Military Adviser

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is seeking a Military Adviser to support the Secretariat of the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic in Geneva. The role is temporary, full‑time, and reports directly to the Coordinator of the Secretariat.

Key responsibilities

• Collect and analyse information on security sector, military and police matters to inform the Commission and investigators.
• Map and analyse state security structures, para‑military units, police, armed groups, orders of battle and command responsibility.
• Advise on military and security‑related issues, including ballistics, weapons, vehicles and aircraft.
• Contribute to the development of investigation strategies and operational plans.
• Assess the operating environment for security forces, militias and other armed actors.
• Conduct investigations of specific incidents and participate in field missions.
• Identify units, troops and commanders involved in key events.
• Establish liaison with security sector officers of relevant countries as required.
• Provide briefings, internal analysis and inputs for the Commission’s reports.
• Integrate gender perspective into all responsibilities.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of military and security force structures, both state and non‑state.
• Ability to conduct intelligence analysis on security forces.
• Understanding of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law.
• Professionalism, reliability and ability to meet deadlines.

Required skills

• Expertise in military hierarchy and chain of command.
• Proficiency in security sector intelligence gathering.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks governing armed conflict.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on high‑impact investigations within a leading international human‑rights institution.
• Collaboration with experienced investigators and legal experts.
• Professional development in the field of security and human rights.