Associate Forensic Geneticist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

• As an active Forensic Science Unit (FSU) team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNITAD and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Strengthening UNITAD’s forensic genetics expertise to accelerate DNA based identification of ISIL victims. o Promotion of international standards and forensic best practice in DNA laboratory methods and DNA-based identifications as applied to mass grave investigations and investigations of international crimes. o Contribute to the provision of tailored training and capacity building initiatives to external stakeholders. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Forensic anthropologist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Forensic Geneticist will:

• Contribute to the conduct of needs assessment of a high throughput DNA laboratory with a focus on scientific methodologies used to establish DNA profiles from samples collected for the purpose of large-scale genetic matching of ISIL victims recovered from mass graves in Iraq. • Assist in the design and development of training materials, to strengthen national capacity, and support the delivery of training initiatives. • Advise on reporting procedures, standard operating procedures and user manuals in accordance with relevant ISO standards, on the set up and maintenance of a DNA laboratory quality management system under the supervision of Forensic geneticist. • Provide technical advice and assistance to national counterparts on genetic analysis and extraction methodologies, quality management concepts, sample collection programs, and data management and analysis. • Perform any other duties as required.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Planning and organizing • Communication

progressively responsible experience with a second-level university degree) in forensic DNA analysis as applied to human identification and/or forensic DNA laboratory testing samples from complex crime scenes and knowledge of forensic quality management systems and international standards in forensic science. • Relevant experience in forensic genetics in a governmental or inter-governmental agency, scientific police institute, is required. • Work experience as a subject matter expert to deliver training and capacity building initiatives is desirable. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including authorities at different levels; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Bachelor’s university degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, forensics, genetics or other related scientific fields. Formal qualifications and/or certifications in forensic DNA analysis as applied to human identification, forensic quality management systems and international standards in forensic science (pursuant to a course of study, training and examinations of a state/national law enforcement institution, a national military academy or a federal/national intelligence service training institution, supplemented with professional development courses and/or certifications involving study, training and examinations in investigatory work) in combination with four additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the first-level university degree.

Iraq is a unique and richly diverse country and UNITAD has a unique mandate to work in partnership with the Iraqi authorities, civil society and other stakeholders to deliver on accountability for Da’esh/ISIL crimes. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.