HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER/CHILD RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR (TEMPORARY JOB OPENING)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is based within the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pursuant to resolution A/HRC/RES/60/22 of the Human Rights Council, based in Kinshasa. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Investigations Team Leader and under the overall supervision of the Coordinator of the Commission. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: - Collects and contributes to the monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children (including children associated with armed groups, incidents of killing and maiming of children, attacks against schools and hospitals affecting children, recruitment of children, sexual gender-based violence against children) or other types of child rights violations; - Conducts prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations of alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including interviews with children victims and witnesses employing child and gender-sensitive interviewing techniques; - Collects information on children associated with armed groups; - Ensures the link between monitoring and reporting activities and programmatic response to children victims of violations by liaising with protection and child protection actors and working groups for appropriate referral of cases, when protection needs and concerns of girls and boys are identified; - Acts as adviser to all team members on child protection issues, including ensuring that all members of the team are aware of the relevant child rights violations, and their gender dimensions, as well as of issues relating to gender-based violence; - Ensures that all special measures for protection and confidentiality towards children victims and witnesses, including the referral of survivors, are undertaken in accordance with agreed methodology and strategy of the Commission, OHCHR’s methodology, as well as by ensuring full respect for the ‘do-no-harm’ and ‘best interest of the child‘ principles; - Participates in and organizes missions to sites of violations or other places as required; - Contributes to draft final reports of the Commission, drafts additional analytical documents when requested and, recommends accountability measures which address child rights violations; - Ensures that the information and documentation related to the investigation is protected, stored and preserved safely in accordance with procedures established by the Commission; - Establishes a network of reliable interlocutors, facilitating access to primary sources - including organizations undertaking direct monitoring on Grave Violations against Children; - Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional 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. 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required. A minimum of two (2) years of experience carrying out child rights investigations is required. Relevant working experience working in/on the region is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).