Field Officer (P-3)

Organisational Context

The Victims Participation and Reparations Section (VPRS) is in the Division of Judicial Services (Registry), charged with assisting victims in applying for and participating in different phases of the proceedings and reparations. The Section undertakes operations at the seat of the Court, namely to manage applications for participation and reparations and all other related documents received from victims, to transmit them to those involved in the relevant proceedings, and to assist Chambers by analysing the applications according to judicially determined criteria and preparing reports thereon. The Section also advises on victims’ options for legal representation and helps them to participate in proceedings effectively. In the field, the Section informs victims of their rights and enables them to make their applications through the collection of application forms.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Field Coordinator of the (VPRS) the incumbent will propose and implement VPRS strategies, policies, and activities in the situation in Uganda.

The incumbent will be based in Kampala and will conduct the following functions:

• Provide advice to the VPRS in all aspects related to the implementation of its mandate in the field regarding victim participation and reparations.
• Identify groups of victims entitled to participate in proceedings or request reparations; liaise and engage with such groups, including through the VPRS field staff under the Field Coordinator’s supervision.
• Develop and implement strategies for disseminating standard application forms and other materials and for providing adequate information to victims.
• Manage the collection and receipt of standard application forms for participation and reparations.
• Maintain contact with victims and their legal representatives, including to complete their information for participation/reparations.
• Plan and schedule relevant missions with the assistance of VPRS field staff.
• Develop strategic partnerships and build good working relations with individuals and organisations that may be intermediaries of victims (including NGOs, community or religious organisations, local authorities), and relevant international agencies.
• Identify the needs of intermediaries and organise relevant support and training.
• Liaise with legal representatives of victims and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) and maintain relations with the legal community.
• Coordinate activities with the Trust Fund for Victims as appropriate.
• Maintain cooperative relations with key institutions and constituencies to broaden support for the ICC victim mandate.
• Provide input and advice in the preparation of victim information materials.
• Manage budgetary and administrative aspects of the VPRS work in the field, including directing and supervising the VPRS field staff assigned to the Uganda situation.
• Conduct other tasks for the Section as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education:

Advanced University degree in social sciences such as psychology, social work, international relations, law, political science, or other related fields is required. A first level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience is accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of five years of relevant experience (seven years with a first-level university degree), at the national, regional, or international level. Working experience in the field in conflict situations or working in situations with security challenges is a strong asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of the context of the situation in Northern Uganda is highly desired;
• Knowledge of how to work with local organizations in challenging circumstances;
• Understanding of how to organise and conduct training programmes and capacity building activities;
• Experience in the field of victims rights, reparations, human rights, humanitarian aid or development;
• Awareness and sensitivity to victims of sexual violence, children, the disabled and elderly;
• Knowledge of International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and/or International Criminal Law;
• Understanding of the Rome Statute and the rights of victims contained in the ICC legal framework;
• Ability to creatively plan and supervise multiple workflows and to manage conflicting priorities;
• Strong organizational skills, team-building and managing capacities, and an ability to work independently under stressful conditions including time constraints;
• Oral and written communication skills, and the ability to draft documents and present information effectively;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Knowledge of the security and logistical demands of the field context;
• Full proficiency in the use of computers and the ability to use relevant software applications.

Languages:

Proficiency in one of the working languages of the Court, and particularly in English is essential. Working knowledge of a relevant local language relating to the situation in Northern Uganda will be considered a strong asset.