Evidence Analyst

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

• Review and analyze survivor statements, witness testimonies, and evidentiary materials to identify key facts, timelines, and links between perpetrators, crimes, and locations.
• Support the development of case files by synthesizing documentation and evidence collected by the Documentation project.
• Assist in drafting analytical reports, case briefs, and responses to requests from judicial authorities, international mechanisms, and legal partners.
• Provide analytical guidance and support to documentation staff involved in evidence collection, translation, and redaction of survivor statements.
• Conduct open-source and contextual research to support evidence analysis and case-building efforts.
• Support the preparation and submission of documentation to national and international accountability mechanisms.
• Review documentation and evidence to ensure compliance with internal procedures, documentation standards, and evidentiary requirements.
• Provide written translation and interpretation (Shingali-Kurmanji, Arabic, English) where required to support analysis and documentation activities.
• Ensure strict confidentiality and compliance with Yazda’s Code of Conduct, internal procedures, and donor requirements.
• Contribute to internal coordination, reporting, and external engagement activities as required.

Professional Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Law, International Law, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field (Master’s degree is an asset).

Work Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in evidence analysis, documentation, legal analysis, investigations, or related fields.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing survivor statements and evidentiary materials.
• Experience supporting case development or legal advocacy processes is an asset.
• Experience providing translation or interpretation between Shingali-Kurmanji, Arabic, and English is an asset.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of survivor-centered and 'do no harm' principles.
• Ability to analyze documentation and identify relevant evidentiary elements.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and securely handle sensitive information.
• Experience using digital recording tools, cameras, and secure data management systems.
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to conduct basic open-source research is an asset.

Language Requirements (Mandatory)

• Fluency (oral and written) in Shingali-Kurmanji dialect.
• Fluency in Arabic.
• Fluency in English (oral and written).

Applications from female candidates are strongly encouraged.

Interested applicants must send their CV and Cover letter to jobs@yazda.org with a subject “Evidence Analyst- JV24326“

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