Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC

International Justice Mission
  • Location
    Washington, D.C.
  • Sector
    Non Profit
  • Experience
    Mid Career
  • Posted
    Today
  • Location Type
    Onsite

Position description

InternationalJustice Mission (IJM)is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at workworldwideinover30offices. Together we areon a missiontorescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve.We provide professional excellencewithjoy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

Forover25 years, IJM has pioneered the workto protectvulnerable people from violence.9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% forvery largepopulations of people in poverty.As we grow to expand our impact toprotect 500 million people from violence, weareseekingaSpecialist, Investigations Expert, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

This role will be instrumental in building the capacity of IJM staff and local justice actors and collaborating with IJM’s legal and aftercare teams to ensure comprehensive victim protection and perpetrator accountability. This position requires a commitment to IJM’s mission and values, exceptional investigative acumen, strategic vision, cross-cultural sensitivity, and the ability tooperateeffectively in challenging contexts.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays) for candidates based in the Washington, DC area, or remote for non-local candidates within the U.S. We will also consider applicants located in Colombia, Guatemala, or Peru, where IJM has operations. Candidates must have valid work authorization in one of these countries.

Please note:

      • There is a strong preference for candidates based in the Washington, DC area.
      • Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of IJM’s VAWC strategy in Latin America and Africa, aligning with globalobjectives.

  • Identifyopportunities for strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, andnon-governmental organizations (NGOs)to enhance investigative impact and systemic change.

  • Provide expert advice and guidance on complex VAWC investigations, ensuring best practices areappliedand ethical standards aremaintained.

Investigative Casework & Oversight

  • Support critical VAWC investigations,advising aboutevidence collection, witness interviews, suspect identification, and case building.

  • Mentor and oversee the work of IJM ILED, ensuring high-quality investigative outcomes.

  • Develop and manage investigative budgets and resources for assigned cases and projects.

  • Ensure compliance with IJM’s investigative protocols, legal requirements, and victim-centered approaches.

Capacity Building & Training

  • Support the LATAM and Africa Regions in designing and delivering specialized training programs for local law enforcement and justice officials on VAWC investigation techniques, forensic evidence, victim interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches.

  • Provide, with thenational projects, ongoingmentorshipand technicalassistanceto partners to strengthen their capacity to independently investigate and prosecute VAWC crimes.

  • Foster collaborative relationships with regional actors to promote systemic reform and effective responses to VAWC.

Advocacy & Communications

  • Represent IJM at global forums, advocating for improved VAWC legislation, policies, and practices.

  • Contribute to IJM’s external communications by providing insights and case studies to raise awareness and support for VAWC initiatives.

  • Prepare detailed investigative reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, International Relations, Human Rights, ora related field.

  • Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in criminal investigation, law, or related discipline preferred.

  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in criminal investigations, with a significant focus on complex cases involving sexual violence, child abuse, intimate partnerviolenceand homicide.

  • Extensive experience working within law enforcement agencies (police, intelligence, or similar) at a senior level, withdemonstratedleadership in investigations.

  • Experience working with civil society organizations who work with justice systems or in communities to create safe environments.

  • Proven experience in training and mentoring other investigators or law enforcement personnel.

  • Experience working in Latin America,Africaor other developing contexts, with a strong understanding of cultural nuances and justice system challenges.

  • Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) isrequired.

  • Exceptional investigative and analytical skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize complex information.

  • Strong legal knowledge related to criminal justice, human rights, and VAWC legislation.

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural negotiation skills.

  • Proficiencyin case management software and investigative tools.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Critical Qualities:

  • Demonstrates humility, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control in all aspects of work, and is a servant leader.

  • Self-starter with stronginitiative.

  • Disciplined withpriorities.

  • Strong interpersonal skills andself-awareness.

  • Exceptional verbal and writtencommunication.

  • Exceptional trainer and public speaker.

  • Flexible,collaborativeand eager to supportothers.

  • Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment.

  • Adept at creative problem solving.

ApplicationProcess:

Upload Resume, CoverLetter& required documents inone PDF document.

What does IJM have to offer?

  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

  • Monthly commuter and parking benefitsin the DC metro area

  • Retirement benefitoptions

  • Paid leave starting at23 days

  • 12holidays (plusearly releasethe day prior)

  • Daily, quarterly,and annual community spiritual formation

  • Robust staff care resources

Application instructions

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