Job Title:   Victim Assistance Coordinator – North

Organisation: Human Trafficking Institute (HTI)

Duty Station: Gulu, Uganda

About the Company:

The Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) exists to decimate modern slavery at its source by empowering police and prosecutors to stop traffickers. Working inside criminal justice systems, HTI provides the embedded experts, world-class training, investigative resources, and evidence-based research necessary to free victims. The Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) is reshaping the landscape of the fight against human trafficking, deploying a high-impact model that is stopping traffickers and protecting victims in record numbers.

Job Summary:   The Victim Assistance Coordinator – North will play a significant role in the support and coordination of victim related needs in human trafficking investigations. He or she will work in close collaboration with Ugandan law enforcement officials and provide guidance and technical assistance to investigators and prosecutors on victim related issues as well as partner with nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners to ensure that victim service-related needs are met. The Victim Assistance Coordinator – North will be responsible for making the appropriate referrals as needed.  This position will report directly to the Victim Assistance Manager – Uganda.

Duty Station:

This is a field position located in Gulu District.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the identification of safe, confidential, neutral locations for victim interviews.
• Provide case consultation to investigators in the planning for potential victim related needs once a case is identified.
• Be available to coordinate emergency services and referrals when victims are identified.
• Assist in the evaluation of language related needs and interpreter services.
• Work with nongovernmental service providers to assist victims in locating safe emergency housing, food, clothing, and other needs and referrals.
• Follow up and maintain regular contact with victim service providers to ensure the welfare of the victims is catered for and support them to develop case plans for sustainable reintegration.
• Ensure service providers keep victims informed of case status at key intervals throughout the investigation and prosecution.
• Follow up with the investigating officers and prosecutors to keep track on schedules for court hearings so that victims are informed and prepared to attend.
• Assist in liaising between investigators and service providers about any issues relevant to the investigation and that could impact the victim’s ability to cooperate in the investigation.
• Identify local resources for victims and assist in maintaining an up-to-date resource manual to be used for referrals, to include but not limited to: shelter and housing services, case management services, peer support programs, mental health services, healthcare, substance abuse treatment programs, education and job skills training programs, legal services, interpreter services, faith-based programs, and other services as appropriate.
• Develop strong relationships with key service providers in relevant region (including visiting locations). Key service providers may include partner NGOS and CSOs, counsellors, medical officers, vocational training and other education institutions to ensure ongoing and comprehensive service provision to survivors.
• Participate in local and regional advisory groups or coalitions related to human trafficking.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and thorough data gathering, data entry, aftercare reports, etc. for internal use regarding emergency services and referrals provided to victims.
• Advocate for victims of TIP to access (legal, medical, housing, vocational skills training, community reunification and reintegration) services, and provide victims with information on their rights under the PTIP Act.
• Working within a team of HTI personnel to support government partners in Uganda.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor of Social Work or related field and at least three years of experience working directly with victims of crime.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and the procedures of the investigative and prosecutorial agencies as they relate to treatment of victims of trafficking.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and direct victim services.
• Knowledge of human trafficking statutes, policies, and procedure, particularly as related to victims’ rights.
• Knowledge of community resources and victim service providers engaged in anti-trafficking work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals across disciplines, to include investigators, prosecutors, NGO partners, and others.
• Previous experience in working with victims of human trafficking desirable.

Critical Qualities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Displays empathy, calm demeanor, mature judgment
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Proactivity
• Ability to travel domestically
• Willingness to live in Uganda region of assignment
• Willingness to be available for operational emergencies during non-business hours
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure and under stressful conditions
• Demonstrates sensitivity and respect for other cultures
• Proficiency in one of the regional local languages desired
• Professional presentation
• Promotes multisectoral, interdisciplinary collaboration
• Sustained positive attitude
• Ability to work well with a team of diverse HTI employees