Former Jamaican judge gets senior United Nations job
Jamaican-born lawyer Alayne Frankson-Wallace has been appointed executive director of the Office of Administration of Justice at the United Nations (UN).
Frankson-Wallace brings with her over 23 years of legal experience at the national and international levels, including in the internal justice system at the United Nations.
Prior to her appointment as executive director, which became effective on August 14, Frankson-Wallace served as ombudsperson for the United Nations Funds and Programmes where she, as an independent neutral, assisted United Nations employees to address their work-related concerns and helped resolve conflict through informal means and in a confidential manner.
She was previously the ethics advisor with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a role she held for seven years (2008-2015). In this capacity, she supported the organisation in promoting a culture of accountability and transparency by managing UNDP’s Protection against Retaliation (whistle-blower) and Financial Disclosure policies. She also provided advice and guidance, reinforcing standards and developing and delivering impactful training on ethics and standards of conduct for managers and staff.
Earlier in her career, Frankson-Wallace prosecuted people accused of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law as prosecuting counsel at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (2005-2008).
Before joining the United Nations, Frankson-Wallace served as a resident magistrate and later as senior resident magistrate (Acting) in Jamaica (1997-2005). She began her career as an associate attorney-at-law with Gaynair and Fraser, Attorneys-at-Law (1994-1997).
Frankson-Wallace is a Commonwealth scholar and holds a Master of Laws in International and Commercial Law (with distinction) from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School and a Bachelor of Laws (upper second class honours) from the University of The West Indies.
Frankson-Wallace succeeds Linda Taylor, who is leaving after 20 years of service in the United Nations.
Frankson-Wallace is the sister of former president of Jamaica Manufacturers Association, Harvard University graduate Doreen Frankson, who is also managing director of Edgechem Jamaica Ltd.
