WITNESS PROTECTION OFFICER, P4

Job content

Critères de l’offre

L’entreprise : ONU

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).

Description du poste

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.

Description du profil

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.