Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC

Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Specialist, Investigations Expert, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

This role will be instrumental in building the capacity of IJM staff and local justice actors and collaborating with IJM’s legal and aftercare teams to ensure comprehensive victim protection and perpetrator accountability. This position requires a commitment to IJM’s mission and values, exceptional investigative acumen, strategic vision, cross‑cultural sensitivity, and the ability to operate effectively in challenging contexts.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays) for candidates based in the Washington, DC area, or remote for non‑local candidates within the U.S. We will also consider applicants located in Colombia, Guatemala, or Peru, where IJM has operations. Candidates must have valid work authorization in one of these countries.

Please note:

• There is a strong preference for candidates based in the Washington, DC area.
• Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of IJM’s VAWC strategy in Latin America and Africa, aligning with global objectives.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and non‑governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance investigative impact and systemic change.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex VAWC investigations, ensuring best practices are applied and ethical standards are maintained.

• Support critical VAWC investigations, advising about evidence collection, witness interviews, suspect identification, and case building.
• Mentor and oversee the work of IJM ILED, ensuring high‑quality investigative outcomes.
• Develop and manage investigative budgets and resources for assigned cases and projects.
• Ensure compliance with IJM’s investigative protocols, legal requirements, and victim‑centered approaches.

• Support the LATAM and Africa regions in designing and delivering specialized training programs for local law enforcement and justice officials on VAWC investigation techniques, forensic evidence, victim interviewing, and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Provide, with the national projects, ongoing mentorship and technical assistance to partners to strengthen their capacity to independently investigate and prosecute VAWC crimes.
• Foster collaborative relationships with regional actors to promote systemic reform and effective responses to VAWC.

• Represent IJM at global forums, advocating for improved VAWC legislation, policies, and practices.
• Contribute to IJM’s external communications by providing insights and case studies to raise awareness and support for VAWC initiatives.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, International Relations, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in criminal investigation, law, or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in criminal investigations, with a significant focus on complex cases…