Board of Inquiry Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

Assignment is with family (KINSHASA)
Assignment until 31 December 2024, with 1 year possible extension depending on availability of funds and satisfactory of performance.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Board of Inquiry Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Liaise with relevant offices in the Civilian, Police and Military components for Investigation Reports and pertinent documentation;
• Establish a rapport with related counterparts/clients (i.e. Force Provost Marshal, Chief Military Personnel Officer, Chief Force Police Unit, Office of the Force Commander, Military Legal Adviser, Chief Conduct and Discipline, Chief Security Adviser, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Military Personnel Officer);
• Prior to convening Board of Inquiry, review the Investigation Report and/or all relevant documentation to the case to identify the grey areas, missing information, gaps, discrepancies and contradictions which require to be addressed; identify parties forming the subject matter of the action and/or witnesses to be interviewed for clarification purposes;
• Confirm the availability of nominated Board members from the Roster, avoiding conflict of interest;
• Draft BOI Convening Order and ‘case-specific’ Terms of Reference for review/approval of the Unit/Section Chief, the Office of Legal Affairs, the Convening Authority, and the Head of Mission;
• Ensure that Board members receive Legal and Administrative Briefing; administer ‘Undertaking of Confidentiality’;
• During proceedings, perform an advisory role to the Board and provide guidance in accordance with the Terms of Reference and the applicable UN rules/regulations/directives/administrative instructions and ensure that the Board is focused on the issues before them;
• Provide adequate clerical, logistical and communication support to the individual Boards during proceedings;
• Participate in on-site visits and take notes of all observations on the ground;
• Locate and arrange for interview of witnesses beforehand and allowing the parties to be prepared and/or to refresh the facts of the case;
• Obtain Witness Attestations, take statements ensuring relevant questions are addressed; if not, advise the Chairman; prepare and forward completed Statements for review and obtain signatures;
• Monitor progress on the case, keeping in mind the deadline for submission of the final report according to the SOPs for BOI;
• Specific to the BOI report, ensure findings and methodology possess the requisite integrity and merit, and that all avenues to the inquiry have been exhausted; ensure that the report is format-compliant, structured and unambiguous in its expression;
• Ensure that the recommendations are practical, feasible and implementable;
• Forward the draft BOI Report to the Legal Office for review, comments and/or approval;
• If applicable, forward the comments and concerns by the Legal Office to the Board members for their further consideration;
• Upon its approval by the Legal Office, compile the BOI case file, complete with annexes and the signed Final BOI Report for review, comments and/or approval by the Unit/Section Chief, Office of Legal Affairs and the Head of Mission;
• On behalf of the Head of Mission, draft transmittal memoranda for the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support (USG/DFS) summarizing the facts of the case and ensuring accuracy, paying close attention to grammar, language, coherence, chronology, tone, style and format; draft transmittal memoranda to relevant offices, indicating how the Board arrived at the recommendations and requesting its implementation;
• Follow-up with relevant offices to ensure the recommendations have been implemented as requested by the Head of Mission;
• Scan the finalized BOI case files to the various databases, including BOI Tracker;
• Inform Conduct and Discipline Team, should misconduct on a case be established on a BOI;
• Monitor and record movement of BOI case files in circulation;
• Maintain a proactive and dynamic approach to problem solving related to the assigned case portfolio and the Unit’s workload;
• Provide back-up support during the absence of other colleagues;
• Ensure timely, professional and effective response to enquiries;
• When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training;
• Any other duties as requested by the supervisor.