INVESTIGATOR / Digital Forensic Investigator (TJO), P3

• Organisation: OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Location: Panama City
• Contract: J
• Deadline: 16 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is based within the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/63/24. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the coordinator of' the Fact-Finding Mission and the direct supervision of the Investigations Team Leader.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Investigator will be responsible for the following duties: - Conducts digital investigations on allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian or criminal law in accordance with the Fact Finding Mission’s mandate, and OHCHR methodologies; - Conduct analysis and infer preliminary conclusions based on of multi-source datasets (testimonial, documentary, open-source); - Collects and analyses information and evidence in electronic and digital format, as well as social networking sites and assists in determining credibility and reliability; - Undertakes verification of open source digital contents (such as audio, images, videos, geo-location) including forensic examinations, and record results; - Supports the analytical processes of investigations and preserving digital material in accordance with applicable standards and protocols for evidentiary material; - Provides advice and support to the Fact Finding Mission on the use of open source material in investigations, analysis and reports and support in understanding elements of digital evidence; - Proposes the use of tools to analyse and present complex data sets in understandable ways for investigation and presentation purposes and generates analytical products using available analysis tools; - Ensures that documentation and materials related to the investigations is handled, stored and preserved safely in accordance with the procedures established by the Fact-Finding Mission; - Integrates gender perspectives into all areas of responsibility; - Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to investigations. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including data standardisation, management and analysis tools. Proficiency in software applications used in investigations. Ability to identify and analyze problems/issues and participate in their resolution. Proven ability to gather evidence and interview subjects and witnesses. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to gather and analyze electronic evidence. Ability to draft/edit, a variety of written reports especially with respect to the preparation of complex reports of investigation. Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations including good knowledge of the conditions prevailing in areas where the United Nations conducts peacekeeping missions. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional 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. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent degree) in data science, digital forensics, computer science, data Privacy, conflict or security studies, international criminal law or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Formal qualifications and/or certifications in investigations and analysis are an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years (seven for holders of a first-level university degree) of full-time progressively responsible experience in investigatory work is required. Experience in researching, collecting, analysing and verifying open source and social media is desirable. Experience with international tribunals or UN Investigative bodies is desirable. Experience in or on South / Central America is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Spanish UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

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

Special Notice

THIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2027 - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. - A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. - However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. - A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. - 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. - If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. - While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. - Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. - This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. - Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. - Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. 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.

United Nations Considerations