This position is located within the Secretariat of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Investigation Team Leader of the Secretariat of the Commission. Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer (Investigator) will be responsible for the following duties:
- Researches, collects and analyses information and documentation pertaining to human rights, international humanitarian and criminal law matters as required by the mandate, and, under the guidance of the Investigation Team Leader, proposes investigative methods and tools; - Conducts investigations, including through interviews with victims and witnesses, to gather information and corroborate allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian or criminal law as stipulated in the Commission\\\'s mandate; - Conducts timely monitoring of trends and patterns of violations; - Employs monitoring and mapping tools and multi-source, including open sources material and satellite imagery, to support geolocation of incidents and to assess the authenticity of collected materials and testimonies; - Identifies alleged perpetrators based on agreed information gathering methods; - Participates in and organizes missions to sites of violations or other places as required; - Ensures that all measures are taken for the protection of victims and witnesses who will cooperate with the Commission according to the agreed methodology and respect for the \\\'do no harm principle\\\', and by making effective use of pathways for survivors; - Ensures that the information and documentation related to the investigation is protected, stored and preserved safely in accordance with procedures established by the Commission; - Undertakes preliminary analysis of information gathered and drafts analytical documents, including a gender analysis; - Drafts relevant sections and provides inputs for the Commission\\\'s report; - Ensures that gender perspective and gender-sensitive approaches are integrated at all stages of the investigation, analysis and report drafting; - Performs other related duties as required. Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others\\\' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Education
Advanced university degree (Master\\\'s degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in the above-mentioned field of studies, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights is required.
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience carrying out investigations of violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law or international criminal law is required.
Relevant working experience in or on Syria is desirable. Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 2024. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds.
A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade.
However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position.
A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to
positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments.
Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
This temporary job opening may be limited to \"internal candidates,\" who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as \"retirement.\" Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.\\n \\n \\n \\n \\n \\n