HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / INVESTIGATOR (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is within the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, established by the Human Rights Council. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the role operates under the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and reports to the Investigation Team Leader.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer (Investigator) is responsible for researching, collecting, and analyzing information related to human rights, international humanitarian, and criminal law violations as mandated. This includes conducting investigations through interviews, monitoring trends, and utilizing various tools like open-source intelligence and satellite imagery for corroboration and geolocation. The role ensures the protection of victims and witnesses, maintains the security of investigation data, and contributes to the Mission's reports by drafting analytical documents and integrating a gender perspective throughout the process.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of information concerning human rights, international humanitarian, and criminal law matters relevant to the mandate. Propose investigative methods and tools under the guidance of the Investigation Team Leader. Execute investigations, including interviewing victims and witnesses, to gather evidence and corroborate alleged violations. Monitor trends and patterns of violations, employing mapping and multi-source tools, including open-source materials and satellite imagery, for incident geolocation and authenticity assessment. Identify alleged perpetrators based on established information gathering protocols. Participate in and organize missions to relevant sites. Ensure the protection of victims and witnesses, adhering to the 'do no harm' principle and utilizing survivor pathways. Safeguard and preserve all investigation-related information and documentation. Draft analytical documents, including gender analyses, and contribute to the Fact-Finding Mission's reports, ensuring gender-sensitive approaches are integrated throughout.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in human rights is required. Additionally, at least two years of experience conducting investigations into violations of international human rights law and/or international criminal law is mandatory. Experience working in or concerning the Middle East region is desirable.

Skills

Knowledge of international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law. Strong research, analytical, and investigative skills. Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate information from multiple sources. Proficiency in drafting reports and analytical documents. Experience with gender-sensitive approaches and integrating gender perspectives. Teamwork and collaboration. Planning and organizational skills. Ability to work under pressure and maintain professionalism.

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