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 is dedicated to addressing the issue of missing persons in the context of the Syrian conflict, focusing on the search, recovery, and identification of individuals who have gone missing. The IIMP operates under the principles of human rights and aims to provide support to families of missing persons, ensuring that their needs and rights are respected. The institution is committed to working collaboratively with national authorities, international organizations, and various stakeholders to develop effective forensic strategies and methodologies. The IIMP is relatively new, and its establishment reflects the international community's recognition of the importance of addressing the humanitarian impact of the Syrian conflict. The organization is expected to grow and evolve as it takes on its mandate, which includes the development of forensic protocols and the enhancement of local forensic capacities.

Job Overview:
The Forensic Expert position is crucial for overseeing forensic aspects related to the identification of missing persons in accordance with international standards. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring compliance with best practices and human rights-based approaches in the search, recovery, analysis, and identification processes. This role requires a deep understanding of forensic genetics, including the collection and analysis of DNA data, to support the identification of missing individuals. The Forensic Expert will also play a significant role in developing systems for managing ante-mortem and post-mortem data, ensuring that all forensic activities align with legal frameworks and ethical standards. The position demands collaboration with national authorities and stakeholders to provide guidance on forensic protocols and to enhance the technical capacity of local forensic institutions. The Forensic Expert will be expected to leverage existing networks to promote information sharing and develop coherent strategies for addressing the issue of missing persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Forensic Expert will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: overseeing forensic aspects related to the identification of missing persons; providing expert advice on forensic genetics and DNA analysis; supporting the development of systems for data collection and management; interpreting international standards and best practices; advising national authorities on forensic protocols; ensuring adherence to scientific best practices in forensic reporting; identifying necessary equipment and tools for forensic operations; advising on capacity-building initiatives for local forensic institutions; collaborating with national and international organizations; providing technical advice on field and laboratory-based forensic activities; and enhancing cooperation within forensic networks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in forensic sciences, with specific expertise in forensic genetics and DNA analysis. The role requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in forensic sciences or a related field. Experience working with victims of conflict and families of missing persons is desirable, as is experience in conducting forensic work in field settings. Familiarity with forensic data systems, including DNA databases, is also required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards and best practices in forensic work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Forensic Sciences or a related area is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with at least two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties of the Forensic Expert effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in forensic sciences or a related field. Candidates should have substantial experience in forensic genetics or DNA analysis, as well as experience working with or assisting victims of conflict and families of missing persons. Experience in conducting forensic work in field settings is also desirable, as is familiarity with forensic data systems and tools used for genetic analysis to support identification processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the forensic work being conducted.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. It is important to note that this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. The 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 or selection process. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested.