Forensic Pathologist

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Human Rights Inquiries Branch/Investigation Support Section at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Juba. The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring accountability for human rights violations, and supporting the implementation of international human rights standards. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on human rights issues and providing assistance to governments and civil society organizations. The OHCHR aims to foster a culture of human rights and to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. The organization has a diverse workforce and is committed to gender equality and inclusivity in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Forensic Pathologist will play a crucial role in the investigation of human rights violations in South Sudan. This position requires the incumbent to conduct thorough analyses of crime scenes, including the examination of photographs, videos, and other materials to ascertain the causes of injuries or death. The role involves providing expert advisory services and technical support related to forensic examinations, ensuring the proper collection and documentation of forensic evidence, particularly in cases of sexual and gender-based violence. The Forensic Pathologist will also be responsible for collecting ante mortem data to aid in the identification of human remains and will develop systems for matching this data with post mortem findings. The incumbent will prepare detailed reports on their findings, offer insights into the reconstruction of events, and advise on the handling of mass graves, balancing humanitarian needs with criminal justice requirements. This position requires maintaining confidentiality and submitting comprehensive reports to the Coordinator of the Investigative Body, along with all relevant files and records. The Forensic Pathologist may also provide guidance to junior staff and perform additional duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Forensic Pathologist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct visits to crime scenes and analyze gathered materials to determine the causes of wounds, injuries, or death.
• Provide advisory services and technical support for forensic examinations and the collection of forensic evidence, ensuring proper medical documentation, especially for sexual and gender-based crimes.
• Collect ante mortem data for the identification of human remains and organize a system for matching it with post mortem data.
• Determine causes of sudden, violent, or unexpected deaths and prepare accurate, comprehensive reports of findings.
• Offer possible reconstructions of events and advise on forensic matters related to transitional justice issues.
• Advise teams and authorities on the handling of mass graves, ensuring compliance with humanitarian and criminal justice standards.
• Accompany teams and Commissioners during interviews with victims of violence, conducting examinations to analyze injuries and produce medical reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and ensure careful logging and preservation of records.
• Submit final reports with findings and recommendations to the Coordinator of the Investigative Body. 1
• Write various reports, communications, and briefings for policymaking bodies. 1
• Provide guidance to new or junior staff as needed. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess comprehensive knowledge of forensic pathology, including principles, practices, and specialized techniques used in the field. Experience in examining individuals who have suffered injuries or death due to torture or sexual violence is essential. The ability to draft reports based on medical examinations and forensic evidence is required, along with the capacity to work under extreme pressure in stressful environments. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into their work. Strong planning and organizational skills are necessary, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in forensic pathology or a related field 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.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of combined professional experience as a forensic pathologist or medical doctor at national and/or international levels is required. Experience with the United Nations Common System or similar organizations is desirable, indicating familiarity with international standards and practices in human rights and forensic investigations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 2026 and is subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position is a temporary assignment and does not guarantee future employment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.