HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / OPEN-SOURCE INVESTIGATOR (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is within the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The role reports to the Investigation Team Leader and operates under the overall supervision of the OHCHR's Human Rights Inquiries Branch. The mission is established by the Human Rights Council to investigate alleged violations of international law.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer will conduct open-source and digital investigations into alleged violations of international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law, adhering to OHCHR methodologies and protocols. This involves setting up investigation tools, verifying and analyzing digital content (audio, video, images, satellite imagery) using forensic standards, and collecting/preserving online evidence. The role ensures data integrity, chain of custody, and assists in determining credibility. Responsibilities include developing investigation processes, preparing reports, coordinating mission activities, conducting research on mandate-related issues, analyzing human rights data (including gender-specific indicators), and integrating human rights into broader efforts. The officer will represent the UN human rights program and contribute to policy-making through reports and statements.

Responsibilities

Conduct open-source and digital investigations into alleged violations of international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law, following OHCHR methodologies and protocols for evidence handling and security. Establish and utilize open-source investigation tools for verification, authentication, geolocation, and analysis of digital content according to forensic standards. Collect, preserve, and document online information and evidence, ensuring chain of custody and data integrity for evidentiary purposes. Develop investigation processes, prepare comprehensive reports, and conduct post-investigation tasks. Plan and coordinate activities aligned with the fact-finding mission's mandate. Conduct substantive research and analysis on mandate-related issues, assessing their impact on human rights situations. Collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators. Ensure human rights and gender equality are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Define work plans, represent the UN human rights program in meetings, and draft various communications and statements. May provide guidance to junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Two years of experience in online open-source investigation, analysis, or verification related to international human rights or criminal investigations is desirable. Experience in or concerning the region is also desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, research and analytical skills, ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, data collection and analysis, report writing, evaluating information from multiple sources, teamwork, technological awareness, and understanding of applicable technology.

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