Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC

About International Justice Mission (IJM)

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

For over 25 years, IJM pioneers 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 by 50–85% for large populations of people in poverty. As we expand 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.

Position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays) for Washington, DC area candidates, or remote for non-local U.S. candidates. Applicants in Colombia, Guatemala, or Peru are also considered, requiring valid work authorization in those countries. Strong preference for Washington, DC area and for Spanish language proficiency.

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development
  • 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 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.
• Investigative Casework & Oversight
  • 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.
• Capacity Building & Training
  • 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.
• Advocacy & Communications
  • 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 involving sexual violence, child abuse, intimate partner violence and homicide.
• Extensive experience working within law enforcement agencies (police, intelligence, or similar) at a senior level, with demonstrated leadership in investigations.
• Experience working with civil society organizations who work with justice systems or in communities to create safe environments.
• Proven experience in training and mentoring other investigators or law enforcement personnel.
• Experience working in Latin America, Africa or other developing contexts, with a strong understanding of cultural nuances and justice system challenges.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) is required.
• E…