Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar 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 Witness Support Officer reports to the Deputy Head of the Mechanism or his/her delegate.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Head or his/her delegate and in close coordination with the Collection, Analysis and Sharing Section, the Witness Support Officer will perform the following functions: – Provides expert advice, guidance and training to IIMM personnel interacting with witnesses and victims on issues affecting the physical and mental health of witnesses and victims, paying particular attention to trauma survivors, including victims of sexual and gender-based crimes (SGBC) and children; – Assists investigators with psychological techniques to address circumstances that give rise to specific vulnerabilities, taking into account cultural elements of the interaction, and facilitate support for individuals affected by trauma; – Conducts pre-interview psychological assessments and post-interview debriefings of witnesses and victims, and where required provide culturally sensitive counseling, psychological support interventions and other support to witnesses and victims, in particular to witnesses with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders; – Supports, where appropriate, investigators to interview traumatized or vulnerable witnesses, in particular children and survivors of SGBC; – Acts as first point of contact for IIMM personnel with concerns about secondary trauma and provide informative sessions to personnel when required; – Develops and implements protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure the well-being of witnesses and victims who engage with the IIMM in accordance with the its mandate and international law standards and best practices; – In coordination with the Witness Protection Officer, formulates short- and long-term support strategies for witnesses and victims including by participating in the establishment, development and maintenance of referral pathways involving competent international organizations, national authorities, NGOs and other entities relevant for the provision of medical and psycho-social support and care to witnesses and victims who engage with the IIMM; – Participates in investigative missions and engage with witnesses as needed before, during and after they engage with IIMM investigative teams; – Assists with preparations for witnesses and victims travelling for the purpose of interview; – Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth knowledge of referral pathways for the provision of medical and psycho-social support and care; Knowledge of best practices in ensuring the well-being of witnesses and victims who engage with accountability mechanisms; Ability to develop and implement support strategies for witnesses and victims. 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 psychology, preferably in the field of clinical/forensic psychology, is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelors’ or equivalent) in Psychology with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Certification or country-specific license authorizing the incumbent to deliver mental health services is desirable. Post graduate studies on psychological trauma, preferably on victims of serious crime and/or war crimes, and/or multiple victim incidents is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in psychological counselling of vulnerable groups, such as victims of serious crimes is required. Experience in administration, implementation and management of support programmes is required. Experience in criminal court proceedings is desirable. Field experience is desirable. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs is desirable. Experience providing counselling related to Southeast Asia context is desirable. Experience in related fields, such as post traumatic stress management, critical incident stress and/or cross-cultural communication is desirable. Experience developing protocols and standard operating procedures on witness support is desirable. Experience in developing referral pathways to support field activities 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 in one of the Myanmar local languages is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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. 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. 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.