Associate Witness Protection Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) was established by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 39/2, adopted on 27 September 2018. The creation of the Mechanism was welcomed by the General Assembly in its resolution 73/264, adopted on 22 December 2018. This position is located in the Office of the Head of the Mechanism, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Associate Witness Protection Officer will report to the Deputy Head of the Mechanism or his/her delegate.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and in close coordination with the Collection, Analysis and Sharing Section, the incumbent will perform the following functions: – Supports the supervisor in providing advice and recommendations regarding witness protection measures to the Mechanism’s leadership and Collection, Analysis and Sharing Section (CASS). – Conducts threat and risk assessments for witnesses who interact with the Mechanism. – Under the guidance of the supervisor, provides input on the development of investigation plans with respect to witness protection measures for witnesses before, during and after interviews. – Participates in investigative missions and supports the supervisor in providing witness protection services, i.e. guidance on safe contact, good practices for secure interviewing and use of technologies, information management, physical protection, etc. to maximize the physical safety and security of witnesses, including in the territory of Member States. – Participates in the development of and review of some aspects of internal policies, protocols and procedures with respect to witness protection as guided by the supervisor. – Monitors the security situation where the Mechanism’s witnesses reside. – Under the guidance of the supervisor, undertakes interaction with international organizations, NGOs, relevant national authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant interlocutors on matters relating to the safety of witnesses. – Performs other duties as assigned.

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. Ability to work under high pressure, and respond quickly and effectively to meet the needs of individuals in fast moving situations. Ability and skills in working with people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and experience 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. 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. 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 law, criminal justice, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree may be substituted with a diploma from a police or military education institution, college or academy obtained over a minimum of a three-year period.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two 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 developing protocols and standard operating procedures on witness protection is desirable. Experience in the Asia-Pacific 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 one or more of the Myanmar languages 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 position or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.