HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (INVESTIGATOR COORDINATOR)

Organizational Context

The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP), established by the UN General Assembly in June 2023, is mandated to address the issue of missing persons in Syria. The role is based in Geneva, Switzerland, but may be subject to relocation to Damascus, Syria, or other operational locations. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Search and Identification Section.

Job Purpose

This role supports the work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) by reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments and investigations into missing persons. The position involves analyzing information and evidence, coordinating investigative activities, and liaising with various stakeholders including UN entities, governments, and families of missing persons. The role contributes to the Institution's mandate by ensuring up-to-date information management, preparing reports, and providing recommendations on investigative and policy matters. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in developing and implementing training programs on human rights and international humanitarian law, and will supervise junior staff and manage administrative functions related to investigations.

Responsibilities

The Human Rights Officer (Investigator Coordinator) will review and monitor the implementation of international human rights instruments and support treaty bodies and special procedures. Responsibilities include preparing human rights reports for UN bodies, coordinating with peacekeeping teams, national officials, military, and police on project planning and review. The role involves integrating human rights, including gender dimensions, into UN and non-governmental programs and designing evaluations. Key duties include managing information on human rights and missing persons investigations, analyzing evidence, reviewing investigative products, and making recommendations. The officer will liaise with UN sectors, international organizations, governments, and families of missing persons on coordination, investigative, and policy matters. This includes assisting military and police in developing human rights training programs and serving as a team leader for coordinating and supervising investigative activities. The role also involves training and supervising junior staff, collecting and analyzing data for trend identification, and utilizing data visualization for reporting and decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Experience in conducting or supervising investigations related to human rights violations and missing persons is essential. Desirable experience includes direct engagement with victims, survivors, and families of missing persons in human rights or transitional justice processes, as well as expertise in data analysis and case management systems.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Client Orientation, knowledge of human rights issues (especially missing persons investigations), data analysis, information management, investigative techniques, training, and reporting.

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