23991 Registry

A roster of suitable candidates may be established for this post as a result of this selection process for both fixed-term established and general temporary assistance posts.

Organisational Context

The Victims and Witnesses Section (VWS) organisationally belongs to the Division of External Operations in the Registry. It provides protective measures, security arrangements, counselling and other appropriate assistance to witnesses and victims who appear before the Court and to others who are also at risk on account of testimony given by such witnesses. The Section may advise the Prosecutor and the Court on appropriate protective measures, security arrangements, counselling and assistance.

The Section is responsible for ensuring that the witnesses appear in the Court appropriately protected, supported and as scheduled by the Chambers. Furthermore, it is responsible for the management of the ICC Protection Programme (ICCPP) and may cooperate with States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations in providing any of the protection and support measures stipulated by the Statute.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within this framework, and under the direct supervision of the Associate Case Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Provides psychosocial and other practical support to testifying witnesses and assists with administrative or logistical tasks regarding their appearance in Court. Implements the courtroom familiarisation protocol, monitors the wellbeing of witnesses during testimony and provides in-court assistance under the guidance of the Psychologist;
• Interacts with the ICCPP participants within the framework of approved case management plans and under the instructions of the Associate Case Officer and the Senior Case Management Assistant;
• Provides psychosocial and other practical assistance to the ICCPP participants with the view of supporting them in establishing a self-sustainable existence as expeditiously as possible. Monitors the progress of the ICCPP participants and reports to the Associate Case Officer;
• Executes protection operations relating to threat and risk assessment missions, movement of witnesses for testimony, organisation of video-link testimonies, extraction of ICCPP participants and their transfer to third states and the functioning of the initial response system in the field;
• Participates in, acts as a resource and executes tasks in connection to the VWU operations in the field across various cases and situations where required;
• Reviews confidential documents and materials in order to expunge protected information as instructed by the Chambers in order to ensure the confidentiality and security of the protected victims, witnesses and others at risk;
• Imports data to the witness management database and ensures the completeness of records in respect of ICCPP participants and testifying witnesses;
• Protects the safety, physical and psychological wellbeing, dignity and privacy of all victims and witnesses with regard to all relevant factors including age, health, and nature of the crime, in particular, but not limited to, where the crime involves sexual or gender violence or violence against children;
• Maintains confidentiality at all times, respects the interests of the witness and acts impartially when cooperating with all parties.
• Conducts other duties as required.

The incumbent, prior to commencing his/her duties in the post, is required to sign a confidentiality agreement with the VWS.

The Chief VWS may request the incumbent to participate in missions to another duty station pending the operational requirements of the VWS.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

Diploma of secondary education.

Experience:

• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in victim/witness protection schemes within court or law enforcement structures in a national or international witness protection programme or other relevant entity. An advanced or first-level university degree, in combination with four (4) years of relevant experience, may be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience only to determine eligibility.
• Operational experience in a national or international witness protection programme, understanding and exposure to witness protection and support operations;
• Experience in managing protected persons in a witness protection programme is desirable;
• Experience in working with victims of sexual violence, children, the elderly and the disabled is desirable;
• Experience in executing protection operations in demanding circumstances is desirable;
• Surveillance and counter surveillance experience and skills are desirable;
• Work experience in a conflict or post conflict context is desirable.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and organisational skills;
• Ability to deal effectively with victims and witnesses in stressful situations, particularly those who have suffered trauma;
• Ability to maintain both internal and external relationships at operational level in matters relevant to the victims/witnesses protection, support and other assistance;
• Cultural and gender sensitivity and ability to operate in a multicultural environment;
• Knowledge of the legal framework of the Court;
• Absolute integrity, tact, sensitivity, discretion and good judgment, including particular sensitivity to the needs of victims of sexual violence, children, the elderly and the disabled;
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with a keen attention to detail.

Knowledge of languages:

Proficiency in one of the working languages of the Court, French or English is required. Working knowledge of the other is desirable. Proficiency (or advanced knowledge of Swahili is highly desirable. Working Knowledge of another official language of the Court (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.