Background:
ODIHR assists OSCE participating States with implementing their Human Dimension commitments, which includes monitoring of human rights and building capacity of State and non-State actors in overall nine thematic portfolios. The objective of the Human Rights Monitoring Fund is to collect thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in participating States based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identifying areas of concern and developing targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE participating States on how to address identified gaps.
The military attack that the Russian Federation initiated against Ukraine, beginning on 24 February 2022, has led to widespread civilian suffering with mounting evidence of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).
As the main OSCE institution concerned with the Human Dimension of security, ODIHR is tasked, inter alia, with assisting OSCE participating States in the implementation of their Human Dimension commitments (Helsinki 1992). ODIHR’s monitoring mandate is based on a number of commitments (Helsinki 1992, Budapest 1994, Oslo 1998, Maastricht 2003). Moreover, ODIHR serves as a point of contact for information provided by participating States (Rome 1993), and participating States have expressed their determination to co-operate within the OSCE and with its institutions and representatives in a spirit of solidarity and partnership in a continuing review of implementation (Istanbul 1999).
In order to fulfil its mandate, ODIHR carries out a comprehensive monitoring initiative as of 24 February 2022.
Objective of Assignment:
The objective of this consultancy is to contribute to ODIHR’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative. In line with ODIHR’s monitoring mandate, monitors will collect information from witnesses and survivors of alleged IHL and IHRL violations stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.
Deliverables:
Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department, the monitors will be part of the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative team set up by ODIHR to monitor, document and assess alleged violations of IHL and IHRL, following the Russian Federation’s military attack on Ukraine since 24 February 2022.
Monitors may be deployed in parts of Ukraine where ODIHR’s security and risks assessments allow this, as well as in other countries where ODIHR sees the necessity to conduct interviews. Working in teams of two, monitors will interview witnesses and survivors of violations of IHL and IHRL, including IDPs, humanitarian workers, journalists, former prisoners of war, members of local authorities, and others who may have information of relevance to the Monitoring Initiative.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
In close consultation with the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department and the Monitoring Team Leader, the consultant will:
Conduct in-person interviews with witnesses and survivors and record their testimonies to the end of gathering information and corroborating allegations of violations of IHL and IHRL; Apply trauma-informed interviewing methodology, ensure respect for the ‘do no harm’ principle, and integrate gender-sensitive approaches, throughout the entire interviewing process; Provide to the core team of the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative redacted and finalised interview notes in English (and supporting documents, when applicable), while ensuring that all information collected is protected, stored and safely preserved in accordance with protocols established by ODIHR; Participate in briefings – prior to, and upon completion of, deployments – with members of the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative and relevant ODIHR staff. Organise and conduct meetings with representatives of non-governmental organisations, authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the mission area; Carry out other tasks connected to the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative as required.
Necessary Qualifications:
Six years’ experience in human rights monitoring, ideally in conflict-affected settings, and with interviewing survivors of human rights abuses and with persons suffering from trauma; Sound knowledge of international humanitarian law and relevant human rights standards; Experience of conducting interviews with the assistance of interpreters; Strong ability to work under stress and to pursue reliable, and accurate information; Availability and readiness to be deployed at short notice to demanding and/or remote settings; Readiness to listen to traumatic experience and work long work hours in difficult work environments; Recently completed HEAT training including first aid training is considered an asset; Previous training in preventing re-traumatization and interview techniques is considered an asset; Knowledge of the region and Ukrainian/Russian languages is considered an asset.
Remuneration Package:
Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information
Issued by: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Requisition ID: ODI000056 Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant Grade: No grade Job Type: Consultant Number of posts: roster selection Location: ODI - Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Warsaw Issue Date: May 31, 2023 Closing Date: Jun 18, 2023 Job Field: Human Rights Target Start Date: roster selection