Human Rights Officer (Investigator) at United Nations

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer (Investigator) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Researches, collects and analyses information and documentation pertaining to human rights, international humanitarian and criminal law matters as required by the mandate, and, under the guidance of the Investigation Team Leader, proposes investigative methods and tools;
• Conducts investigations, including through interviews with victims and witnesses, to gather information and corroborate allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian or criminal law as stipulated in the Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate;
• Conducts timely monitoring of trends and patterns of violations;
• Employs monitoring and mapping tools and multi-source, including open sources material and satellite imagery, to support geolocation of incidents and to assess the authenticity of collected materials and testimonies;
• Identifies alleged perpetrators based on agreed information gathering methods;
• Participates in and organizes missions to sites of violations or other places as required;
• Ensures that all measures are taken for the protection of victims and witnesses who will cooperate with the Fact-Finding Mission’s according to the agreed methodology and respect for the ‘do no harm principle’, and by making effective use of pathways for survivors;
• Ensures that the information and documentation related to the investigation is protected, stored and preserved safely in accordance with procedures established by the Fact Finding Mission;
• Undertakes preliminary analysis of information gathered and drafts analytical documents, including a gender analysis;
• Drafts relevant sections and provides inputs for the Fact-Finding Mission’s report;
• Ensures that gender perspective and gender-sensitive approaches are integrated at all stages of the investigation, analysis and report drafting;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience carrying out investigations of violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law or international criminal law is required.
• Relevant working experience in or on the region is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required. Fluency of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge on another UN official language is an advantage.