Human Rights Officer (Investigator) P3

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (IICIU) was established by the Human Rights Council to investigate violations of international human rights law and international criminal law in the context of the situation in Ukraine. The organization operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is committed to ensuring accountability for human rights violations. The IICIU is based in Vienna, Austria, and works closely with various stakeholders to uphold human rights standards globally. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the protection of vulnerable populations in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Investigator) will play a crucial role in the IICIU by conducting thorough investigations into allegations of human rights violations and international criminal law breaches. This position requires a deep understanding of international human rights law and the ability to analyze complex situations involving various stakeholders. The incumbent will be responsible for gathering and analyzing information, conducting interviews with victims and witnesses, and ensuring that investigations are conducted in a manner that protects the rights and dignity of all involved. The role also involves drafting analytical documents and reports that contribute to the IICIU's findings and recommendations. The investigator will work under the direct supervision of the Investigation Team Leader and will be expected to collaborate effectively with team members to achieve organizational goals. The position demands a high level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to human rights principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer (Investigator) will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: researching, collecting, and analyzing information related to human rights violations; conducting interviews with victims and witnesses; monitoring trends and patterns of violations; employing various investigative methods and tools; ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses; drafting analytical documents and reports; integrating gender perspectives into all stages of the investigation; and participating in missions to sites of violations. The incumbent will also be responsible for ensuring that all information related to investigations is securely stored and preserved, and for collaborating with colleagues to achieve the IICIU's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. They should have excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, and the capacity to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the protection of vulnerable populations, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required, with at least two years specifically focused on investigations of violations of international human rights law and/or international criminal law. Relevant experience in or on the region is desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's understanding of the context in which the IICIU operates.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of either Russian or Ukrainian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II for Russian and UN Level I for Ukrainian.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31st December 2026 and is subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and the requirements of the position, and reference checks will be conducted for those under serious consideration.