Field Assistant (Outreach) (G-5)

Organisational Context

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division of External Operations, the Public Information and Outreach Section (PIOS) ensures that the ICC’s proceedings are accessible to the public; raises awareness; and promotes an understanding about the Court’s mandate and activities with the ultimate goal of getting support. It does so in relation to a number of target audiences across the globe, mainly encompassing international press and media; victims and communities affected by crimes within the jurisdiction before the Court; and key stakeholders such as legal communities, academics and non-governmental organisations. PIOS achieves its objectives through the use of a variety of communication means including media, press releases and the production of other publications and audio-visual materials as well as through the ICC website and social media platforms. PIOS is also responsible for the organisation of campaigns, events, and visits ranging from general groups to high profile visitors. It consists of four units: Public Affairs Unit; Protocol, Events and Visits Unit; Outreach Unit and Audio-Visual Production Unit.

In accordance with Regulation 5 bis of the Regulations of the Registry, interaction with victims and the communities affected by the crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction is a critical function of the Outreach Unit, with a view to making the ICC’s work accessible and meaningful to the concerned populations. To this end, the Outreach Unit employs appropriate communication tools and strategies, such as consultation and town-hall meetings, radio and television programmes, leaflets, booklets, posters and videos.

One part of the staff of the Outreach Unit is based at the Court’s seat in The Hague, Netherlands, while other members of the Unit are based in the ICC’s country offices in situation countries. This post is located in the ICC’s country office in Bunia, DRC. The Bunia office is going through a downsizing, as a result of which its staffing will in 2025 is expected to consist of national staff only, representing a residual field presence. 
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Within this framework and under the supervision of one of the staff members of the Outreach Unit based in the ICC’s headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
•    Support in the designing and implementation of outreach strategies and action plans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and in particular the Ituri Province, during various stages of proceedings in the cases related to the DRC situation.
•    Work closely with other ICC staff members based in the Bunia field office, particularly those belonging to the Victims’ Participation and Reparation Section (VPRS) or the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), as the VPRS and TFV are key actors in specific stages of the ICC’s proceedings and, as such, key partners of PIOS.
•    Conduct outreach activities with the victims and affected communities and other stakeholders relevant to the stages of the judicial proceedings.
•    Compile and process information related to strategic planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation of outreach activities.
•    Assist in establishing strategic partnerships with NGOs, community leaders, the media and academic institutions to promote understanding of the mandate of the Court and its judicial proceedings.
•    Provide administrative and logistical support, to the Outreach Unit including on human resources, budget preparation and monitoring of expenditures, procurement, security and official travel.
•    Perform other duties as required.
 

Essential Qualifications

Education:

Diploma of secondary education.

Experience:

•    A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in outreach or public information, external relations, administration, international relations or other related fields.  An advanced or a first-level university degree may be considered as a substitute for two years’ working experience only to determine eligibility.
•    Experience at an international level is desirable.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

•    Excellent organisational, interpersonal, communication and administrative skills. Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks.
•    Ability to detect and prevent potential communication problems based on analysis.
•    Ability to propose solutions to problems including contingency situations that typically involve resource planning and gaining the cooperation of others.
•    Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
•    Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Knowledge of languages:

English and French are the two working languages of the Court. For this post, fluency in French is required, while working knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of Swahili is highly desirable. Knowledge of Lingala, or another language spoken in the Ituri Province, would be considered an asset. Knowledge of another official language of the Court (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) would be considered an asset.