Witness Security Officer At Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office

Reporting Line:

The Witness Security Officer reports to the Head of the Operational and Witness Security Unit through the Witness Security and Handling Team Leader.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

· To implement necessary and adequate protection measures for potential witnesses and other entitled persons in the care of the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO);

· To implement and ensure compliance with SPO policies, protocols and Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) in conformity with EU policies and international standards of best practice;

· To liaise with the Registry’s Witness Protection and Support Office, as requested;

· To ensure necessary coordination at tactical level with other relevant authorities in accordance with SOPs;

· To implement operational plans for the provision of witness security and other associated witness security duties as required;

· To assist and provide subject matter expertise on SPO mission specific risk assessments and risk management plans;

· To advise on and conduct initial assessments of witnesses and other persons for protection purposes;

· To carry out risk and threat assessments on witnesses and related persons who may be under threat and complete reports suitable for submission in criminal proceedings;

· To work with the Security Team regarding threat/risk assessments as well as conduct operations in order to ensure a harmonised approach to risk mitigation for the security of SPO staff, witnesses, assets and information, as requested;

· To act as police;

· To undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Line Managers.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

· Successful completion of University studies of at least three (3) years attested by a diploma OR a qualification in the National Qualifications Framework which is equivalent to level 6 in the European Qualifications Framework OR a qualification of the first cycle under the framework of qualifications of the European Higher Education Area e.g. Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent and attested police or/and military education or training or an award of an equivalent rank

AND

· A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience, after having fulfilled the education requirements.

Specification of Education and Experience

· The above mentioned University degree must be in at least one of the following fields of expertise: Law, Police, Military or Security Science or other related university studies;

· Experience in tactical response to incidents;

· Demonstrable knowledge of operational security and sound judgement;

· Thorough knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment, the use of secure communications devices and software, and simple maintenance of all issued electronic equipment;

· Willingness/preparedness to undertake extensive duty traveling on short notice;

· Tact, accuracy and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information;

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, both written and oral;

· Ability to work productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and produce accurate work under pressure and in difficult circumstances;

· Ability to build trust and establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and/or cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity;

· Authorised to carry and issued a personal weapon if seconded or be prepared to be trained in their use, if contracted;

· Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity; ability to promote an inclusive working environment and integrate a gender perspective into tasks and responsibilities.

Desirable

· Experience in the provision of witness protection at an international level in war crimes/organised crime/terrorism cases;

· Demonstrable knowledge of witness protection programs;

· Demonstrable experience of issues related to the victims of serious criminal offences;

· Ability to analyse, select, check and integrate diverse information from varied sources;

· Ability to operate with strong respect for diversity;

· Trained in firearms;

· International experience, particularly in crisis areas with multi-national and international organisations;

· Knowledge of the Albanian and/or Serbian language.