Investigations & Law Enforcement Development (ILED) Program Manager, VAWC

ijm; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

International Justice Mission (IJM) seeks an Investigations and Law Enforcement Development Program Manager, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). This hybrid role is based in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates and reports to the Director, Investigations & Law Enforcement Development.

Responsibilities include strategic leadership, guiding complex VAWC investigations, and capacity building across LATAM and Africa with local partners, while maintaining high ethical

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.
• Experience with law enforcement agencies at a senior level and with civil society organizations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and program development for VAWC strategy in Latin America and Africa.
• Provide guidance on complex VAWC investigations, and ensure ethical standards and best practices.
• Mentor IJM ILED staff and oversee investigative budgets and resources.
• Develop training programs for local law enforcement and justice officials on VAWC techniques.
• Represent IJM at global forums and contribute to external communications.

Education

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

Fluency in English

Professional working proficiency in Spanish

Job description

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, 2 00 professionals are at work worldwide in over 3 0 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. W e 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

For 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 see king 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 English and a minimum of professional working proficiency in Spanish 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 cros