Organisational Context 

The Victims and Witnesses Section (VWS) organisationally belongs to the Division of External Affairs and Field 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 Team Leader, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Interacts with the ICCPP participants within the framework of approved case management plans and under specific instructions by the Associate Team Leader and Senior Field Case Management Assistant;

• Provides psychosocial and other practical assistance to the ICCPP participants with the view of contributing to their efforts to obtain self-sustainability and non-dependence on VWS assistance as soon as practicable. Monitors the progress of the ICCPP participants and reports to the Associate Team Leader respectively;

• Executes protection operations relating to threat and risk assessment missions, movement of witnesses for testimony, organisation of video-link testimony, extraction of ICCPP participants and their transfer to third States and administers the initial response system in the field;

• Participates in, acts as a resource and executes tasks in connection to VWS operations in the field across various cases and situations;

• Provides psychosocial and other practical support to testifying witnesses and assists where required with any administrative or logistical tasks in respect of their appearance in Court. Implements the court room familiarisation protocol, monitors the wellbeing of witnesses during testimony and provides in-court assistance under the guidance of the Associate Welfare Officer;

• Imports data to the witness management database and ensures the completeness of record 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, respect the interests of the witness, and act impartially when cooperating with all parties;

• Conducts other duties as required.

The incumbent, prior to commencing his/her duties, 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 relevant experience in assistance to victims and witnesses or protection schemes within court or law enforcement structures, in a national or international witness protection programme or other relevant entity. An advanced or a first-level university degree may be considered as a substitute for two years” working experience only to determine eligibility;

• Operational experience in a national or international witness protection programme, law enforcement or security structure or other relevant framework is required;

• 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 skills and experience are desirable;

• Work experience in a conflict or post conflict context is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Understanding of witness protection and support operations;

• Advanced interpersonal, negotiation and organisational skills;

• Ability to deal effectively with victims and witnesses in stressful situations, particularly with those who have suffered trauma;

• Ability to work with persons from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds;

• 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;

• Ability to work and operate in a multicultural environment;

• 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;

• Knowledge of the legal framework of the Court;

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with a keen attention to details.

Knowledge of Languages: 

Proficiency in the working language of the Court, English or French, as applicable to the duty station is essential. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official language of the Court (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an asset. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset.