Forensic Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 202

• The organization focuses on addressing the issue of missing persons in the context of the Syrian conflict, aiming to provide support and guidance to national authorities and relevant stakeholders in forensic matters. The IIMP operates with a commitment to human rights and best practices in forensic science, ensuring that the search, recovery, analysis, and identification of missing persons are conducted in accordance with international standards. The organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and works collaboratively with various national and international entities to enhance forensic capabilities and promote information sharing.

Job Overview:
The Forensic Expert position is crucial for overseeing forensic aspects related to the application of international and comparative standards in the search, recovery, analysis, and identification of missing persons. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring compliance with best practices and human rights-based approaches in forensic methodologies. This role involves providing guidance and advisory support to national authorities on forensic protocols and procedures, advising on forensic reporting, and identifying necessary equipment and tools for forensic operations. The expert will also support capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local forensic institutions and enhance national expertise in forensic sciences. Collaboration with national and international organizations is essential to develop common forensic strategies and ensure a coherent approach to addressing missing persons. The position requires a strong commitment to ethical standards and effective search and recovery efforts, leveraging existing forensic networks for enhanced cooperation and information exchange.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Forensic Expert will be responsible for the following duties: Overseeing forensic aspects related to international standards in the search, recovery, analysis, and identification of missing persons; interpreting and applying forensic methodologies in line with legal frameworks; providing guidance to national authorities on forensic protocols; advising on forensic reporting and technical assessments; identifying necessary equipment for forensic operations; supporting capacity-building initiatives for local forensic institutions; collaborating with various organizations to develop common forensic strategies; supporting the development of systems for data collection and management; providing technical advice on field and laboratory-based forensic activities; and leveraging forensic networks for enhanced cooperation and information exchange.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international and comparative standards in forensic science, particularly related to missing persons. They should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork and collaboration are essential, as the expert will work closely with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. Planning and organizing skills are also critical, as the expert will need to develop clear goals, prioritize activities, and monitor progress effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Forensic Sciences or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Forensic Sciences or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience in leading forensic search operations and working with or assisting victims of conflict and families of missing persons. Experience in conducting forensic work in field settings and working with forensic data systems or technology to support identification processes is desirable. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate can handle the complexities and challenges associated with forensic investigations in the context of missing persons.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also necessary, and knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders in the forensic field.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The temporary nature of this position means that it does not guarantee future employment or incumbency of the post. Eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. Candidates must adhere to the United Nations' standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and those with a history of violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses will not be considered for employment. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.