Witness Support Intern

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

• The IIIM operates with a mission to ensure accountability for these crimes and to support victims and witnesses in the process. The organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is part of the United Nations system, which emphasizes the importance of justice and the rule of law. The IIIM is committed to upholding human rights and providing a platform for victims to seek justice. It employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to its mission, and it operates in a challenging environment, given the ongoing conflict in Syria. The IIIM collaborates with various stakeholders, including international organizations, NGOs, and legal experts, to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Job Overview:
The Witness Support Intern position is situated within the Operational Support Section (OSS) of the IIIM. This internship is designed to provide support to the OSS in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of victims and witnesses who cooperate with the Mechanism. The intern will work closely with the Witness Support Officer (WSO) to evaluate existing support services and explore new opportunities for enhancing psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support for witnesses. This role is crucial as it aims to improve the quality of psychosocial services provided to beneficiaries, thereby contributing to the overall mission of the IIIM. The intern will gain practical experience in clinical and forensic psychology, which will be beneficial for their future career paths. The internship is expected to last for a maximum of six months, with a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, and it can be conducted remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on discussions with the successful candidate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Witness Support Intern include conducting research on best practices for psychosocial support to witnesses, reviewing and updating the Cultural Expressions of Distress Guide, and the Facilitating with Care Guide. The intern will also support the translation of the psychosocial evaluation toolkit into Arabic and draft meeting minutes. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will be required to prepare a paper on a relevant topic associated with witness support, update the Cultural Expressions of Distress Guide, and complete the translation of the psychosocial evaluation toolkit into Arabic. These responsibilities are designed to provide the intern with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by witnesses and the support mechanisms available to them.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). While professional work experience is not required for the UN Internship Programme, candidates must have a field of study closely related to the internship, such as Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or a related branch of psychology. Additionally, applicants should have good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams. The ability to design surveys and polls is also desirable, as is a demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be pursuing or have completed a degree in a relevant field, such as psychology or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of witness support and the psychological aspects involved in the role. Proof of enrollment or completion of the degree must be provided during the application process, and an official certificate will be required at a later stage.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required, candidates should have relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship. This could include internships, volunteer work, or projects related to psychology, social work, or support services for vulnerable populations. The focus is on the candidate's ability to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and their willingness to learn and adapt to the demands of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required for this internship, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the IIIM and with witnesses. Knowledge of French is also important, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in an additional official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns are responsible for all related expenses, including travel, accommodation, and living costs. The internship is expected to last for a maximum of six months, with specific start dates and durations to be discussed with the successful candidate. Interns must maintain confidentiality regarding any unpublished information obtained during the internship and are bound by the same duties and obligations as UN staff members. There is no expectation of employment with the United Nations or the IIIM upon completion of the internship. Candidates of certain nationalities may need to obtain a visa to stay in Switzerland for the internship, and the IIIM will provide necessary information and support in this regard. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.