Board of Inquiry Officer

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Provide effective guidance and expertise to the Boards of Inquiry with greater emphasis on timely conclusion of Board’s activities within the specified timelines. Enhance collaborative efforts with key stakeholders such as Military, Police and Civilian Sections to ensure that the work of BOI is facilitated to promote dynamic and continuous learning. Facilitate continuous monitoring of the implementation of recommendations approved by the Head of Mission (HOM) to close identified gaps to improve Mission processes. Provide expert advice to Mission leadership on BOI related matters to identify gaps in procedures and policies, strengthen internal controls and improve financial and managerial accountability

• Liaise with relevant offices within the Civilian, Police, and Military components to obtain Investigation Reports and other pertinent documentation;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant counterparts and stakeholders, including the Force Provost Marshal, Chief Military Personnel Officer, Chief Force Police Unit, Office of the Force Commander, Military Legal Adviser, Chief Conduct and Discipline Officer, Chief Security Adviser, and Chief Medical Officer;
• Prior to the convening of a Board of Inquiry (BOI), review Investigation Reports and all relevant case documentation to identify gaps, inconsistencies, discrepancies, contradictions, and outstanding issues requiring clarification; identify relevant parties and witnesses for interview purposes;
• Confirm the availability of nominated Board members from the roster while ensuring the avoidance of any conflict of interest;
• Draft BOI Convening Orders and case-specific Terms of Reference for review and approval by the Section Chief, Office of Legal Affairs, Convening Authority, and Head of Mission;
• Ensure Board members receive the requisite legal and administrative briefings and administer Undertakings of Confidentiality;
• During BOI proceedings, serve in an advisory capacity to the Board by providing guidance in accordance with the Terms of Reference and applicable UN rules, regulations, directives, and administrative instructions, while ensuring proceedings remain focused on the matters under consideration;
• Provide comprehensive clerical, logistical, and communication support to Boards during proceedings;
• Participate in on-site visits and accurately record observations and findings;
• Coordinate and arrange witness interviews in advance to ensure witnesses and relevant parties are adequately prepared and able to refresh their recollection of the facts;
• Obtain Witness Attestations and record statements, ensuring all relevant questions are addressed; where necessary, advise the Chairperson and prepare finalized statements for review and signature;
• Monitor case progress to ensure compliance with established deadlines for submission of final reports in accordance with BOI Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Ensure that BOI reports demonstrate integrity, methodological soundness, and completeness, and that all lines of inquiry have been adequately explored;
• Ensure reports are well-structured, format-compliant, and clearly articulated;
• Ensure recommendations are practical, feasible, and implementable;
• Submit draft BOI Reports to the Office of Legal Affairs for review, comments, and/or approval;
• Where applicable, communicate comments and observations from the Office of Legal Affairs to Board members for further consideration;
• Upon approval by the Office of Legal Affairs, compile complete BOI case files, including annexes and signed Final BOI Reports, for review, comments, and/or approval by the Unit/Section Chief, Office of Legal Affairs, and Head of Mission;
• On behalf of the Head of Mission, draft transmittal memoranda to the Under-Secretary-General for Department of Support (USG/DOS), summarizing case facts with accuracy and ensuring high standards of grammar, coherence, chronology, tone, style, and format; prepare transmittal memoranda to relevant offices outlining the Board’s recommendations and requesting implementation;
• Follow up with relevant offices to ensure implementation of recommendations as directed by the Head of Mission;
• Upload finalized BOI case files into relevant databases, including the BOI Tracker;
• Notify the Conduct and Discipline Team where misconduct is established through a BOI process;
• Monitor and record the movement and circulation of BOI case files;
• Maintain a proactive, solution-oriented, and dynamic approach to managing assigned case portfolios and the Unit’s workload;
• Provide backup support during the absence of colleagues;
• Ensure timely, professional, and effective responses to enquiries;
• When working with or supervising national staff and non-governmental counterparts, dedicate time to capacity-building initiatives through coaching, mentoring, formal training, and on-the-job learning;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.