Open Vacancy at ICMP

12/Nov/2009

Ref. Nr. 016/2009 - External
Title: Forensic Science Program Coordinator, Iraq
Department: Forensic Science Department (FSD)
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Number Needed: 1
Start of Contract: ASAP
Vacancy Notice issued: 06 November 2009
Deadline for Application: 01 December 2009

Vacancy Background:
ICMP has established in Iraq a program of training in forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology. ICMP forensic programs in Iraq also include training on and assistance with establishment of a large scale DNA identification program. The Forensic Program Coordinator is responsible for maintaining, documenting and continually developing this program, ensuring its specifications are met with established training practices. The Forensic Program Coordinator is also responsible informing and training decision makers and support/logistics staff within Iraqi partner organizations to engage and assist with mass grave investigations, in coordination with the Iraqi mass graves working group. The Forensic Program Coordinator will assist in the development of forensic strategies for mass grave investigation in Iraq, in the context of a DNA based identification system, as well as in mortuary facility management. The Forensic Program Coordinator will conduct some direct technical training, but also coordinate the efforts of additional contract Iraqi and International trainers who will help with the delivery of basic, intermediate, and advanced course modules. The Forensic Program Coordinator will work closely with other ICMP forensic staff from the DNA Laboratories and Identification Coordination Divisions to implement training and programmatic goals to establish effective approaches to high throughput DNA identification, including laboratory work flow and technical procedures, integration of DNA match reports into an identification program, and a public outreach campaigns for genetic reference samples. The Forensic Program Coordinator will also assist with a program of an Iraq-specific forensic database development project.

Main Duties:

To manage all aspects of the technical training program, ensuring training program specifications are met.
To maintain and continually develop technical training programs within ICMP program Iraq, coordinated with ICMP FSD.
To maintain the highest standards of training in line with current training practices.
To conduct Training Needs Analyses for training requests and ensure programs are effectively designed and delivered as determined through effective and appropriate evaluation.
To report on all aspects of the forensic program to senior managers during monthly management reviews and provide an annual written report.
To oversee training staff and trainees during training sessions and provide written and/or verbal feedback to appropriate managers/supervisors on delivery, conduct and performance as well as technical performance and competency.
To coordinate, with other ICMP expert staff, programs of public outreach and DNA reference sample collection to permit large scale DNA identification.
To coordinate, with other ICMP expert staff, training and advisory activities related to technical aspects of DNA identification, working closely with Iraqi counterparts.
To coordinate, and where necessary, participate in ICMP training activities that may involve visiting scientists or non-ICMP personnel and non ICMP facilities.
To coordinate and communicate with relevant managers and the Director of FSD when organizing training to ensure activities are in line with operational capacity, budget and resource availability for ICMP Iraq project.
To develop and coordinate training programs for Iraq across the spectrum of missing persons processes (from grave to grave); including archaeology and anthropology, DNA laboratory systems and data collection and database entry;
To assist with creation, as appropriate, of new guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other QMS documentation related to ICMP forensic programs.
To participate in working groups/committees as needed, interacting with and advising International, donor and Iraqi partners on forensic training, mass grave investigation and forensic science matters.
To assist with coordination with Iraqi partners in the development of forensic database tools suitable for Iraq.
To identify, train and coach individuals as trainers, training assistants and instructors as needed.
Provide operational assistance and forensic science advice to the Head of Program Iraq as required and stand in for Head of Program as required.
Undertake other duties as required in an office with frequent staff rotation and shared project duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Graduate Degree in forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology or related field.
Knowledge of current forensic science practice and technologies used in the missing persons identification process preferred
Knowledge of DNA technology and its use in human identification preferred.
Extensive experience working in forensic science fields, preferably with experience of mass grave/ crime scene investigations
Experience in the design, validation, delivery and evaluation of training programs as well as conducting training needs assessments.
Experience in project management methods and techniques
Excellent organizational skills accompanied by effective and persuasive communication skills
Administrative, statistical and analytical skills
Managerial, supervision and team building skills accompanied by the ability to work under pressure, as an individual and as part of a team
International experience and demonstrated capacity for working in different cultural settings an asset
Based in Baghdad, frequent international travel for work purposes is not required, but flexibility to travel within Iraq to different facilities, sites and laboratories as required within the scope of the technical training program.

A Curriculum Vitae with cover letter should be sent to the address below or e-mailed to application@ic-mp.org Only those selected for interview will be contacted:

Personnel Manager
ICMP Office
Alipasina 45/a
71000 Sarajevo, BiH

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