WITNESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT IN ARUSHA ~ Paradaise Today

WITNESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT IN ARUSHA

WITNESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT, FS4

Department/ Office:

International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Duty Station:

ARUSHA

Posting Period:2 September 2013-2 October 2013

Job Opening number: 13-ADM-RMT-30477-R-ARUSHA (R)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Witness Support and Protection (WISP) Unit, Office of the Registrar, Arusha Branch, Registry.

Responsibilities

Under the overall direction and supervision of the WISP Chief of Operations, the incumbent's major duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Ensure effective communication between witnesses appearing before the Mechanism and WISP staff members and calling parties (prosecution and defence) by translating/interpreting from Kinyarwanda into English or French and vice versa; provide other interpretation services, when and if required;

• Provide all required support services to witnesses/victims such as counseling, interpretation, and close support services, including emotional and comfort support, preparation for court appearance, and familiarization with court proceedings and equipment;

• Provide emotional and practical support to witnesses and victims during their time in Arusha; Ensure witnesses and victims welfare and physical comfort and report to Chief of Operations matters that require attention or action;

• Provide witnesses with the existing guidelines, procedures, policies and internal support regulations as regards their security, safety and well-being; report to WISP Chief of Operations any breach of the existing guidelines and regulations;

• Translate witness related documents into English or French to facilitate action by relevant WISP staff;

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism – Ability to implement witness support programmes and administrative functions. Knowledge of the Rwandan environment, culture and historical background is preferable. Ability to deal with witnesses in stressful circumstances and conditions. Demonstrated ability to use computer technology. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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.

• Client Orientation – Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• 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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Planning and Organising – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

University degree in Social Sciences, law, psychology, nursing or other related area or completion of secondary school and post secondary training in witness protection, social work, law, psychology, interpretation, nursing or other relevant areas in combination with qualifying experience.

Work Experience

A minimum of six (6) years of practical experience in witness support, social work, psychology, law or related areas, preferably in an international environment and a minimum of two (2) years of practical experience in consecutive translation and interpretation from Kinyarwanda to French and English and vice-versa.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the Mechanism. For the post advertised, fluency, oral and written, in English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other is required. Fluency in Kinyarwanda is required. Knowledge of Kiswahili is an asset.

Assessment Method

There will be a technical test and competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment is limited to the Mechanism. Appointment of the successful candidate on this position will be limited to the initial funding of the post. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. Appointments of staff members in the United Nations are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General. Staff Members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules and procedures, and may in this context be reassigned by the Secretary-General throughout the Organization based on the changing needs and mandates.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.