
Senior Lead Investigator
Position:
Senior Lead Investigator
Location:
Remote
Contract Type:
Contractor- international
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience
Term:
1 year
About Project Expedite Justice
Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with 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 according to 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 global south to participate in international rule-of-law-based nonprofit work.
The Opportunity: Senior Lead Investigator
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Lead Investigator to join our team supporting our humanitarian programs in Ukraine. The Senior Lead Investigator will work directly with PEJ’s senior management team to manage and implement the activities of Phase III and achieve the goals of the project. Under the overall supervision and strategic guidance of the Legal and Program Director (Ukraine), and the daily coordination of the Program Coordinator, the Senior Lead Investigator will be responsible in general for the implementation of the relevant project goals and more specifically for (1) the oversight of the lead and junior investigators, (2) the coordination with the analysis, data and legal teams of PEJ Ukraine Program and (3) the collaboration with external investigation partners and providers.
Key Responsibilities
The duties of the Senior Lead Investigator also include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:
Working with investigators to meet the project's goals and deliverables, including mentoring and supervision of field missions, witness screenings and interviews, evidence collection (HumInt, OSINT, documentary), preservation and consolidation, support and advice to victims’ communities for evidence collection and access to accountability avenues.
Establishing, together with the lead investigators, an investigation plan to collect evidence on the Russian State’s crimes, sanction violations, and in particular, the commission of pillage, starting from harvesting evidence to data consolidation and preservation, specifically from agrarian stakeholders, infrastructure operators and transportation actors.
Coordinating the field team activities, streamlining and prioritizing their work in accordance with the strategic guidance received, and overseeing the correct collection and preservation of evidence and relevant data in accordance with PEJ standard operating procedures and guidelines.
Leading the collection of evidence and fixation of losses for possible claims by the agrarian community.
Leading the harvest and consolidating evidence on grain movements to identify crime patterns.
Contribute to building cases, supporting national and foreign investigations, and preparing the factual basis for sanctions submissions in coordination with the Senior Legal Advisor.
Participating in capacity building and training for judicial and law enforcement authorities as required.
The Senior Lead Investigator will also participate as required in the following general PEJ activities:
PEJ organizational meetings.
Contribute to concept development, proposal writing, and other fundraising activities.
Conduct research and drafting analysis memoranda on a variety of issues to support partners; and
Contribute actively to regular reporting needs.
Report and document all activities related to the project or the organization.
Profile: Qualifications and Attributes
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Degree in International Law, International Development, or related field.
Minimum 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in international investigations, including experience in complex investigations involving human rights abuses, international crimes (e.g., war crimes, crimes against humanity), or transnational organized crime.
Proven experience leading and managing investigation teams, including mentoring and supervising junior investigators.
Demonstrated expertise in various evidence collection methodologies, including but not limited to:
Human Intelligence (HumInt) collection and analysis
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) collection and analysis
Documentary evidence collection and analysis
Digital evidence collection and analysis
Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to analyze complex information, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Excellent report writing and presentation skills with the ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex investigative findings.
Strong understanding of international human rights law, international criminal law, and relevant international legal frameworks.
Experience in project planning, budgeting, and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, international organizations, and government agencies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data analysis software, and relevant investigation tools.
Fluency in English (Ukrainian is a plus).
Strong ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team in a remote environment.
Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the Ukrainian context.
Commitment to PEJ's mission and values, including a passion for humanitarian work.
How to Apply:
Email recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org with "Application: Senior Lead Investigator" in the subject line, and attach:
CV/resume (maximum of two pages); and
Cover letter.
By submitting your application, you consent to a reference check, where we will contact up to three professional references you provide.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.