ILED Program Manager, VAWC

International Justice Mission; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

Monthly commuter and parking benefits

Retirement benefit options

Paid leave + holidays

Spiritual formation programs

Staff care resources

Job summary

International Justice Mission (IJM) seeks an Investigations Expert to lead strategic VAWC investigations and capacity-building across LATAM and Africa, working with law enforcement, NGOs and IJM teams to ensure victim protection and perpetrator accountability.

The role requires extensive investigative experience, cross-cultural sensitivity, and fluency in Spanish and English, with a hybrid work arrangement based in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, International Relations, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in criminal investigation, law, or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in criminal investigations, with focus on complex cases involving sexual violence, child abuse, IPV and homicide.
• Extensive experience in senior roles within law enforcement agencies and leadership in investigations.
• Experience working with civil society organizations involved in justice systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and program development for IJM’s VAWC strategy in LATAM and Africa.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships with law enforcement, government bodies, and NGOs.
• Offer expert guidance on complex VAWC investigations.
• Oversee critical VAWC investigations, advising on evidence collection and case building.
• Mentor IJM ILED staff and manage investigative budgets and resources.
• Ensure compliance with IJM investigative protocols and victim-centered approaches.
• Design and deliver training programs for local law enforcement and justice officials on VAWC investigation techniques.

Skills

Fluency in Spanish and English

Investigation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Training and mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/International Relations/Human Rights or related field

Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in criminal investigation/law or related discipline

Tools

Case management software

Investigative tools

Job description

Specialist, Investigations Expert, VAWC

Who We Are International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue 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 excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need Over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable 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% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking an Investigations and Law Enforcement Development (ILED) Program Manager, 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 to operate effectively in challenging contexts.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays) based in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Director, Investigations & Law Enforcement Development.

Please note: Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development Contribute to the development and implementation of IJM’s VAWC strategy in Latin America and Africa, aligning with global objectives.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance investigative impact and systemic change.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex VAWC investigations, ensuring best practices are applied and ethical standards are maintained.
• Investigative Casework & Oversight Support critical VAWC investigations, advising about evidence 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 the national projects, ongoing mentorship and technical assistance to 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, International Relations, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in criminal investigation, law, or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in criminal investigations, with a significant focus on complex cases involving sexual violence, child abuse, intimate partner violence and homicide.
• Extensive experience working within law enforcement agencies (police, intelligence, or similar) at a senior level, with demonstrated leadership 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, Africa or other developing contexts, with a strong understanding of cultural nuances and justice system challenges.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) is required.
• 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.
• Proficiency in case management software and investigative tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.

Critical Qualities

• Demonstrates humility, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control in all aspects of work, and is a servant leader.
• Self-starter with strong initiative.
• Disciplined with priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Exceptional trainer and public speaker.
• Flexible, collaborative and eager to support others.
• Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment.
• Adept at creative problem solving.

What does IJM have to offer?

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits
• Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area
• Retirement benefit options
• Paid leave starting at 23 days 12 holidays (plus early release the 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.

Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment.

While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why 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.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,300 professionals are at work worldwide in over 20 countries. Together we are on a mission to rescue 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 excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

Learn more about our work at ijm.org Visit our careers site below to learn about benefits, what it is like to work at IJM and to see frequently asked questions. https://www.ijm.org/careers

IJM is a leader in the global effort to safeguard vulnerable people.

In compliance with International Safeguarding Standards (UNICEF, IASC 6 core principles on PSEA, IASC Minimum operating standards on PSEA and CHS) we commit to a zero-tolerance policy and to take measures to prevent harm against anyone who comes into contact with IJM and its work.

By choosing to move forward in the assessment and hiring process you are affirming you will abide by IJM’s Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, Code of Ethics and related procedures.