Background:
It has been over a decade after the end of the conflict in Kosovo, and evidence on the incidence of sexual violence related to that conflict, remains anecdotal. Because women in Kosovo only reluctantly spoke of sexual violence, it is widely believed that the cases documented in selected reports represent only a fraction of the incidents of sexual violence which occurred. The culture of stigmatization and exclusion of survivors by their own communities and family members which is associated with rape further complicated the documentation efforts. NGOs which provided limited counseling and medical services to survivors, very often reported that the trauma was still prevalent and women were never able to have adequate access to justice. Very often NGOs reported that survivors were never able to restore their family and social life.
The institutional neglect of survivors of sexual violence related to conflict, as well as post-conflict traumas represent a serious concern, and it results in lack of adequate access to justice and social services. During the past period there was no efficient investigation and prosecution which combined with weak witness protection and no appropriate attention to the specific needs of women and girls, prevented survivors from approaching the justice system. In addition, while other categories of conflict-related survivors are entitled to different benefit schemes, survivors of sexual violence remain unrecognized, therefore excluded from any form of compensation.
Competencies
- Expertise in designing victim-centered and gender-sensitive methodologies and approaches on sexual violence related research.
- Proven ability to interview survivors and members of affected communities of different ethnic backgrounds.
- Knowledge and demonstrated practice of ethical processes to ensure confidentiality of interviewees.
- Proven negotiation skills and ability to establish effective and sensitive working relations with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and
social backgrounds.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master’s in Law, Social Sciences, Forensic Psychology, International Relations, or other relevant disciplines.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of professional international experience in conducting research on war crimes or related fields, analysis, and report
writing.
- Professional experience in International Human Rights Law with a specific focus on Gender-based violence
- Knowledge or work experience of the Kosovo context or the region is an asset.
- Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS etc).
Languages:
- Proficiency in English language.
- Knowledge of Albanian and Serbian is an asset.
Deadline: 1 May 2012
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