Consultant for Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach (VSCA)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) was established by the United Nations to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in Syria since March 201

• The IIIM operates under the Office of the Assistant-Secretary General (OASG) and aims to ensure accountability for these crimes through a comprehensive approach that includes legal, social, and humanitarian perspectives. The organization is committed to inclusive justice and works with various stakeholders to address the needs of victims and survivors.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach (VSCA) within the IIIM's operations. This position requires a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding justice for victims of serious crimes, particularly in the context of the Syrian conflict. The consultant will be responsible for adapting and implementing the IIIM's strategies related to gender, children/youth, and broader justice objectives, ensuring that these strategies are integrated into the IIIM's substantive work. The role involves providing expert legal advice and coordinating efforts among various working groups and committees focused on inclusive justice. The consultancy is expected to be full-time and conducted remotely, with quarterly trips to Geneva for in-person meetings and collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant's primary responsibilities include:

• Implementing the IIIM's revised architecture on the Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach (VSCA) and related strategies.
• Coordinating the working group and steering committee focused on inclusive justice.
• Providing substantive legal expertise to support the IIIM's outputs for competent jurisdictions and other justice actors.
• Engaging with sensitive material and information that may be distressing, ensuring a compassionate and informed approach to justice for victims.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to promote a victim/survivor-centred approach in all aspects of the IIIM's work.
• Conducting research and analysis related to international crimes, particularly focusing on gender and other inclusive justice dimensions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's or advanced degree in law, political science, sociology, history, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in international criminal law is required. Candidates should have experience in research, analysis, and documentation work related to international crimes, particularly in addressing gender and inclusive justice dimensions. Expert knowledge of gender issues within the context of Syrian society is essential, along with experience in integrating gender perspectives into international crimes cases and relevant policies. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in producing complex written legal analyses related to international crimes committed in Syria since 2011.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master's or advanced degree in a relevant field such as law, political science, sociology, or history. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks and social dynamics involved in international criminal law and justice.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in international criminal law. This experience should include work related to international crimes, with a focus on gender and inclusive justice dimensions. Proven expertise in producing legal analyses and understanding the complexities of international crimes in Syria since 2011 is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language of the organization. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the IIIM's objectives.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is intended to be carried out remotely, with an expected duration of 12 months. The estimated start date is 2 February 2026, and quarterly trips to Geneva are anticipated for in-person collaboration. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process for all applicants.