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 Situational Team Leader, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Provides psychosocial support to protection programme participants in a fully-coordinated manner within the framework of the management plan;
• Implements, monitors and reports on management plans created for each participant, takes coordinated measures to prepare participants for permanent relocation in third countries and ensures the completeness of case records;
• Transfers ICCPP participants to the place of permanent relocation, liaises with the relevant authorities in the receiving countries and takes coordinated measures involving training, skills development, formal education and other forms of practical assistance to prepare participants for their permanent relocation;
• Conducts, under the guidance of the Psychologist at the Headquarters, psychosocial assessments on persons referred to the ICCPP, completes respective reports on and makes recommendations to the management plans for such persons;
• Conducts psychosocial, vulnerability and needs assessments relating to support referrals received by the Team Leader and ensures implementation of subsequent support measures approved by the Senior Manager;
• Provides psychosocial preparation and practical assistance necessary to facilitate the testimony of witnesses who either travel to the Court or appear via video link in the field;
• Establishes a network of service providers including national, international and civil society service providers in the medical, health care, mental health and social fields in the operational areas;
• Provides training and advice to VWS and Court staff on trauma, sexual and gender based violence, vulnerable witnesses and psychosocial support required by 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, respects the interests of the witness and acts impartially when cooperating with all parties.

The incumbent, prior to commencing his/her duties, is required to sign a confidentiality agreement with the VWS.

The Chief VWS may redeploy the incumbent and/or the post either temporarily or permanently to another duty station pending the operational requirements of the VWS.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

Advanced university degree in Clinical/ Forensic Psychology or other related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience is accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience (four years with a first-level university degree) in counselling and support of victims of crime and vulnerable persons including assessment and diagnostic skills;
• Proven expertise and experience to assess specific vulnerabilities and distress, make appropriate referrals and to work with clients from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds including vulnerable persons such as victims of sexual violence, children, the elderly and the disabled;
• Work experience in a conflict or post conflict context and/or criminal courts is desirable;
• Expertise in assessing the suitability of persons for inclusion in a witness protection programme is desirable;
• Experience in the administration, implementation and management of support programmes is desirable;
• Understanding and exposure to witness protection programmes is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to deal effectively with victims and witnesses in stressful situations, particularly with those who have suffered trauma;
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and organisational skills;
• Ability to maintain both internal and external relationships at operational level in matters relevant to the victims/witnesses support and other assistance;
• Knowledge of the legal framework of the Court;
• 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;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a keen attention to operational details.

Knowledge of Languages:

Proficiency in one of the working languages of the Court, English or French, is required. Working knowledge of the other is an asset.  Knowledge of another official language of the Court (Chinese, Spanish) would be considered an asset.  Knowledge of Arabic will be considered an asset.