The Director of Investigations will be responsible for conducting, supervising and monitoring investigations on Operation Liberate cases in Costa Rica.  Areas of casework will include sexual trafficking and exploitation of adults and minors.  The Director of Investigations will liaise with local law enforcement officials to ensure that they intervene to rescue identified victims and arrest and charge identified perpetrators.  Additionally, the Director of Investigations will provide training to investigative teams and indigenous law enforcement as needed. 

Responsibilities 

Leadership:

• Based on stated objectives, help to develop and then implement location-specific investigative strategies and tactics;
• Enforce Operation Liberate investigative protocols and propose additional locally-specific protocols;
• Recruit, train, supervise and mentor an investigative team of investigators as well as investigation interns and volunteers; and
• Develop the leadership and management potential of key agents.

Management:

• In consultation with the legal team, manage daily investigative operations, ensuring that projected activities, outputs and objectives are achieved;
• Develop and manage a network of informants who can provide specific, credible information in our cases;
• Develop and manage a network of operatives who can be mobilized to gather relevant information and evidence as directed;
• Develop and cultivate working relationships with key enforcement authorities;
• Develop and manage a full-time, in-house investigations unit that: gathers information from informants; directs operatives; gathers and analyzes evidence; presents such evidence to the police in a coherent and convincing manner; advocates for the police to take proper action; monitor such police action; and serve when appropriate as a witness to the crimes committed and perpetrator arrest;
• Ensure that: Operation Liberate investigation team members have clearly defined job descriptions and performance objectives; agent performance is monitored; and appropriate job performance feedback is regularly provided;
• Ensure that Operation Liberate and its agents comply with all Operation Liberate, government and donor requirements; 
• Ensure that concise but thorough written reports of all investigation team activities are timely provided;
• Maintain detailed records of the office’s work;
• Evaluate all investigative outcomes;
• Ensure the security of all investigative, legal and aftercare operations, reporting to the Director of Field Operations on security matters as they develop; and
• Ensure continual communication with supervisor regarding the status of operations and challenges faced. 

Program:

• Fully understand the relevant laws and procedures regarding investigations, arrests and charging of perpetrators;
• Advocate to government authorities for rescue of victims and perpetrator accountability and advise such authorities during enforcement actions;
• Coordinate, draft and execute training programs with local law enforcement on various topics;
• Pursue proper arrest and charging of perpetrators;
• Develop and continually modify a best practices investigations training manual and materials; and
• Advise the aftercare team as to proper protection of victims and witnesses.

Relationships:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with relevant government leaders, local churches, NGOs and other relevant organizations; and
• Host visits by Operation Liberate guests, teams, interns and volunteers.

Miscellaneous:

• Carry out other additional assignments given by the Director of Field Operations; and
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information. 

Required Skills and Experience

• Mature orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles’ Creed;
• Fluency in English (written and oral); Fluency in Spanish preferred or willing to learn;
• Minimum of five years experience in criminal investigation with a public law enforcement agency, international human rights agency, public international agency, private investigative or security firm, or military or national security or intelligence agency;
• Minimum of three years successful management/team building experience;
• Demonstrated interest in human rights and social justice; and
• Prior Peace Corps, relief, legal, enforcement or other overseas work experience preferred. 

Critical Qualities

• Attention to detail and disciplined with priorities;
• Strong service ethic and a passion for Operation Liberate’s goals;
• Patient; work well under stress;
• Personable; sustained positive attitude; 
• Diplomatic and flexible;
• Professional demeanor and written and oral communication;
• Able to achieve goals in a cross-cultural and cross-religious setting; and
• Effective team player and leader.

Relocation/Travel Requirements

• This position requires full-time residence in Costa Rica. Sporadic travel to other parts of the region and to the United States is required. 

Organization Information

• Competitive salary, with benefits;
• Complete relocation and other expatriate benefits;
• Position reports directly to the Director of Field Operations; and
• Applications accepted until the position is filled.

 

Send Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith*

By E-mail: operationliberate@hotmail.com 

*What is a statement of faith? 
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how it is relevant to your involvement with Operation Liberate. The statement can either be incorporated into your cover letter or submitted as a separate document.  It should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.