Evidence & Case Officer

Brief description of the organization

Yazda Iraq is a local organization registered in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It operates as a subsidiary of the global Yazda organization and adheres to the same mission: supporting vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by genocide and mass atrocities. In Iraq/KRI, Yazda implements programs focused on advocacy, legal assistance, humanitarian aid, and community and survivor empowerment initiatives. The Country Director leads these efforts, ensuring they align with organizational goals and respond effectively to local needs.

Background

The Documentation Program was launched in October 2015 to document the genocide committed against the Yazidis. Since then, the Documentation team has been collecting evidence in the form of witness and survivor interviews and documenting crime scenes in and around Sinjar, Nineveh Province, where the genocide took place. The mandate of the project is to build an accurate historical record and evidence base to support prosecutions, transitional justice mechanisms, advocacy and accountability for the crimes committed by ISIL against Yazidis.

Job Purpose

The Investigations Officer will support the mandate of the program by gathering evidence and documentation on crimes committed by ISIL. The role includes conducting survivor interviews, documenting crime scenes, translating evidentiary materials, reviewing and redacting survivor statements, and contributing to the preparation of documentation for accountability processes.

Main Responsibilities

• Investigate, document, and collect evidence on crimes committed by ISIL against the Yazidi population, including war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and sexual violence.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and survivors using a survivor-centred and trauma-informed approach.
• Conduct field missions to document crime scenes, including GPS locations, kill sites, mass graves, captivity sites, and destroyed cultural sites.
• Accurately record all information from interviews and field missions using established documentation tools and store it securely in the evidence database.
• Translate survivor testimonies, witness statements, and evidentiary materials between Shingali‑Kurmanji, Arabic, and English.
• Provide interpretation during interviews, meetings, and workshops when required.
• Review translated materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with the original documentation.
• Review and redact survivor statements and evidentiary materials to protect sensitive information and ensure safe sharing with accountability actors.
• Work with the Legal Advocacy Team and Analyst to support evidence analysis and case development.
• Conduct open‑source research to triangulate and strengthen evidence.
• Coordinate with the Yazidi community, NGOs, UN agencies, and authorities to facilitate investigations.
• Support survivor‑centred excavation and exhumation processes where required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and follow Yazda’s Code of Conduct and internal SOPs.
• Produce accurate activity reports and support donor reporting requirements.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and capacity‑building activities.
• Carry out other duties assigned by the Investigations Coordinator or Project Manager.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, history or a related discipline.

Work Experience

• Prior experience in an NGO or international organization is an asset.
• Experience documenting human rights violations or conflict‑related crimes is desirable.
• Experience in translation or interpretation between Kurmanji, Arabic and English is required.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of survivor‑centered and 'do no harm' principles.
• Ability to conduct trauma‑informed interviews.
• Ability to review and redact sensitive documentation.
• Experience using digital cameras and documentation tools.
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Office.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Arabic.
• Fluency in Kurmanji‑Shingali dialect.
• Fluency in English.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills and integrity.
• Ability to work with diverse communities.
• Ability to prioritize work, multi‑task and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel for field missions.

Applications from female candidates are strongly encouraged.

Interested applicants must send their CV and Cover letter to jobs@yazda.org with a subject “Evidence & Case Officer- JV24226“

Important Notes:

1. When applying, please specify the possible start date and Salary expectation. 

2. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements or are submitted after the closing date may not be considered. The interview process may include a technical written test.

3. Due to the urgency of this position, the vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline indicated.

4. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the posting period