Technical Advisor on Research, Case Investigations and Advocacy on Genocide Justice

The Genocide Fugitive Tracking Unit (GFTU) was founded in November 2007. Since then, it has been at the forefront of Rwanda’s efforts to identify the whereabouts of genocide suspects who have settled abroad, to investigate the allegations against them and to cooperate with national prosecution services and international justice bodies to bring them to justice in their host countries or to facilitate their extradition to Rwanda.  The formal closure of the Gacaca system of justice in June 2012, coupled with the winding down of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which stopped taking new cases in 2006, offer the GFTU important opportunities to carry forward the critical legacy of Gacaca and of the ICTR. The establishment of the ICTR’s successor, the Residual Mechanism, creates new openings for the GFTU to broaden its work. Another opportunity is the forthcoming invocation of the cessation clause of the 1951 Refugee Convention by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) with regard to Rwandan refugees. This will terminate the prime facie right of Rwandans to refugee status, including the large number of genocide suspects registered as refugees in the host country.  For a decade, Gacaca tried suspects who were living in Rwanda. But Gacaca jurisdictions throughout the country also passed judgement on thousands living in foreign countries. As noted earlier, the GFTU was recently given a list of 71.658 genocide fugitives convicted by gacaca courts in absentia. They include a substantial number of the architects, planners and key organizers of the genocide who left Rwanda en masse in July 1994. The list does not reflect the possible whereabouts of these suspects, a brief which was beyond the mandate of Gacaca.

Duties and Responsibilities

The technical advisor will provide support to the GFTU through research, investigations, advocacy and outreach. The specific responsibilities will include: Developing A Network of Regional and International Stakeholder Organizations Engaged With Genocide Justice The consultant will contribute to the development of a broad-ranging network of organizations, institutions and individuals engaged with genocide justice in the countries where substantial numbers of genocide suspects reside. The goal is to facilitate information gathering, create strong domestic constituencies and informed public opinion, enhance opportunities for action by the GFTU and establish avenues for constructive collaboration and interaction with the GFTU, including through visits to Rwanda to carry out independent research. Its links with these institutions and individuals can assist the GFTU in generating effective action to ensure justice for the genocide. There will be a particular focus on: Investigators and prosecution services, including regional bodies like the Association of African Prosecutors, and similar regional groups elsewhere, International, regional and local human rights, justice and refugee NGOs in Africa, Europe and North America, Professional associations, such as associations of lawyers, doctors and journalists, Universities and academic institutions, Organizations of survivors of the genocide in Rwanda and in the Diaspora, National and international media outlets. Undertaking Research/Investigations to Identify the Individuals of Interest to the GFTU, Their Whereabouts and Background. The consultant will make a significant contribution to the research, communications and dissemination component of the work of the GFTU by: Assisting in the setting up of a comprehensive database, undertaking research which enables the GFTU to identify the individuals of interest, with detailed and precise information about their whereabouts, background and the nature of the allegations concerning their participation in the genocide, helping the GFTU to work with organizations, networks and individuals in Africa, Europe and North America who are trying to build credible and solid dossiers about individuals of concern to the GFTU, strengthening the institutional capacity of the GFTU to act in an effective and timely fashion by facilitating contact with potential witnesses; assisting the GFTU to increase the dissemination of information, with a view to encouraging helpful feedback, and broadening contacts with the media so that relations are productive and mutually beneficial without compromising either side, bringing to the attention of the GFTU opportunities for effective strategic interventions.

Competencies

Extensive experience in the area of international investigation and penal law Experience in working with the public prosecutor and the judiciary; Excellent communication and reporting skills; Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines; Cultural and gender sensitivity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree in Law; Experience: At least five years of experience in the field of justice/human rights investigations and advocacy; Experience of working with national prosecution services, international, regional and national human rights organizations and justice bodies, and with the international media; Experience of workingin Rwanda, as well as extensive knowledge of the genocide in Rwanda and of engagement with genocide justice in Rwanda; Strong investigative and research ability; Language: Excellent proven writing skills; Excellent command of the English language. A working knowledge of French would be an advantage.

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