Human Rights Officer / Investigations Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which operates under the mandate of the Human Rights Council. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) oversees this commission, which is dedicated to investigating human rights violations in the region. The OHCHR aims to promote and protect human rights globally, ensuring accountability and justice for victims of human rights abuses. The organization works in various countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to upholding human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer / Investigations Team Leader will play a crucial role in managing the investigations team of the Commission. This position involves overseeing daily operations, organizing missions to sites of violations, and serving as the first reporting officer for a team of Human Rights Officers and investigators. The incumbent will develop investigation plans in line with OHCHR methodologies, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all aspects of the work. The role requires a strong commitment to protecting victims and witnesses, coordinating the drafting of internal analyses and public reports, and ensuring the highest quality standards in investigations and reporting. The position demands a proactive approach to adapting methodologies for data collection and processing, as well as overseeing the secure handling of sensitive information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer / Investigations Team Leader will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the investigations team, which includes organizing missions to sites of human rights violations, guiding interviews, and conducting evidence-gathering activities. The incumbent will develop operational plans that incorporate gender perspectives and ensure the protection of victims and witnesses. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the drafting of reports, revising team inputs for quality assurance, and overseeing the secure storage of information. The officer will also be responsible for integrating gender perspectives into all areas of work and performing any other duties as assigned by the Coordinator of the Commission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, including the ability to identify problems related to political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. The role requires a commitment to professionalism, effective communication, and the ability to manage performance within the team. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of institutional mandates and prevailing policies related to human rights organizations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related discipline is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights law and international relations.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law is required. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in conducting investigations of violations of international human rights law or international criminal law, preferably with the United Nations or other international organizations. Experience in leading a team and relevant working experience in the region is desirable, as it provides context and understanding of the local human rights landscape.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international team and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available, and its extension is subject to the continuation of the mandate and availability of funds. Selected candidates who are current staff members of the United Nations Secretariat will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to specific eligibility criteria. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.