InternationalJustice Mission (IJM)is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at workworldwideinover30offices. Together we areon a missiontorescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.
We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve.We provide professional excellencewithjoy and celebration to all those we serve.
Forover25 years, IJM has pioneered the workto protectvulnerable people from violence.9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% forvery largepopulations of people in poverty.As we grow to expand our impact toprotect 500 million people from violence, weareseekingaSpecialist, 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. This position requires a commitment to IJM’s mission and values, exceptional investigative acumen, strategic vision, cross-cultural sensitivity, and the ability tooperateeffectively in challenging contexts.
This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays) for candidates based in the Washington, DC area, or remote for non-local candidates within the U.S. We will also consider applicants located in Colombia, Guatemala, or Peru, where IJM has operations. Candidates must have valid work authorization in one of these countries.
Please note:
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
Contribute to the development and implementation of IJM’s VAWC strategy in Latin America and Africa, aligning with globalobjectives
Identifyopportunities for strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, andnon-governmental organizations (NGOs)to enhance investigative impact and systemic change.
Provide expert advice and guidance on complex VAWC investigations, ensuring best practices areappliedand ethical standards aremaintained
Investigative Casework & Oversight
Support critical VAWC investigations,advising aboutevidence 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 thenational projects, ongoingmentorshipand technicalassistanceto 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, ora 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 partnerviolenceand homicide.
Extensive experience working within law enforcement agencies (police, intelligence, or similar) at a senior level, withdemonstratedleadership 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,Africaor other developing contexts, with a strong understanding of cultural nuances and justice system challenges.
Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) isrequired
Exceptional investigative and analytical skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize complex information.
Strong legal knowledge related to criminal justice, human rights, and VAWC legislation.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural negotiation skills.
Proficiencyin case management software and investigative tools.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Demonstrates humility, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control in all aspects of work, and is a servant leader.
Self-starter with stronginitiative.
Disciplined withpriorities.
Strong interpersonal skills andself-awareness.
Exceptional verbal and writtencommunication.
Exceptional trainer and public speaker.
Flexible,collaborativeand eager to supportothers.
Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment.
Adept at creative problem solving.
Upload Resume, CoverLetter& required documents in one PDF document
Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits
Monthly commuter and parking benefitsin the DC metro area
Retirement benefitoptions
Paid leave starting at23 days
12holidays (plusearly releasethe day prior)
Daily, quarterly,and annual community spiritual formation
Robust staff care resources
IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidateselectionis based on technical competence, recruitment,selectionand hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’svaluecongruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.
At IJM,we’recommitted to building a diverse workforce through fair andequitableemployment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, maritalstatusor political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, wetruly believethat the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily.That’swhy we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.
IJMrequiresa background check, policeclearanceand thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.
International Justice Mission(IJM) is a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. We have an expansive network of partners and work with local authorities in 18 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children, and police abuse of power. IJM works to rescue and restore victims, hold perpetrators accountable, strengthen public justice systems and scale the demand for sustainable protection.
