What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC position at International Justice Mission?
Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC
Who We Are
International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.
We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.
The Need
For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Specialist, Investigations Expert, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
This role will be instrumental in building the capacity of IJM staff and local justice actors and collaborating with IJM’s legal and aftercare teams to ensure comprehensive victim protection and perpetrator accountability. This position requires a commitment to IJM’s mission and values, exceptional investigative acumen, strategic vision, cross-cultural sensitivity, and the ability to operate effectively in challenging contexts.
This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays) for candidates based in the Washington, DC area, or remote for non-local candidates within the U.S. We will also consider applicants located in Colombia, Guatemala, or Peru, where IJM has operations. Candidates must have valid work authorization in one of these countries.
Please note:
- There is a strong preference for candidates based in the Washington, DC area.
- Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
- Contribute to the development and implementation of IJM’s VAWC strategy in Latin America and Africa, aligning with global objectives.
- Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance investigative impact and systemic change.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on complex VAWC investigations, ensuring best practices are applied and ethical standards are maintained.
Investigative Casework & Oversight
- Support critical VAWC investigations, advising about evidence collection, witness interviews, suspect identification, and case building.
- Mentor and oversee the work of IJM ILED, ensuring high-quality investigative outcomes.
- Develop and manage investigative budgets and resources for assigned cases and projects.
- Ensure compliance with IJM’s investigative protocols, legal requirements, and victim-centered approaches.
Capacity Building & Training
- Support the LATAM and Africa Regions in designing and delivering specialized training programs for local law enforcement and justice officials on VAWC investigation techniques, forensic evidence, victim interviewing, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Provide, with the national projects, ongoing mentorship and technical assistance to partners to strengthen their capacity to independently investigate and prosecute VAWC crimes.
- Foster collaborative relationships with regional actors to promote systemic reform and effective responses to VAWC.
Advocacy & Communications
- Represent IJM at global forums, advocating for improved VAWC legislation, policies, and practices.
- Contribute to IJM’s external communications by providing insights and case studies to raise awareness and support for VAWC initiatives.
- Prepare detailed investigative reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, International Relations, Human Rights, or a related field.
- Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in criminal investigation, law, or related discipline preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in criminal investigations, with a significant focus on complex cases involving sexual violence, child abuse, intimate partner violence and homicide.
- Extensive experience working within law enforcement agencies (police, intelligence, or similar) at a senior level, with demonstrated leadership in investigations.
- Experience working with civil society organizations who work with justice systems or in communities to create safe environments.
- Proven experience in training and mentoring other investigators or law enforcement personnel.
- Experience working in Latin America, Africa or other developing contexts, with a strong understanding of cultural nuances and justice system challenges.
- Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) is required.
- Exceptional investigative and analytical skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize complex information.
- Strong legal knowledge related to criminal justice, human rights, and VAWC legislation.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in case management software and investigative tools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Critical Qualities:
- Demonstrates humility, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control in all aspects of work, and is a servant leader.
- Self-starter with strong initiative.
- Disciplined with priorities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication.
- Exceptional trainer and public speaker.
- Flexible, collaborative and eager to support others.
- Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment.
- Adept at creative problem solving.
Application Process:
Upload Resume, Cover Letter & required documents in one PDF document.
What does IJM have to offer?
- Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits
- Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area
- Retirement benefit options
- Paid leave starting at 23 days
- 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)
- Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation
- Robust staff care resources
IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.
At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.
IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.