HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / SGBV INVESTIGATOR (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is within the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, based in Juba. The Commission operates under the UN Secretariat, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with a mandate to investigate human rights violations. The role, a Human Rights Officer/SGBV Investigator, reports directly to the Investigation Team Leader and overall to the Coordinator of the Commission, contributing to its critical work in the region.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Investigator) serves a critical purpose within the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This role is dedicated to leading and conducting investigations into sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as mandated by the Commission. The incumbent will research, collect, and meticulously analyze information and documentation related to SGBV, providing expert advice on information gathering plans and proposing effective investigative methods, including interviews with victims and witnesses. A key contribution involves conducting thorough investigations to corroborate allegations of international human rights, humanitarian, or criminal law violations, with a specific focus on SGBV. The role also entails timely monitoring of violation trends, employing advanced mapping tools, and identifying alleged perpetrators. Furthermore, the officer ensures the protection of victims and witnesses, particularly women and girls, by adhering to the 'do no harm' principle and utilizing referral pathways. The position contributes significantly to the Commission's reporting by undertaking preliminary analysis, drafting analytical documents, including gender analyses, and integrating gender-sensitive approaches throughout the investigation and reporting process.

Responsibilities

The Human Rights Officer (SGBV Investigator) leads and conducts comprehensive investigations into sexual and gender-based violence. This involves researching, collecting, and analyzing information and documentation, advising on information gathering plans, and proposing effective investigative methods, including interviews with victims and witnesses. The officer conducts thorough investigations to corroborate allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian, or criminal law as stipulated by the Commission's mandate. Key duties include timely monitoring of violation trends and patterns, employing advanced monitoring and mapping tools, including multi-source and open-source materials, to support incident geolocation and assess material authenticity. The role also requires identifying alleged perpetrators based on agreed methodologies and participating in or organizing missions to violation sites. Furthermore, the officer develops analytical reports post-missions, ensures robust protection measures for victims and witnesses, particularly women and girls, adhering to the ‘do no harm’ principle and utilizing referral pathways for survivors. Responsibilities extend to safeguarding investigation information, undertaking preliminary analysis, drafting analytical documents, including gender analyses, and contributing to the Commission’s reports. Close coordination with the Gender Adviser is essential to integrate gender perspectives and sensitive approaches throughout all stages of investigation, analysis, and report drafting.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required. This must include at least two years of experience conducting human rights investigations. Additionally, a minimum of two years of experience carrying out investigations on sexual and gender-based violence or conflict-related sexual violence is highly desirable.

Skills

Professionalism: Strong knowledge of human rights issues, institutional mandates, research, and analytical skills, including data collection, report drafting, and gender perspective integration. Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively, value diverse input, learn from colleagues, and support group decisions. Planning and Organizing: Proficiency in developing clear goals, identifying priorities, allocating resources, foreseeing risks, monitoring progress, and utilizing time efficiently.

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