Witness Engagement Consultant

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 promote human rights and democratic governance across its participating states. ODIHR's mission is to assist OSCE member states in implementing their commitments related to the Human Dimension of security, which includes a wide range of human rights issues. The organization has been operational since the early 1990s and has grown to encompass a diverse team of professionals dedicated to monitoring and supporting human rights initiatives. ODIHR operates in numerous countries, focusing on various thematic portfolios that address human rights, rule of law, and democratic governance. The organization plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among member states to enhance the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Job Overview:
The Witness Engagement Consultant will play a vital role in supporting ODIHR's Ukraine Monitoring Initiative (UMI), which has been established in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violations of international law resulting from the conflict in Ukraine. The consultant will be responsible for identifying and engaging witnesses of alleged violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) to facilitate interviews conducted by ODIHR. This position requires a deep understanding of the human rights landscape in the context of armed conflict, as well as the ability to navigate complex social and political environments to identify suitable interviewees. The consultant will work closely with the Monitoring Team Leader and other team members to ensure that the monitoring initiative is effectively implemented, and that the voices of those affected by the conflict are heard and documented. The role demands a proactive approach to liaising with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, local authorities, and potential interviewees, to gather relevant information and facilitate the monitoring process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Witness Engagement Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Liaising with the Monitoring Team Leader and UMI team to determine the appropriate profiles of interviewees for specific missions.
• Engaging with relevant actors on the ground to disseminate information about the monitoring initiative and identify suitable interviewees.
• Contacting and vetting potential interviewees to ensure their relevance and safety.
• Collecting, organizing, and presenting information about potential interviewees in a pre-agreed format to the Monitoring Team Leader prior to monitoring missions.
• Assisting with logistical arrangements for interviewees, including travel and accommodation.
• Supporting interviewees in transferring relevant media to ODIHR's digital storage platforms securely.
• Being present at the interview venue during the interviews to provide support and ensure a smooth process.
• Organizing and conducting meetings with representatives of NGOs, authorities, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Advising the Monitoring Team Leader on the profiles of interviewees for future deployments based on insights gained during missions. 1
• Participating in briefings before and after deployments to share experiences and improve future monitoring efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum first-level university degree in fields such as law, history, social sciences, international relations, or other related disciplines. Additionally, a minimum of two years of relevant work experience is required, with preference given to candidates who have previous experience in civil society or the human rights sector. A demonstrated understanding of human rights issues arising from armed conflict, particularly in relation to displacement patterns affecting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), is essential. Candidates should also have established relationships with civil society actors, communities, and human rights activists, as well as a good awareness of the situation and developments pertaining to the international armed conflict in the region.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum first-level university degree in law, history, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks surrounding them, particularly in the context of armed conflict and humanitarian crises.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. Candidates with experience in civil society organizations or the human rights sector will be particularly valued, as this background provides essential insights into the challenges faced by affected populations and the mechanisms for advocating for their rights. Experience in conducting interviews or engaging with vulnerable populations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with interviewees and stakeholders in the context of the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the populations being monitored.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is classified as a consultant role. The contract duration is not fixed, as it is part of a roster selection process. The remuneration package will be determined based on the consultant's qualifications, experience, and the specific tasks and deliverables associated with the position, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. It is important to note that OSCE officials are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants, maintaining integrity, independence, and impartiality in their roles.