UN Legal Officer/Witness Protection and Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) 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 in Afghanistan. The IIMA aims to facilitate fair and independent criminal proceedings in accordance with international law standards. The organization operates with a focus on the protection of women and girls and is currently based in Vienna, pending the final determination of its seat. The IIMA is part of the broader United Nations system, which is committed to upholding human rights and international law.

Job Overview:
The UN Legal Officer/Witness Protection and Support Officer (WPSO) will play a crucial role within the Executive Office of the IIMA. This position is responsible for conducting risk and threat assessments for witnesses and victims engaging with the IIMA. The WPSO will develop risk mitigation measures in collaboration with various stakeholders, including international organizations and national authorities. The role requires advising on the implementation of protection measures, participating in investigative missions, and maintaining a network of relevant entities for witness protection. The WPSO will also assist in developing protocols to ensure the safety and confidentiality of witnesses and victims, aligning with international law standards. This position demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a focus on the well-being of witnesses and victims.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WPSO include conducting comprehensive risk and threat assessments for witnesses and victims, identifying and developing risk mitigation strategies, advising on the implementation of protection measures, and coordinating with investigative teams on best practices for witness protection. The WPSO will engage with witnesses throughout the investigative process, participate in the establishment of networks for support, and contribute to the development of protocols and standard operating procedures. Additionally, the WPSO will negotiate arrangements with relevant organizations to support protective measures and perform other duties as required by the P5 Senior Legal Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess thorough knowledge of witness protection matters, including the ability to conduct threat assessments and identify appropriate protection measures. A solid understanding of criminal justice processes and the roles of the UN in conflict environments is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, respond effectively to urgent needs, and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Professionalism, persistence in problem-solving, and a commitment to gender perspectives are critical attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminal justice, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the specified fields or a police/military academy degree equivalent to a first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in witness protection within a law enforcement agency or criminal justice institution is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting risk assessments and implementing witness protection measures. Desirable experience includes working in international victim and witness protection programs, involvement in international or hybrid criminal tribunals, and experience in conflict or post-conflict areas, particularly in the Central Asia region.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Dari is considered a desirable language, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary job opening, and the extension of the appointment is subject to the continuation of the mandate and availability of funds. The selected candidate may be subject to specific eligibility criteria based on their current employment status within the UN system. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and individuals from various backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.