DETENTION ADVISER

Purpose of the post

Detention Advisor for treatment of people deprived of their liberty in key thematic area, visit methodology & associated ICRC professional tools

Main responsibilities

In line with the ICRC institutional frameworks (2011 Detention Framework & 2015 Access Framework), contribute to improve the ICRC's ability to analyse and understand detention as a whole and provide analytical, conceptual and methodological means to carry out strategic decision making and substantial and pertinent programmes on behalf of persons deprived of their liberty.

In relation to the above Issues, contribute to common Unit objectives by:

Building a conducive environment for exchange and analysis of information and data at local, regional and global levels, optimizing field resources and expertise especially by proactively contributing to optimizing workflows through the adequate use of institutional tools (shared spaces, other collaborative platforms) for teamwork

Developing thematic analysis linking the local, regional and global operational levels, and contributing to ICRC research and policy documents, and external discourse;

Developing and utilising tools to facilitate the institution’s strategic decision-making process (Business Intelligence through evaluation frameworks, dashboards, maps, stakeholder mapping, etc.) especially at the level of the Regions and above;

Identifying gaps in internal instruments and, as relevant, strategizing their development, adaptation, consolidation and updating (policy, guidance, training, etc.);

Organising and providing the detention input for relevant ICRC trainings (institutional and specialised) in close coordination with other concerned colleagues;

Specific tasks

Detention files followed

1- Missing, Disappearances, Torture and other forms of ill treatment with a focus on Early stages of detention: in temporary place, investigation, police detention and first place of permanent detention / Post release support including support to victims of ill treatment (Within partnership with DP_FAS/MAG / OP_PROT_MISSING and other as needed)

• Contribute to enhancing ICRC capacities to address related humanitarian issues in line with its institutional objectives by proposing strategic improvements to the ways these issues are  addressed and/or prioritized and/or promoted and/or mainstreamed in activities

2- International Tribunal and International Criminal Courts

• Ensure institutional and operational coherence of the ICRC’s approach to the file from a detention / protection point of view by identifying points of strength and for improvement;
• Ensure a collaborative and coordinated approach to IT/ICC requests through persuasion and in drafting/updating guidelines, technical input concerning specific detention matters affecting the ICTs, and other forms of interactions with the ICTs;
• Participate in HQ relevant institutional follow-up of this file, (International Justice Working Group, Roundtables with the ICTs and to the Assembly of State Parties, etc.)

3- Detention by Peace Keeping Forces Operations

• Together with NYC, keep abreast of detention related aspects in relation with peace operations (both operational and policy / regulatory framework);
• In close coordination with the NYC Delegate in charge and the HOU for regulatory matters, ensure inclusion of detention issues within the ICRC dialogue with DPKO (at NY, missions or TCC levels);

4- Non-State armed groups (With OP_DIR_GLOB and OP_PROT_GLOB):

• Provide DET input in the internal working group on Non-State Armed groups;
• Promote the need for, and support to, delegations in engaging with Non-State Armed groups on detention, both preventively and reactively, including guidance on simultaneous and unilateral release when applicable to NSAGs in line with the institutional position;
• Ensure a coherent and protective approach to Networking in Detention, safeguarding ICRC’s perception and credibility in detention

Methodology related to the detention visit and ICRC professional tools

• Within the Detention community and in coordination with relevant units, promote and ensures up to date and adequate ICRC methodologies on approaches and responses in detention in general (AoA/AoD, organisation of detention visits, registration, IWW/EST, follow up, check-RL)
• Conduct of the visit
• Relations with the detainees, authorities
• Interviews without witness,
• Family links in detention
• Registration and individual follow up;
• Information management: Detention aspects of the Protection Office, PROT 6;
• Reporting and quality of reporting

Competencies and profile required

• University degree (minimum Master Degree), preferably in Human Rights Law, IHL, Civil and Penal Law, Social or Political Sciences,
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience including minimum 4 years working with the ICRC in Detention
• Demonstrated ICRC experience in detention related issues and extended knowledge of the main trends (problems, actors, debates, etc.) to adapt to a team of experts,
• Excellent networking, representation and communication skills collecting, analyzing and communicating information in an adapted format to various audiences,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, French and additional languages an asset
• A strong sense of empathy, but also an excellent team player,
• Demonstrated and confirmed ability to work transversally with a number of different units acting with along their respective perspective,       
• Confirmed ability to convene, facilitate and energize teams and projects,     
• Be self-learner, a demonstrated capacity to work in autonomy and be able to take initiative, with a strong organizational skills,
• Confirmed strong analytical skills with experience in conducting researches at both policy and operational levels,

Skills desired

• Previous work experience with a Detaining Authority, within the Judicial System or an International Company or Organization in related fields an asset,
• Outward looking: knowledge of key actors in detention advocacy, humanitarian stakeholders and architecture including the  International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement,
• Demonstrated self-awareness oriented toward both career development and fulfilling organization objectives,
• Previous experience and skills in public speaking and presentation techniques an asset,
• Computer-literate: Outstanding knowledge and practice of MS Word, LN, SharePoint, Internet, mind mapping, Visio or other mapping tools, etc.
• Previous experience in conducting evidence based projects/research and data management (collection/transmission and essentially analysis) an asset,
• Able to work well under pressure and to adapt to changing priorities,
• Very dynamic and with a solid sense of responsibility.
• Creative and innovation thinker with a proven interest or skill in new technologies / social media and collaborative work,
• Demonstrated strong experience in project management (project design, project cycle, Monitoring and Evaluation),

Additional Information

Contract : 2 years mobile contract renewable once, based in Geneva

Starting date: October or November 1st