South Africa: Forensic Specialist

The ICRC regional delegation in Pretoria is looking for a suitable candidate to fill the following vacancy:

Forensic Specialist

The Forensic Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing forensic strategy and programmes in Africa.

Minimum required knowledge & experience:

• Postgraduate degree in medical, biological or forensic sciences.
• Fluent command of English required; French is an advantage.
• At least 8 years' experience in forensic practice applied to humanitarian or human rights investigations in an operational context.
• Must have a thorough understanding of the application of forensic identification modalities and conventional forensic practices with substantial forensic casework experience.
• Experience working within a well-managed medicolegal forensic service is a preferred asset.
• Experience in project management an asset.
• Proven contribution to scientific publications on forensic practice, especially in the field of humanitarian and human rights investigations.
• Experience in negotiations and public relations, particularly in promoting the implementation of professional and ethical standards in his/her field of expertise.
• Skills and experience in forensic training and ability to adapt messages to different audiences.
• Availability and willingness to travel to other countries; travelling to African countries in conflict or experiencing other situations of violence is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience working well under physically and mentally challenging environments.

Function description:

• Develops and implements forensic strategy, specific objectives, plans of action, timelines and the required resources (including budget), in cooperation with other forensic staff at the delegation and staff from other departments, in line with the delegation's objectives.
• Conducts comprehensive forensic assessments and analysis of the context and identifies emerging humanitarian challenges (e.g migration).
• Where applicable, supervises, coaches and manages Forensic staff (e.g. external consultants).
• Contributes to establishing death management plans, forensic-related policies, concepts and innovative forensic approaches to humanitarian forensic action.
• Organizes and presents at seminars and briefings on forensics; develops institutional or technical training.
• Provides oral and written briefings/reports/information for internal purposes.
• Develops and/or maintains contacts with a network of other players and represents the ICRC on forensic-related issues (e.g. capacity building, promotion of forensic standards, external meetings or workshops, etc).
• Manages, conducts, and/or reviews forensic casework using a multidisciplinary identification approach
• Conducts or provides operational guidance/instruction on the management of the dead in conflict, disasters and migration.

We offer interesting, rewarding work in a humanitarian and international environment

Start date: As soon as possible

Please submit your application (letter of motivation, CV, copies of certificates/diploma) via e-mail: pre_hr_services@icrc.org. The last date for receiving applications is 09 February 2018.

Only applications with all the required documentation will be considered and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.