Investigator / Digital Forensic Investigator (TJO)

About the role

This is a temporary Investigator / Digital Forensic Investigator position (TJO) based within the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, established under Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/63/24. The incumbent works under the overall guidance of the Fact-Finding Mission coordinator and the direct supervision of the Investigations Team Leader. The position is open until 31 December 2027, subject to availability of funds.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct digital investigations on allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian or criminal law, in line with the Fact-Finding Mission's mandate and OHCHR methodologies.
• Analyse multi-source datasets (testimonial, documentary, open source) and draw preliminary conclusions.
• Collect and analyse electronic and digital evidence, including social networking sites, and help assess credibility and reliability.
• Verify open-source digital content such as audio, images, videos and geo-location, including forensic examinations, and record results.
• Preserve digital material in line with applicable standards and protocols for evidentiary material.
• Advise the Mission on the use of open-source material in investigations, analysis and reports, and propose tools to analyse and present complex data sets.
• Ensure investigation documentation is handled, stored and preserved safely, and integrate gender perspectives into all work.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in data science, digital forensics, computer science, data privacy, conflict or security studies, international criminal law or a related field; a first-level degree plus two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted instead.
• At least five years of full-time, progressively responsible experience in investigatory work (seven years for a first-level degree holder); experience with open-source and social media research, international tribunals or UN investigative bodies, and in South/Central America is desirable.
• English and Spanish at UN Level II reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Required skills

• Knowledge of research methodologies, data standardisation, management and analysis tools, and proficiency in investigation software.
• Ability to gather and analyse electronic evidence, draft complex investigation reports and interview witnesses.
• Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities.