Position: Investigator
Reports to: Manager
Department: Case Investigations
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Job Purpose:
Workers’ Rights Watch (WRW) is seeking two (2) investigators to conduct investigations of gender-based violence and harassment.
Job Background:
Working under direct supervision of the WRW Manager; the Investigators will join the staff of (WRW), a new organization in Maseru, Lesotho responsible for ensuring compliance with a new Code of Conduct to eradicate gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in garment factories owned by Nien Hsing in Lesotho. Nien Hsing is a signatory to a landmark agreement with WLSA, FIDA, Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), United Textile Employees (UNITE), the National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union (NACTWU), Nien Hsing factories, Levis Strauss & Co., the Children’s Place and Kontoor Brands to establish a program to eradicate GBVH in the workplace. This is inclusive of education and awareness training and establishes Workers’ Rights Watch to monitor and receive complaints of violations of the Code of Conduct from workers at Nien Hsing through prompt and fair investigations of complaints and issuance of determinations regarding complaints.
Key Responsibilities:
The Investigators’ primary responsibilities will be to investigate and produce comprehensive reports regarding complaints of GBVH and retaliation from workers at Nien Hsing factories in Lesotho including interviewing parties/witnesses, collecting evidence, and drafting high quality investigation reports within established timelines.
The Investigators shall also be responsible for submitting to the Manager, on a monthly basis, activity reports outlining work done achieved within the reporting period. In all his/her interactions; the Investigator shall be guided by and strictly adhere to WRW’s Code of Conduct as well as other guiding policies and procedures.
With guidance from the Manager, the investigator is independently responsible for a complaint case load, conducting investigations, meeting established timelines, and treating all constituents engaged in the complaint process with sensitivity and neutrality as well as keeping all information very confidential.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Receive complaints of GBVH; review initial reports and complaints of GBVH, in a timely manner and ensure prompt response to the complainant.
Draft notice of investigations, and essential correspondence related to processing of complaints.
Conduct prompt, equitable, impartial, and thorough investigations concerning complaints of GBVH. This will be inclusive of development of an investigative plan, identifying and interviewing parties and witnesses, identifying, gathering, and assessing information relevant to the investigation, applying relevant policies, making and securing information and data, keeping accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigatory process extremely confidential.
Ask appropriate questions during interviews using trauma informed methodology to gather information about alleged incidents of gender-based violence and/or harassment.
Evaluate need for supplementary support, resources and interim measures.
Prepare comprehensive timely written reports of information obtained during an investigation to the Lead Assessor.
Prepare for and participate in meetings, hearings or grievances related to results of investigations.
Assist in maintaining a database related to reports of misconduct, discrimination, retaliation, and harassment and develop reports, assess trends, and identify areas of concern.
Complete other tasks and projects as assigned by the Manager.
Identify Code provisions relevant to a complaint
Exercise judgment regarding the investigation
Qualifications and Experience, Skills and Competencies:
Excellent judgment with the ability to manage overly sensitive and confidential information. Prior knowledge and experience of working with individuals who have experienced GBVH will be an added advantage.
Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem solving techniques, interviewing and investigation.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess and negotiate complex, highly sensitive situations.
Exceptional critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyse information, evaluate results, and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges, including the ability to handle issues of complex and extreme sensitivity.
Excellent skills in writing concise, logical analytical reports to convey complex issues.
Ability to maintain neutrality and work under pressure and in stressful situations.
Strong and effective interpersonal skills; the ability to listen well and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individual needs.
Ability to establish and maintain professional and productive working relationships with staff and complainants, witnesses, etc.
Must have attended trainings on how to conduct investigations;
Sensitivity to victims of gender-based violence and harassment.
Preferred Qualifications: A law degree (LLB); experience investigating cases of interpersonal violence.
Applications Instructions:
To apply, please send a cover letter, detailed CV, three references and a motivation letter speaking directly to the job requirements to [email protected].
For more information or questions, please call Matsika at +266 6349 0996.
Remuneration: A negotiable package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the abilities and experience of the candidate will be offered.
The organization reserves the right to verify all information provided by candidates including credit rating. Please note that correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only.