Open Source Investigator

Job Posting Organization:
The position is based within the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This Commission operates under the mandate of the Human Rights Council, specifically pursuant to Resolution A/HRC/RES/60/2

• The organization is dedicated to investigating human rights violations and ensuring accountability in the region, which has been plagued by conflict and humanitarian crises. The Commission aims to uphold human rights standards and promote justice for victims of violations. The organization is likely to have a diverse team of professionals working collaboratively to achieve its mission, with a focus on human rights advocacy and legal frameworks.

Job Overview:
The Open Source Investigator will play a crucial role in conducting digital investigations related to allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian, or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">criminal law. This position requires the incumbent to collect and analyze information from various electronic and digital sources, including social media platforms, to determine the credibility and reliability of the evidence. The investigator will be responsible for verifying open source digital content, such as audio, images, and videos, and conducting forensic examinations to record results. The role also involves supporting the analytical processes of investigations and ensuring that digital materials are preserved according to established standards. The investigator will provide advice on the use of open source material in investigations and reports, and propose tools for analyzing complex data sets. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to integrate gender perspectives into all areas of responsibility, ensuring that gender equality is considered in the investigative processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Open Source Investigator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting digital investigations on allegations of human rights violations; collecting and analyzing electronic information; verifying the credibility of digital content; supporting analytical processes and preserving digital evidence; advising on the use of open source material; proposing analytical tools for data presentation; ensuring safe handling and storage of investigation materials; integrating gender perspectives into investigations; and performing other duties as required by the Commission. The investigator must demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and technological awareness in their work, contributing to the overall goals of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to identify related problems across various dimensions, including political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, along with prevailing policies and procedures, is essential. Candidates should have excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft human rights reports and evaluate information from diverse sources. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as data science, digital forensics, computer science, data privacy, conflict or security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security studies, or international criminal law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Formal qualifications or certifications in investigations and analysis are considered advantageous for this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of human rights. Additionally, at least two years of experience in conducting investigations related to violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law is required. Relevant working experience in or on the region of North and South Kivu is desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's understanding of the local context and challenges.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified according to the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and speak in both English and French at the required levels.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available, and its extension is subject to the continuation of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Current staff members holding fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointments may apply for temporary positions one level above their current grade. The position may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging female candidates to apply and ensuring reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.