Investigator (preferably based in Ukraine)

About Project Expedite Justice

Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with a 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation.

PEJ's mission is to use all available legal options to seek justice for individuals inadequately protected under the law, who cannot access legal resources, and who are exploited by governments, corporations, or others.

PEJ applies a novel, victim-centered approach to addressing mass atrocities. PEJ's 3-step model includes training, mentoring, and providing independent legal consulting. We partner with and train local lawyers and investigators to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence in accordance with international legal standards. Without evidence, there can be no accountability. We further build local capabilities and advance the justice process through case-specific mentoring and strategic guidance to local legal practitioners and investigators. Finally, we partner with local NGOs, pro bono law firms, and legal clinics to represent victims of international crimes and serious human rights abuses in court or alternative judicial mechanisms.

PEJ has projects in several countries. Our inclusive team includes people working remotely from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. We are deeply committed to increasing opportunities for lawyers and other human rights defenders from the global majority or the Global South to participate in international rule-of-law-based nonprofit work. People from countries in the global majority are encouraged to apply for this role.

The Opportunity: Investigator

The Investigator, reporting directly to the Project Lead, supports justice actors from four oblasts by strengthening investigative planning and evidence development for war crimes and crimes against humanity cases. Based in Ukraine (preferably), the Investigator provides hands-on mentoring on investigative steps, interview planning, evidence prioritization, and field-ready workflows under conflict-affected conditions.

The Investigator supports in-person mentorship missions and day-to-day case assistance, ensuring investigative actions translate into organized, usable evidentiary records. The role also contributes practical case-based examples to inform Justice Bootcamp exercises and standardized guidance for the Digital Justice Hub.

About the Project

The Justice Bootcamps project is a national program designed to strengthen police, prosecutors, Ukraine Security Services (SSU), and judges (hereinafter, “justice actors”) practices across four frontline oblasts, where more war crimes reports have been recorded. This initiative delivers targeted workshops, providing technical assistance and operational support directly to justice actors handling war crimes and crimes against humanity cases. PEJ’s approach leads to immediate, targeted skill-building that increases capacity and equips frontline justice actors to prosecute Russian international crimes.

The project is structured around two mutually reinforcing goals: (1) strengthening frontline police, prosecutorial, and judicial capacity through intensive, practical Bootcamps and ongoing expert support; and (2) institutionalizing knowledge and skills within Ukrainian justice institutions to promote long-term sustainability, professional development, and interagency cooperation. Recognizing that needs vary across oblasts, the project tailors its activities to address priority challenges in each participating region. Through a practical “learn-by-doing” methodology, Justice Bootcamps supports justice actors to strengthen their ability to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate war crimes and crimes against humanity, helping ensure meaningful access to justice for survivors in Ukraine.

Key Deliverables:

• Investigative planning and mentoring support provided to justice actors.

• Recommendations on evidence development, prioritization, and investigative strategy.

• Structured investigative workflows and practical tools developed and shared.

• Technical inputs supporting mentorship missions and Bootcamp delivery.

• Contributions to Digital Justice Hub resources and instructional materials.

• Lessons learned and field observations documented and incorporated into project activities.

• Investigative activities, including gathering evidence and drafting investigative reports, for PEJ’s own investigations, completed in accordance with international standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Investigative Support and Case Development

• Provide practical guidance to justice actors on investigative planning for war crimes and crimes against humanity cases.

• Support justice actors in identifying investigative priorities and evidence collection strategies.

• Advise on witness interviews, interview planning, investigative sequencing, and evidence development approaches.

• Assist in identifying evidentiary gaps and recommending investigative actions to address them.

• Promote practical investigative methodologies adapted to conflict-affected environments.
  

Mentorship and Technical Assistance

• Participate in mentorship missions and provide practical support to justice actors using a learn-by-doing approach.

• Work closely with investigators, analysts, and OSINT specialists to integrate evidence into coherent legal case files.

• Support the development and delivery of practical case-based assistance activities.

• Contribute examples and lessons learned to strengthen mentoring approaches.

Justice Bootcamp Support

• Prepare practical investigative content, examples, and case studies for Bootcamp activities, and deliver training as needed.

• Support development of investigative tools, templates, and instructional materials.

• Identify recurring investigative challenges and training needs emerging from case assistance.

• Contribute to Digital Justice Hub resources and guidance materials.

Organizational Engagement and Reporting

• Participate in relevant team meetings and reporting coordination calls.

• Maintain records of technical assistance and mentorship activities.

• Contribute to project reports, lessons learned exercises, and knowledge management initiatives.

• Support proposal development, concept notes, and fundraising materials as needed.

• Support other project-related activities and responsibilities as assigned.