Monitoring Team Leader for Ukraine Monitoring Initiative

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), established to assist participating States in implementing their commitments related to the Human Dimension of security. ODIHR was founded in 1990 and has since grown to encompass a diverse team of professionals dedicated to promoting human rights and democratic governance across the OSCE region. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on various thematic portfolios related to human rights, including monitoring, capacity building, and providing recommendations to enhance compliance with international standards. ODIHR's mission is to foster a culture of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights without discrimination. The organization plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights situations, especially in conflict-affected areas, and works collaboratively with state and non-state actors to address human rights concerns.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring Team Leader for the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative will play a pivotal role in overseeing the effective organization of monitoring deployments and the collection of credible testimonies regarding alleged violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL). This position is critical in the context of the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, which has resulted in significant civilian suffering and numerous violations of human rights. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the deployment of monitoring teams, ensuring that all activities align with ODIHR's trauma-informed approach. This includes planning and facilitating deployments, supervising monitoring efforts, and maintaining accurate data management. The role requires a strong commitment to ethical standards and the ability to work under challenging conditions while ensuring the safety and well-being of team members and interviewees. The Monitoring Team Leader will also collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including programmatic and security colleagues, to enhance the effectiveness of ODIHR's monitoring efforts in Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating the effective monitoring of deployed teams on the ground, ensuring that information collection aligns fully with ODIHR’s trauma-informed approach and priorities by liaising with Ukraine Monitoring Initiative team members.
• 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 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. Candidates should have substantial experience in 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 conducting interviews with the assistance of interpreters is also necessary. The ability to work under stress, maintain an open-minded approach, and pursue reliable and accurate information is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate readiness to listen to traumatic experiences and work long hours in challenging environments. Recent HEAT training, including first aid training, is considered an asset, as is previous training in preventing re-traumatization and interview techniques. Previous participation in ODIHR monitoring activities will be viewed favorably.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as public international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex legal frameworks governing human rights and humanitarian issues, particularly in conflict zones.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience in human rights monitoring, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in conflict-affected settings. Experience in interviewing survivors of human rights abuses and individuals suffering from trauma is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record of conducting interviews and managing monitoring activities in challenging environments, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

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 will facilitate effective communication with local populations and enhance the quality of monitoring efforts. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, depending on the context of the monitoring activities.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is classified as a consultant role. The contract duration is set for 90 days, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the organization and the performance of the consultant. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package 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. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the recruitment process as necessary. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants, maintaining integrity, independence, and impartiality.