Associate Investigator

This position is within the Collections and Analysis Section 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 Collections and Analysis Section is responsible for gathering evidence within the context of the IIIM’s structural investigation and generating analytical products that can be shared with competent jurisdictions. The Associate Investigator is under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Officer (Collections and Analysis) and under the direct supervision of the P4 Investigation Team Leader in Collections and Analysis. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting investigation activities as a member of a multi-disciplinary team charged with developing analytical products related to the IIIM’s line of inquiry on unlawful attacks, including investigating the use of chemical and explosive weapons against civilians.

**Responsibilities**:
Within delegated authority, the Associate Investigator may be responsible for the following duties:
1. Assists in conducting investigations in cases involving serious breaches of international law, such as crimes against humanity and war crimes, including undertaking field missions, when required.
2. Assists in identifying, engaging, and managing relationships with a diverse range of investigative sources, including intermediary NGOs.
3. Assists in obtaining signed statements from survivors, victims, insider and other witnesses, in difficult or hostile environments and circumstances, including through the use of interpreters. Reviews and analyzes documents and determines information necessary for inclusion in interviews. Coordinates as necessary with government or state officials for the conduct of interviews.
4. Participates in briefings and conferences with investigations staff, other members of the IIIM, as well as actors external to the IIIM including government officials, civil society actors, UN entities and other partners relevant to collection of information and evidence.
5. Searches for, identifies and collects records and preserves physical evidence ensuring that all potential or relevant evidence is gathered and secured, and that all necessary evidential chains of custody are established and maintained. Assists in the presentation of evidence in proceedings, if required.
6. Supports investigation staff to prepare thorough mission plans and reports.
7. As necessary and in collaboration with other responsible staff, assists in coordinating arrangements for attendance of witnesses at formal court or tribunal proceedings.
8. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

- PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated ability to support large scale and complex investigations. Ability to analyze complex political, military, paramilitary, and other related groups' activities in relation to serious international crimes. Ability to employ sound professional investigative experience to facilitate the production of high-quality analytical work. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to criminal investigations. Familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including digital sources. Ability to work in a high-tech environment. Shows pride in work and in achievements. 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 and 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.
- COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- 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
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, criminal investigations, police studies 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. A diploma and/or c