corruption and promoting commercial dispute resolution” (hereinafter, Anti-Corruption & Arbitration Initiatives, ACAI) funded by the European Union for a period of four years. The project outcomes are: (1) Improved Legislative and Strategic Framework for Anti-Corruption Reforms; (2) The justice sector, lawyers and CoI are better equipped to process corruption offences due to (2.1) improved technical skills relevant for corruption investigation, prosecution, adjudication and (2.2) improved integrity rules of the justice sector; (3) Enhanced legislation, institutions, and capacity for commercial arbitration through (3.1) Enhanced access to ADR mechanisms through reformed legal framework compatible with domestic needs, best practices, and international conventions, (3.2), Modernized commercial courts, enforcement departments, and arbitration and mediation centers in structure, proceedings, and practices, and (3.3) Enhanced capacities of judges, selected public servants, local arbitrators, and mediators, and increased awareness of ADR among academics, legal and business societies; (4) Create a climate of support in Parliament for anti-corruption reforms; (5) Increased transparency and public accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Commercial Dispute Resolution Team Lead, the Commercial Dispute Resolution Analyst will provide support and implement the program activities to introduce/develop/improve arbitration, mediation and commercial dispute resolution law and practice in Iraq and Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) by following:

• Advisory Support: Produce draft analysis and advice through gathering and verifying information using a variety of tools including legislative analysis, interviews/conversations, caselaw research, media reports, official documents, observations, etc.; Identify gaps in legal knowledge, research and analysis including areas that require external expertise. .
• Research, Analysis and assessment: Support the Commercial Dispute Resolution Team Lead in conducting research and assessment of existing legal framework and practices related to commercial (and investment) dispute resolution in Iraq and KRI, as well as of legislations of other countries and of best international practices in this regard. Support the communication unit with drafting material for publication on legislative issues; draft memoranda, talking points, and news posts aimed at public dissemination. 
• Stakeholder engagement: Liaise with and maintain strong relationships with the relevant institutions, notably the judiciary, parliament, ministries, investment commission, arbitration institutions, bar association, business sector, to ensure their cooperation, buy-in, access, and support for the implementation of the project activities; Build trust, communicate and work closely with all the stakeholders in the implementation; Identify the appropriate levels of interaction with stakeholders and advice the project management on sustaining dialogue and cooperation with them.
• Facilitation of workshops and conferences: Support the organization of workshops, conferences and public events including the logistics, design, clerical support and translation; Support with the procurement, admin and financial processes to ensure timely holding of workshops and conferences; Take minutes during the workshops and ensure documenting for communication, M&E and reporting purposes;
• General management support: Manage day to day administrative matters for the project with support from administrative staff and the performance of contractors, consultants and specialist advisers; Assist with recruitment and engagement of other national and international experts, including drafting of scope of work and providing substantive and logistical support; Provide administrative, translation & interpretation support to international experts and Commercial Dispute Resolution Team Lead upon need.

Institutional Arrangement

The Commercial Dispute Resolution Specialist shall report to the Commercial Dispute Resolution Team Lead. 

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Development	Knowledge Generation	Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
Business Management	Communication	Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
Legal	Legal Analysis	Ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization's best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework
Digital Innovation	Data literacy	Ability to use a mix of data sources (quantitative, qualitative or real-time techniques) to develop understanding, identify patterns to inform decision making or identify opportunities for further exploration
Ethics	Legal Analysis and Report Writing	Ability to apply legal analysis to a diverse range of complex issues, and express themselves clearly; ability to communicate well, to all levels of staff and contractors/consultants, governments et.al.
2030 Agenda: Peace	Governance	Transparency and Anti-Corruption

Required Skills and Experience 

Min. Education requirements	Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in law, international business law or dispute resolution or related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) with an additional Two year of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Min. years of relevant work experience	0 years (with master's degree) or 2 years (with bachelor's degree) of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in commercial law, commercial litigation and/or non-judicial dispute resolution proceedings (arbitration, mediation)
Required skills	Training in international commercial arbitration Solid legal writing skills
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Experience in engaging in substantive legal and technical discussion with public officials. Experience in participation and/or organization of student moot competitions.  Experience with and/or knowledge of the judiciary in Iraq. Experience in working with the UN or similar international organizations will be an asset.
Required Language(s)	Fluency in both English and Arabic is required.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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