Human Rights Officer/Investigator, (Temporary Job Opening)

The Human Rights Officer/Investigator will conduct investigations and research on human rights, international humanitarian and criminal law matters under the mandate of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua. The role involves gathering and analyzing information, conducting interviews, monitoring trends, and drafting analytical reports with a gender-sensitive approach.

Responsibilities

• 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 Group of Experts’ 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 Group of Experts according to the agreed methodology and respect for the ‘do no harm principle’, including 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 Group of Experts.
• Undertakes preliminary analysis of information gathered and drafts analytical documents, including a gender analysis.
• Drafts relevant sections and provides inputs for the Group of Experts’ 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 human rights monitoring or investigations of violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law or international criminal law is required.
• Relevant working experience in or on the Latin America region is desirable.
• Experience interviewing victims and witnesses of human rights violations is desirable.
• In-depth legal knowledge of and good practical experience in international human rights law.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of legal and human rights issues, including right to participate in public affairs and public freedoms.
• Significant experience in applying legal expertise to analysing a diverse range of complex legal and human rights issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature.
• Proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare, well and under time pressure, briefs, opinions and a variety of legal instruments and related documents.
• Good understanding of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships, including with civil society.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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.
• English and Spanish required at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Skills

• Human Rights Monitoring
• Human Rights Investigation
• International Human Rights Law
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Criminal Law
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Interviewing Victims and Witnesses
• Legal Analysis
• Report Writing
• Gender Perspective Integration
• Human Rights Law Application
• International Relations Knowledge
• UN System Knowledge
• Conflict Management
• Time Management
• Language Proficiency in Spanish
• English Language Proficiency

Languages

English, Spanish