Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan was established by Human Rights Council Resolution 60/

• Its mission is to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of international crimes and serious violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in Afghanistan. The organization aims to facilitate fair and independent criminal proceedings in accordance with international law standards. It operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is committed to ensuring justice for victims, particularly women and girls, affected by these crimes. The Mechanism is based in Vienna and reports directly to the Secretary-General or their representative.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan is responsible for providing overall strategic and management guidance to the Mechanism, ensuring compliance with its mandate and terms of reference. This role involves coordinating and directing the Mechanism's activities, managing staff, and ensuring timely reporting to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly. The Head will oversee the collection and analysis of evidence, ensuring that victims' rights are prioritized and that gender and child rights approaches are integrated into the Mechanism's work. The position requires maintaining relationships with member states, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and support for the Mechanism's objectives. Additionally, the Head will manage the administration and budget of the Mechanism, ensuring compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols and the safety of staff and information.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall strategic and management guidance to the Mechanism, ensuring compliance with its mandate and terms of reference.
• Manage and lead staff, supervise task distribution, and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Report on the Mechanism's activities to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
• Direct the collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence in line with the Mechanism's mandate.
• Facilitate fair and independent proceedings in accordance with international law.
• Integrate victims-centred, gender, and child rights approaches into the Mechanism's work.
• Maintain relations with member states, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the administration and management of the Mechanism, including budget preparation and resource mobilization.
• Ensure compliance with security risk management measures and protocols for staff and information safety.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible work experience in criminal justice, with extensive experience in leading criminal investigations or prosecutions of international crimes. Experience in engaging with member states and building international partnerships is essential. Proven management skills, including results-based management and experience in managing staff and budgets, are required. Expertise in sexual and gender-based crimes and justice for children is desirable, as is experience in the context of judicial proceedings involving complex international crimes. Familiarity with international criminal law and human rights law is also preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible work experience in criminal justice, with a focus on international crimes and accountability proceedings. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing investigations and prosecutions, as well as experience in engaging with key stakeholders at the international level.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations encourages applications from candidates from unrepresented or under-represented member states. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per organizational needs. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and those with a history of violations of international law or ethical standards will not be considered.