Head of Suspects at Large Unit (P-4)

Deadline for Applications: 10/03/2026 (midnight The Hague time)

Organizational Unit: Judicial Cooperation Support Section, Division of External Operations, Registry

Duty Station: The Hague - NL

Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term Appointment

Post Number: S-5577

Minimum Net Annual Salary : €110,781.00

A roster of suitable candidates may be established for this post as a result of this selection process for fixed-term appointments against both established posts and positions funded by general temporary assistance (GTA).

Organisational Context

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division of External Operations (DEO), the Judicial Cooperation Support Section (JCSS) will be responsible for providing a coordinated, strategic approach to judicial cooperation within the Registry and Court’s stakeholders as a whole, both internally and externally, allowing the Registry to exercise a more prominent and strategic role in this regard.

The Section is responsible for developing strategies and implementing external relations actions to further judicial cooperation objectives (including, inter alia, the conclusion of (voluntary) cooperation agreements related to the court proceedings, external engagements and participation at conferences and meetings on cooperation matters).

The JCSS consists of two units, the Judicial Cooperation Unit (JCU) and the Suspects-at-Large Unit (SLU). The Judicial Cooperation Unit (JCU), under the direction of the Head of Unit and the oversight of the Chief of JCSS, is responsible for cooperation matters pertaining to the implementation of Judicial Orders (including, inter alia, tracing and freezing of assets, (interim) release, witness appearance and evidence collection, observations from States) and to the provision of support to Defence, Legal Representatives of Victims and Registry sections for the discharge of activities in the context of their respective mandate.

The Suspects-at-Large Unit (SLU), under the direction of the Head of Unit and the oversight of the Chief of JCSS, is responsible for developing strategies to optimize the arrest of suspects at large, collecting information on their whereabouts and other relevant information that could lead to their arrest, developing networks of partners to reinforce operational and /or diplomatic support, coordinating actions with the Office of the Prosecutor and advising the Chamber on possible courses of actions in this area as appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within this framework, and under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Judicial Cooperation Support Section, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

Management of Unit and overall objectives

Leads, manages, develops, and oversees the staff of the unit and the work carried out by the Unit, including through effective human resources management and prioritization of work.

Advises the Chief of Section on strategies and policies related to the timely execution of the warrants of arrest or summonses to appear.

Produces legal drafts and other draft operating documents for the Suspects-at-Large Unit for approval by the Chief of section. Adopts relevant procedures for the effective functioning of Unit.

Acts as a focal point for all matters related to suspects at large and cooperation/external relations activities in support of these matters.

Ensures or oversees adequate information management of Registry’s external interactions in relation to suspects at large.

Monitors, analyses and reports on implementation and impact of applicable strategies and activities of the Unit and within delegated authority, takes or advises on follow-up actions.

Works closely together with Registry stakeholders (inter alia the External Operations Support Section, the New York Liaison Office and Country Offices) as well as with the other organs of the Court to achieve Registry objectives.

Assists in liaising with the relevant stakeholders, to provide advice in line with the established procedures of the JCSS in an aim to ensure efficient and strategic execution of relevant judicial orders in the pursuit of the mandate of the section.

Role in the judicial activities relating to the implementation of arrest warrants

Leads, under the direction of the Chief of Section and in consultation with other organs of the Court, efforts in tracking the whereabouts of suspects at large.

Represents, upon the request of the Chief of Section, the Registry in Court proceedings or in other fora on matters relating to suspects at large and arrests.

Leads and coordinates, upon delegation by the Chief of section and in consultation with the other organs of the Court and the relevant States or entities, operations for the implementation of requests for arrest and surrender as well as any other activities related to suspects at large.

Develops strategies, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, to optimize the execution of pending arrest warrants for the consideration of the Chief of Section and for further approval to the Director and/or Registrar.

External cooperation activities in relation to suspects at large related matters

Ensures the consistent implementation of the Registry’s external relations strategies in relation to suspects at large and supports the Registry’s high-level activities in this regard.

Liaises, builds and fosters networks and partnerships with diplomatic and State representatives, judicial authorities, law enforcement authorities, other entities including intergovernmental or non-governmental organisations.

On matters relating to suspects at large, represents, upon the request/delegation of the Chief of Section, the Registry in meetings and conferences; undertakes speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups.

Alerts the Section Chief of opportunities for the development of network of contacts and relation building.

Acts as a focal point for external relations actions to further the execution and development of strategies on the Registry’s mandate to implement arrest warrants.

Prepares draft legal and technical advice and strategies and/ or provides relevant input to strategies in relation to the implementation of arrest warrants and the surrender of suspects at large, for approval by the Chief of Section and, as appropriate, stakeholders outside of the Section.

Essential Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations or any related field, is required. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Police / military qualifications would be an advantage.

Experience

A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, nine years with a first-level university degree) in external or international cooperation, negotiation and/or international criminal justice is required. Background in law enforcement or military/police would be considered an asset. Experience with source management, covert operations (protecting our information/sources/protect our working methods), tracking and in developing networks with law enforcement authorities as well as field experience is strongly desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent management and leadership skills;
• Experience in managerial positions in international organizations;
• Experience in supervising staff; drafting and reviewing policies, operating procedures and standard forms, developing strategies and work plans;
• Experience working in the international legal environment, working with judicial branches, Law enforcement and highly sensitive situations;
• Excellent decision-making skills, with a well-developed ability to balance interests and translate general strategic plans into concrete strategies and actions for the Unit;
• A proven ability to provide direction, to plan and establish priorities and to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity;
• Coordination and organisational skills; written and oral communication and interpersonal skills; Strong negotiation skills;
• Strategic planning and analytical skills; Expertise in analysis techniques;
• Ability to work under pressure, under strict deadlines and with substantial travel obligations. Capacity to prioritise duties while foreseeing risks;
• Diplomatic skills; Tact, diplomacy and discretion;
• Problem-solving skills, excellent judgment and decision-making;
• Absolute discretion and loyalty;
• Respect for GRGB and (cultural) diversity. Ability to work effectively and constructively with colleagues from different professional, national and cultural backgrounds.

Knowledge of Languages

Fluency in either of the working languages, English or French, is essential. Working knowledge of the other language is desirable. Knowledge of another official language of the Court would be considered an asset (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).