INVESTIGATOR (2 positions) (Temporary Job Opening)

INVESTIGATOR (2 positions) (Temporary Job Opening)

Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland (may be relocated to Damascus, Syria or another location relevant to the Institution’s operations). Incumbent reports to the Human Rights Officer (Investigation Coordinator).

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, conduct and manage investigations of cases, including interviewing victims and witnesses related to serious breaches of international laws.
• Conduct interviews, obtain statements, analyze information.
• Ensure protection of victims and witnesses according to the “do no harm” principle.
• Search for, gather, record and preserve all relevant information, including electronic data, and maintain information chains.
• Participate in briefing and planning conferences with investigation staff.
• Direct and conduct incident response activities, including pre‑response preparation, reception and recording of incident information, information flow to appropriate offices, response planning, and control of the incident scene; preserve evidence and hand over the scene to authority.
• Implement and maintain procedures to ensure professional competency and completeness throughout the investigation process.
• Develop or contribute to the development of processes that meet investigative needs.
• Ensure investigative information and documentation are protected, stored and preserved safely according to established procedures.
• Prepare complete and concise investigation reports and conduct post‑investigation tasks.
• Work collaboratively and in coordination with colleagues to achieve organizational goals in line with standard operating procedures and regulatory compliance.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports, enabling data‑driven planning and decision‑making.
• Perform other duties as required.

Professionalism & Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of investigative theories, concepts and approaches, including missing persons.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with proficiency in various research methodologies and electronic databases.
• Strong judgment, planning, and time‑management abilities; able to manage conflicting priorities.
• Effective communication skills—ability to draft clear reports and convey findings to management.
• Team player, supportive of collaborative goals and sharing credit for collective achievements.
• Commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation of all.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international law, criminal investigation, or a related field. A first‑level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may substitute.

Work Experience

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible investigative work, including violations of international human rights law or humanitarian law.
• Experience gathering information and conducting interviews related to missing persons cases.
• Desirable experience with specialised e‑discovery software platforms.
• Desirable investigation experience in or on the Middle East.

Languages

English and French are working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, English and Arabic are required at least at an advanced level of reading, writing, and speaking.

Assessment

The evaluation may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency‑based interview.

Special Notice

These are temporary positions available until 31 December 2026. Appointments and renewals depend on the availability of posts and funding.

United Nations Considerations

Applicants will not be considered if they have committed violations of international human rights law, or sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. The Organization is committed to equal opportunities and non‑discrimination.

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