Human Rights Officer (Gender Adviser/GBV Investigator)

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is an organization established to investigate human rights violations in Ukraine. It operates under the auspices of the United Nations and aims to ensure accountability for violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The Commission is based in Vienna, Austria, and is composed of experts in human rights law, humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The organization is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, with a focus on gender issues and the rights of women and marginalized groups. It employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with various stakeholders to fulfill its mandate.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Gender Adviser/GBV Investigator) will play a crucial role in advising the Commission on gender dimensions of human rights violations. This position requires a deep understanding of gender issues and the ability to integrate a gender perspective into the Commission's work. The incumbent will conduct research, collect information, and analyze cases of gender-based violence and other human rights violations. The role involves providing recommendations for victim support, ensuring proper documentation of cases, and contributing to the drafting of reports that reflect gender-sensitive language and perspectives. The officer will also participate in field missions and assist in evidence gathering, ensuring the protection and confidentiality of witnesses and victims. The position demands a proactive approach to integrating gender-sensitive methods in all aspects of the Commission's work, including interviews and data handling.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for advising Commission members on gender-related human rights issues, conducting research on women's rights and gender issues, and recommending referral pathways for victims. The officer will ensure proper documentation and analysis of cases of sexual and gender-based violence, participate in field missions, and contribute to the drafting of reports. The role also includes suggesting gender-specific recommendations for the final report and advising on gender-sensitive information gathering methods. The officer will perform other duties as required, demonstrating professionalism and commitment to the Commission's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of international law, particularly international human rights law, and have practical experience in this field. Proficiency in public international law, including humanitarian and criminal law, is essential. The officer should demonstrate leadership in incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The candidate should be motivated by professional concerns and show persistence in overcoming challenges.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related discipline is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of human rights law and gender issues.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law is required. Additionally, at least two years of experience specifically focused on women's human rights, gender integration, or sexual and gender-based violence is necessary. Experience in providing gender analysis in human rights monitoring or investigations is desirable, as is relevant working experience in or on the region of Ukraine.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of either Russian or Ukrainian is desirable, also at UN Level III proficiency. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the context of the Commission's work.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, and is subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. The role is classified as a temporary assignment, and candidates should be aware that it may not lead to permanent employment. The United Nations encourages applications from women and individuals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of gender balance in its workforce. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment.