WITNESS PROTECTION OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 168,113 USD and 216,746 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is within the Operational Support Section (OSS) of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (IIIM), located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Witness Protection Officer reports to the Senior Legal Officer (OSS) and will plan, organize and direct the provision of services for the protection and support of victims and witnesses; lead and conduct risk and threat assessments as well as situational analyses relevant to the safety and security of victims and witnesses; develop and implement appropriate risk mitigation or protection measures; and coordinate protection operations and liaise with local protection authorities. The incumbent will advise the Senior Legal Officer (OSS) and, as required, the Head of the IIIM on matters relating to the provision of protection services to witnesses and victims in line with mandate of the IIIM. The incumbent will be under the supervision of the Senior Legal Officer (OSS).

Responsibilities Within delegated authority and as necessary, the Witness Protection Officer will perform the following functions:

- Plans, organizes and directs the provision of IIIM protection services, working in collaboration with the Witness Support Officer(s). - Advises the Senior Legal Officer (OSS) and, as required, the Head of the IIIM on matters relating to the provision of protection services to witnesses and victims in line with mandate of the IIIM. - Coordinates and supervises protection operations and liaises with local protection authorities, including formulating short- and long-term measures and plans for protection. - Leads and conducts risk and threat assessments as well as situational analyses for witnesses and victims who engage with the IIIM. - Develops and implements appropriate risk mitigation measures, in coordination with the supervisor and in collaboration with relevant international organizations, national authorities, NGOs and other entities. - Designs and implements country/region-specific protection policies. - Advises IIIM investigative teams on international standards and best practices for witness protection and makes recommendations on matters related to related to the protection of witnesses and victims. - Supports investigative missions and engages with witnesses as needed before, during and after they engage with IIIM investigative teams. - Manages and coordinates as necessary the implementation of protection measures for witnesses who engage with the IIIM, including case management and administration. - Oversees the maintenance of detailed records on individual cases of witnesses, including their needs and assistance required and then provided to them, and ensure strict confidentiality of sensitive information. - Establishes and maintains a network of international organizations, national authorities, NGOs and other entities relevant for the provision of protection for witnesses and victims who engage with the IIIM. - Participates in the negotiation of relevant arrangements and agreements with international organizations, national authorities, NGOs and other entities to support the implementation of protective measures to witnesses and victims who engage with the IIIM. - Prepares/updates and implements protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure the safety, security, confidentiality of witnesses and victims who engage with the IIIM in accordance with the IIIM’s mandate and international law standards and best practices. - Establishes and maintains systems for the management of highly confidential information related to the protection of witnesses and victims, including cases involved in international relocation through the negotiation of memoranda of understanding and ad hoc agreements with states and national witness protection programmes. - Supervises financial expenditures and develops budget forecasts related to witness and victim related support and protection. - Develops training/education for IIIM staff on protection and operational field craft and good practices. - Performs other duties as required.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Thorough knowledge of witness protection matters and ability to conduct threat assessments and identify appropriate protection measures, combined with solid understanding of criminal justice actors and processes. Understanding of the roles of the UN and other international agencies in conflict or post-conflict environments. Demonstrated ability in working under high pressure and responding quickly and effectively to meet the needs of individuals in fast moving situations or under stressful conditions. Demonstrated ability and skills in working with people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and expertise in the use of interpreters. Willingness to work flexible hours and attend meetings or to witness needs outside normal working hours. Willingness to provide assistance to all witnesses. Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision in demanding field conditions expected. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professionalism 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.

PLANNING AND 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.

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.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, criminal justice, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree) in the specified fields or a police/military academy degree equivalent to a first-level university degree 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience on witness protection in a law enforcement agency and/or criminal justice institution is required.

Experience conducting risk and threat assessments and implementing witness protection measures is required.

Experience establishing and managing an international victim and witness protection programme and/or a national witness protection programme is desirable.

Experience working on witness protection in an international or hybrid criminal tribunal or investigative mechanism is desirable.

Experience developing protocols and standard operating procedures on witness protection is desirable.

Experience working in conflict or post-conflict areas is desirable.

Experience in the Middle East region, especially in a witness protection related capacity, is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

Fulfillment of the responsibilities of this position may necessitate engagement with material and/or information that may be distressing.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.