Forensic Specialist At International Committee of the Red Cross

Aim

The Forensic Specialist is responsible for collaborating in the development and implementation of strategies, programs and action plans on forensic issues in Guatemala, ensuring consistent implementation with the strategic priorities of the ICRC, regional and Delegation.

Based in Guatemala City, the position is under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (HoM – Head of Mission) in Guatemala (GUA) and the technical supervision of the Regional Forensic Coordinator of the Regional Delegation for Mexico and Central America (DR).

RESPONSIBILITIES

With guidance from the Regional Forensic Coordination for Mexico and Central America and the Mission leadership:

• Participates in the development of the forensic strategy, specific objectives, action plans, timelines and required resources (including budget) for Guatemala, in cooperation with the Protection Program, the Regional Forensic Coordination and staff from other departments, online with the objectives of the Mission and the DR.
• Identifies, analyzes and develops proposals for the development of standards, guidelines, manuals and relevant publications for the proper handling of corpses, search for people and forensic identification, with respect to those missing from armed conflicts, migration, other situations of violence and catastrophes.
• Plans and implements actions to strengthen national capacities regarding the management of corpses, search for missing persons, forensic identification and management of forensic information regarding missing persons from armed conflicts, migration, other situations of violence and catastrophes.
• Advises authorities, forensic experts, representatives of civil society and relatives on issues of handling corpses, searching for missing persons, forensic identification and management of forensic information, promoting ICRC recommendations on good practices in forensic work and in the care for relatives of the deceased and missing.
• Develops and promotes tools for humanitarian forensic action in support of Protection activities (Detention, Health and Migrants).
• Facilitates and maintains a dialogue between the Delegation and forensic experts, institutions and civil society organizations involved in the creation of mechanisms to dignifiedly manage and identify the deceased and clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons.
• Actively promotes, advises and contributes to the development of procedures, protocols, structures and tools necessary for the implementation of good forensic practices.
• Conducts context analysis and identifies emerging challenges in aspects of humanitarian forensic action.
• Supports the development of the Movement’s capacity for the humanitarian management of human remains in disaster situations.
• If required by the Mission or the DR, audits or participates in specific forensic actions (substitution).
• Supports the tasks of implementing an information management system for the search for living people and the identification of deceased people from the perspective of:
  • Promote the dissemination of protocols and strategies in the management and treatment of information on cases of missing persons and cases of unidentified deceased persons.
  • Promote the effective use of international standards in forensic sciences focused on obtaining information on missing and unidentified deceased persons to contribute to the process of their location and identification.
  • Assist in the awareness-raising processes of personnel who deal with relatives who are searching for a missing relative.
• Contribute to public policy and regulatory debates regarding areas of forensic competence and the implementation of best forensic practices and standards.
• Actively contribute and provide advice, in collaboration with JUR, on general policies and regulations related to the areas of forensic competence in the country.
• Develops proposals for the development of minimum standards for:
• Disseminate and promote recommendations, guidelines and tools for the management of human remains and the investigation of missing persons, which are adapted and updated as necessary for mission objectives and DR.
• Contribute (with advice from the mission/DR) to ICRC media activities in relation to forensic sciences, human remains and missing persons.
• Contribute to external public policy debates regarding areas of forensic competence and the implementation of best practices and forensic standards.
• Know the strengths and weaknesses of the forensic institutions and the medical-legal system with respect to missing persons and their families to define the objectives and strategies to be taken within the framework of supporting the authorities and civil society organizations related to the subject before mentioned.
• Develop capabilities in forensic information management by:
• Provides specialist advice to local forensic experts and institutions on the collection and management of information about missing persons and human remains using standardized tools.
• Contributes to mapping and dialogue between the Delegation and interested parties and other organizations working in forensic science, including the authorities in charge of preparing a process to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing person.
• Designs curricular programs focused on the development of workshops or training courses for interlocutors and ICRC staff on problems related to missing persons, their families and forensic sciences.
• Contributes to family contact reestablishment activities within the field of forensic sciences as required to strengthen its application to humanitarian action.

Job profile

• Professional degree in Medicine (preferable), anthropology, dentistry or human genetics, with postgraduate studies (specialization, master’s or doctorate) in related sciences (forensic medicine, forensic sciences, human rights, IHL).
• Proficiency in oral and written English (minimum level B2- Upper Intermediate).
• Good knowledge of Word, Excel, Lotus, PowerPoint and the Internet.
• Familiar with the Red Cross Movement and its principles (desirable).

Work experience

• Proven work experience with at least 5 years of professional experience in the forensic field (medicine, dentistry, anthropology, genetics) working in medical legal systems, with emphasis on human identification.
• Teaching experience (desirable) in higher education, in forensic topics or related topics
• Experience/ability to work with civil society, family associations and NGOs.
• Networking experience and public relations skills applied to the promotion of professional and ethical standards related to the field of forensic expertise.

Skills and competencies required for the position

• Networking skills and experience in the field of forensic sciences applied to humanitarian investigation or human rights.
• Ability and ability to adapt a message for a diverse audience.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative.
• Leadership and team management, experience in project management.
• Very good synthesis, analysis, planning and organization skills.
• Oral and written communication skills, and in particular the ability to write high-quality documents.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and under pressure.
• Skill in communicating with team members, interlocutors and office colleagues.
• Empathy
• Observe the principles of discretion, neutrality and impartiality in the performance of their duties.
• Driver’s license