Forensics Delegate

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The ICRC seeks Forensic delegate for several positions worldwide, at varying levels of seniority depending on qualifications and experience, for continuous departures throughout the year.
Forensic professionals are needed to promote understanding and respect for obligations toward the deceased during conflict, to collaborate closely with government officials and local forensic actors to ensure an adequate legal framework for forensic operations and efficient mechanisms of cooperation and exchange, and to ensure that forensic practitioners are appropriately skilled to carry out their tasks related to events of humanitarian concern.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

As a Forensic Delegate, you will contribute to the ICRC's humanitarian action in a variety of environments. Activities and responsibilities depend on the level of seniority, and may involve a combination of the activities listed below.
 
Direct support to affected communities and families
• Contribute to the follow up of ICRC Tracing requests regarding missing persons. Rather than performing direct casework, ICRC forensic staff support local authorities or mechanisms in the collection and preservation of missing persons data and biological reference sample, and the analysis and evaluation of this data, to provide direction on the appropriate next course of action.
• Participate in family information sessions regarding the identification process of their loved ones.
 
Advisory support to the authorities
• Provide advice and support on strengthening of the legal framework regarding the dignified management of the dead according to the best standards and compliance with Internal Humanitarian Law.
• Support the Operational Medico-Legal System to strengthen the cooperation and coordination between ministries (e.g., Min of Health, Min of Justice, Min of Defense), and institutions (Mortuaries, Hospitals, National Society).
• Advise on Standard Operating Procedures and work on capacity building, for example by providing training on the search for mass graves, exhumation, forensic examination, methods of identification, techniques of archaeology/anthropology, and DNA analysis.
• Sensitize, advocate and/or provide support to authorities in Emergency Response Preparedness.
 
Partnerships
• Externally act as the point of contact for institutions on technical and policy-level issues related to promoting standard methodologies associated with the management of the dead.
 
Program management
• Carry out, or contribute to, forensic country assessments in agreement with the ICRC method and approach.
• Craft a transversal humanitarian response (strategy) incorporating appropriate Forensic content, and contribute to the implementation of a plan of action and evaluate its efficiency.
• Provide up to date reporting according to ICRC standards, methods and tools. 
• Work within, and where necessary supervise, a forensic team, in close coordination with other métiers of the ICRC.

People management responsibilities

Yes, depending on the assignment.

Scope & Impact

• Remit: national or regional.
• Establishes strategic direction at the national or regional level.
• Contributes to budget planning and management.

Desired profile and skills

Required
• Minimum of a Masters' degree or equivalent in medical, biological, or forensic sciences. Preferred areas of expertise include forensic pathology, anthropology/archaeology, genetics, odontology, molecular biology, investigation and analysis.
• Years of post-graduate forensic case-work experience dictate seniority – a minimum of 6 to 8 years is required.
• Advanced command of English (minimum C1 level) and a good level in another working language in of the ICRC (B2 level) namely Spanish and/or French and/or Arabic and/or Russian.
• Experience in report writing, and dedication towards the highest forensic scientific and ethical standards.
• Desire to work in proximity to affected people and communities.

Assets
• Experience in forensic casework applied to humanitarian or human rights investigations.
• Broad-based experience related to the scientific and legal identification of human remains and to an integrated reconciliation process.
• Previous experience in supervising forensics team.
• Experience in Management of the Dead in Emergencies or/and DVI, with knowledge in high-throughput mortuary management and identification methods in mass casualty events.
• Multi-context knowledge and understanding of the medico-legal framework for death investigations.
• Proven experience of working in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with legislation/regulation/policy development.
• Skills and experience in rapid situation analysis, and strategy development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven practice in delivering forensic training and capacity to adapt the message to diverse audiences.
• Teaching experience at a university level and/or contribution to relevant scientific publications in the area of forensic.
• Experience in the creation of technical and non-technical guidelines and protocols.
• Experience and practice in negotiations and public relations.
• Experience in project management.

Our operational & field constraints

•    In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
•    You will be in good health and meet medical health checks requirements before qualifying for field deployments.
•    You will have a valid driving license for manual transmission vehicles and be able to drive such vehicles independently in unfamiliar terrain.
•    You will be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least 6 to 24 months.

What we offer

•    Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment with attractive salary and social benefits.
•    Institutional onboarding program and opportunities for further in-house training.
•    Opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.
•    One return trip to the employee’s place of domicile annually (accompanied by family members only if on an accompanied mission).

Additional information

•    Type of role: Mobile - Global Deployment 
•    Working rate: 100%
•    Starting date: Ongoing - Pool Recruitment
•    Location: Global Deployment 
•    Length of assignment: 12 to 24 months, renewable

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this