Consultant for Human Rights Monitoring

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is a key institution within the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) that focuses on the Human Dimension of security. Established to assist OSCE participating States in implementing their Human Dimension commitments, ODIHR plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights and building the capacity of both State and non-State actors. The organization operates across multiple countries, engaging in various thematic portfolios to address human rights issues. ODIHR's mission is to promote democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights, and it has been actively involved in monitoring and reporting on human rights situations since its inception, particularly in response to crises such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for ensuring the effective organization of deployments and the collection of credible testimonies regarding alleged violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). This role is critical in supporting ODIHR's monitoring efforts in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant civilian suffering and violations of international law. The consultant will oversee logistical and administrative aspects of monitoring deployments, assemble deployment teams, and work closely with ODIHR programmatic and security colleagues. The position requires a trauma-informed approach to ensure that the collection of testimonies is conducted sensitively and ethically, aligning with ODIHR's priorities and methodologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating the effective monitoring of deployed teams on the ground, ensuring that information collection aligns with ODIHR’s trauma-informed approach and priorities by liaising with members of the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative.
• Planning and facilitating deployments by preparing essential documentation and engaging with colleagues in Common Services to ensure smooth operations.
• Supervising and supporting monitoring efforts by observing and providing feedback to monitors on interview techniques, adherence to ODIHR methodologies, and proper documentation of testimonies, ensuring the application of the 'do no harm' principle and the integration of gender-sensitive approaches.
• Organizing and conducting pre-deployment and post-deployment briefings for deployment participants and core team members to ensure preparedness and effective communication.
• Ensuring accurate data management by maintaining and updating relevant internal databases on collected information, deployments, and monitoring activities to facilitate reporting and analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of six years of experience in human rights monitoring is required, ideally in conflict-affected settings, with a focus on interviewing survivors of human rights abuses and individuals suffering from trauma. A sound knowledge of international humanitarian law and relevant human rights law and standards is essential. Experience in conducting interviews with the assistance of interpreters is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to work under stress, maintain an open-minded approach, and pursue reliable and accurate information. Readiness to listen to traumatic experiences and work long hours in challenging environments is crucial. Recent HEAT training, including first aid training, is considered an asset, as is previous training in preventing re-traumatization and interview techniques. Participation in ODIHR monitoring activities is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in public international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks and standards relevant to human rights monitoring and humanitarian law.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in human rights monitoring, particularly in conflict-affected settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of interviewing survivors of human rights abuses and working with individuals who have experienced trauma. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively manage the complexities of the role and contribute meaningfully to ODIHR's monitoring efforts.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory, including strong communication and drafting skills. Knowledge of Ukrainian and Russian languages is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication and understanding in the context of monitoring activities in Ukraine. Proficiency in these languages would enhance the consultant's ability to engage with local populations and gather credible testimonies.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) for a duration of 90 days. The position is classified as a consultant role with no specific grade assigned. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity among its officials, and candidates should be aware that no payment is requested at any stage of the application process. Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's qualifications, experience, and the specific tasks and deliverables associated with this position, in accordance with OSCE established rates.