Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a temporary Senior Officer to assist Ethiopia’s Reconciliation Commission to provide overall technical assistance for the Commission’s work in collaboration with the Project Management Commissioner within the Reconciliation Commission.

The anticipated dates for this assignment are March 1 to April 15, 2020.

Position Background:

The Investigative Committee is one of the five key committees of the Reconciliation Commission that is charged with ensuring that the investigation of human rights abuses that are within the scope of the Commission’s mandate is done in a professional, credible and independent manner. The final report of the Commission to be issued to the Government and its citizens is centrally dependent on the work of the Investigative Committee. Accordingly, the professional head of the Investigative Committee will handle multiple tasks. 

Reporting & Supervision:

The Senior Officer will report to Evidence Gathering and Investigation Committee Chair.

Expected Outcomes:

• Prepare the “Technical Manual and Guidelines of the Investigation” (Ex: Prepare technical details of what, why, when, how and from where the evidence can be gathered);
• Prepare the code of conduct and protocols for the investigation;
• Prepare a document/s compiling applicable laws (human rights, Penal, Civil, and customary practice) relevant to the investigation and provide advice on its implementation;
• Inform on best practices for the web-based witness protection system as well as evidence analysis techniques;
• Provide guidance on best practices for the coordination of the investigation with existing legal authorities (Law Enforcement Authorities/Courts);
• Prepare the stakeholders memorandum of understanding template, on matters of investigation, to be signed by some entities (eg: Red Cross and other organizations which possess evidence);
• Supervise the implementation of the investigation part of the strategic plan that is currently under development by the Commission; and
• Perform any other relevant task assigned by the commissioners in the committee.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design strategies, systems and structures that support the realization of the missions and visions of the Commission and ensure their smooth functioning;
• Provide effective joint planning and development of the Commission’s manual;
• Develop the investigation code of conduct;
• Ensure the appropriate application of laws in relation to investigation and evidence gathering tasks;
• Support guidance on investigations and coordination;
• Draft Memorandum of Understandings on investigative matters; and
• Support strategic planning development of the committee.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Law, Human Rights, Criminology, or related field and/or a bachelor’s degree with ten years of experience;
• At least five (5) years of direct experience working with similar commissions and/or human rights organizations, preferably in a relevant field such as gross human rights violations, transitional justice, legal reform, or governance;
• Written and spoken fluency in Amharic and English;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally with high-level government officials, project staff, and other beneficiaries; and
• Experience working in Ethiopia and with Ethiopian government institutions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a teamwork environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)