Investigator (Assigned as Court/Witness Liaison Officer) – (GMG/SEG2)

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Commissioner, the incumbent is responsible for the management of all the Commission’s criminal cases in the Courts; managing stakeholder relationships; updating on investigations; ensuring legal compliance and addressing witness welfare matters. This includes developing, implementing, presenting and maintaining a database on witnesses expected to give evidence at trials. He/she reports on orders and requests made by judges/prosecutors and liaises with internal and external stakeholders as it relates to witness welfare.

This position assists investigations by acting as a two-way information conduit between the Commission and the courts in accordance with the Commission’s policies and procedures and within applicable laws and legal practices.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Acting as a point of contact for witnesses, providing support and assessment of their needs;
• Developing and maintaining a Witness Management program to ensure that contact with all witnesses is maintained and they are provided with updates on the progress of cases and their concerns addressed;
• Coordinating witness services including arranging transportation, accommodation and other logistical support where necessary. This may also include providing court accompaniment and ensuring that witnesses are aware of their court obligations;
• Facilitating communication between witnesses, law enforcement, court personnel and related agencies, such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), investigative teams and the Commission’s Legal Department;
• Monitoring the progress and well-being of witnesses throughout their involvement in the justice system and after, where necessary;
• Providing support and reassurance to witnesses to ensure comfort with the legal process;
• Updating the Commission’s case management system, and maintaining accurate records of witness information and all other relevant documentation;
• Compiling and analyzing data for generation of monthly reports related to court activities, issues regarding witnesses, case outcomes and resource utilization;
• Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection laws when handling sensitive information;
• Reporting, in a timely and efficient manner, on orders and requests made by the Courts or prosecuting counsel and retrieving subpoenas, summonses and all written communication for transfer to investigators and where necessary, effect service of documents;
• Establishing and maintaining a diary of court dates and updates, ensuring that all parties involved are provided with sufficient documentation for effective preparation and are fully apprised of dates for appearances.

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate Degree in Law, Guidance and Counselling or Social Sciences with an emphasis on Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or any other related discipline;
• Minimum of three (3) years working experience in the Court or criminal justice system, investigative field or as a Social Worker;
• Certification in Investigations from an accredited institution and experience working with persons in crisis, are assets.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent planning and organizational skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Excellent analytical, judgment and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent negotiation, diplomacy and collaborative skills;
• Be responsive to changing requirements and priorities and be able to adapt to unpredictable circumstances;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with victims and/or families, colleagues, stakeholders and external agencies, using active listening, empathy, clear written and verbal communication;
• Good customer service skills and the ability to communicate with persons from varying social backgrounds;
• Shares the Commission’s values, mission and vision;
• Consistently displays integrity, model behaviour, develops people and builds teams;
• Ability to work independently and with a strong sense of focus;
• Task-oriented, non-judgmental, openminded, and experienced in setting clear boundaries;
• A strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both clients and co-workers;
• Ability to work in various settings with culturally diverse families and communities in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner;
• The ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams;
• The ability to recognize welfare needs and risks to the person and /or organization.

Thank you for your interest; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.