The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral and independent international humanitarian organisation, which assists and protects victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence. The ICRC is currently looking for staff for its support operations in Iraq.

ICRC offers:

• By joining our organization, you will have an opportunity to practise your profession in stimulating, complex, and sometimes challenging environments, where your work can really make a difference.
• You will work with colleagues from various fields of expertise in a cross-cutting manner to help victims of conflict and other situations of violence. You will be dealing with humanitarian situations that require experience, resourcefulness, and innovation to achieve the best possible impact.
• You will work for the oldest major international humanitarian organization in the world, adding to your sense of achievement in alleviating the suffering of people and communities and giving you the chance to promote humanitarian values in these turbulent times.
• You will benefit from a competitive employment package, including different possibilities for career and personal development. You will take part in an onboarding course and follow continuous training to build your career within the ICRC and beyond.
• Competitive compensation package, a monthly salary with benefits including (13th salary, International Retirement Saving Plan (IRSP), medical coverage, life insurance, mobility allowance, and social security scheme).

Job Title: Forensic Specialist 1

Level: B3

Duty Station: Iraq – Baghdad Office

Reports to: Forensic Coordinator          

Duration of Contract: 12 Month fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal to an open-ended contract. For internal candidates, this contract may be open-ended based on your existing contract status.

Date of Issue: 21 January 2025

Deadline for applications: 4 February 2025

Objective:

The Forensic Specialist 1 based in Baghdad is under the supervision of the Forensic Coordinator, working in close collaboration with the Forensic Specialist 2, as well as with other members of the Forensic Team in MOSUL, in the Tripartite Commission (TC) for the Search for Missing Persons and of the Multi Year Multi Partner (MYMP) project. The main purpose is to assist in the implementation and supervision of all ICRC forensic programs/activities in Iraq, support the implementation of the MYMP project, with a view to reaching the objectives set within the delegation.  S/he provides technical support and advice in forensic related issues, in relation to the delegation’s strategy related to missing persons and the management of the dead, and more general prevention and protection of civilian population where forensic matters play a role. S/he is responsible for implementing activities aiming at the strengthening the capacity of the forensic practitioners, and other relevant interlocutors, supports the development of forensic academic programs, is involved in providing assistance and supporting infrastructure projects part of the strategy and the Multi Year Multi Partner.

Key Responsibilities: 

Under the guidance and supervision of the Forensic Coordinator and / or the Forensic Specialist 2 in Iraq:

• Contributes to the implementation of the Forensic strategy / program in Iraq.
• Supports the implementation of the Multi Year Multi Partner project in Iraq.
• Conducts assessments of the medico-legal system and / or specific areas of work.
• Diagnoses gaps, challenges, and contributes to prepare appropriate project proposals under the guidance of the Forensic Coordinator.
• Actively engages in “forensic thinking” providing inputs and feedback for better planning and orientation of the file, including multidisciplinary possibilities.
• Provides expert advice on policy proposals and texts (i.e., external - Medico-Legal Policy for Iraq, recommendations on best practices; internal – guidelines, and internal procedures).
• Contributes to the forensic analysis of the context’s medico-legal system(s) through maintaining an overview on the forensic situation in Iraq particularly for relevant target populations.
• Represents the ICRC towards relevant interlocutors in matters related to forensics at national level.
• Ensures that delegation staff are appropriately knowledgeable about forensic sciences, the management of the dead and forensic programs undertaken by the delegation.

Dissemination and training activities in Humanitarian Forensics:

• Supports the organization of roundtables and dissemination sessions.
• Supports the preparation and delivery of training sessions, training of trainers’ programs, workshops, and sensitization sessions including supporting in the preparation and presentation of appropriate materials for diverse audiences, particularly in translation EN-AR-EN as required. 

Technical support to the Medicolegal System:

• Provides technical support, and supports in the organisation of workshops/trainings for the standardization of operating procedures of the Medicolegal Directorate, National Police relevant departments, 1^st responders and investigative judges in topics such as forensic human identification, identification units, information management systems, mortuary management and contingency planning, management of the dead, including search and recovery of human remains, collection of information from families of missing persons, age estimation, medicolegal documentation of injuries, amongst others, directly or through consultancies when applicable.
• Supports in the implementation of the total quality management project for the Medicolegal Directorate as per existing plan of action.
• Contributes to the efforts of the delegation to develop and implement a national emergency preparedness and response plan that properly considers mass fatalities.

ICRC Caseload analysis and follow-up:

• Contributes to the analysis of individual cases, groups of cases and events-based cases in coordination with other Protection teams.
• Supports communications with interlocutors in matters related to ICRC case follow-up.
• Support the Mass Casualty Management projects accordingly.

Representations, interactions, networking, and follow-up:

• Represents the ICRC towards relevant interlocutors in matters related to forensics at the national level and when applicable regional and international level while maintaining good contact.
• Interacts with families/victims and family association/representative in need of technical clarifications and advice when relevant and provides feedback on potential avenues of mutual support.

Administrative and Reporting activities:

• Provide written and oral reports on forensic issues as required for ICRC action and planning.
• Prepare mission reports as required, minutes of meetings, assessment reports, etc.
• Updates forensic activities in institutional tools.
• Ensures that all administrative procedures are followed in the implementation of the Forensic program, particularly related to the organization of field trips, training sessions, roundtables, monitoring, reporting, budget preparation, and logistics.
• Fosters a conducive operational environment (multidisciplinary approach, good team dynamics) among team members.
• Follow up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.

REQUIRED PROFILE AND SKILLS

Certifications / Education required:

• Bachelor's degree in medical, biological sciences or forensic sciences with proven training in forensics
• Postgraduate degree or certification in forensic medicine, biological or forensic sciences, law, criminalistics, or related sciences.
• Fluent command of English and Arabic, Kurdish is an asset.

Professional Experience required:

• 4 years of experience in forensic practice in medicolegal investigations
• Work experience in medicolegal institutions within a State medicolegal system.
• Work experience in Forensic Human identification, particularly large-scale caseloads, disaster management.
• Experience in project management, assessments, and evaluations of Medico-Legal Systems and / or forensic laboratories.
• Experience and Skills in forensic training, persuasion and advocacy activities and ability to adapt messages to different audiences.
• Contribution to scientific publications on forensic practice and / or participation to forensic conferences and related events.
• Previous experience with ICRC or another International Humanitarian Agency is an asset
• Strong sense of responsibility and adaptability, able to work overtime when needed.
• Flexibility and ability to work independently and with a sense of initiative.
• Ability to cope with difficult situations (mass disasters, field, mortuaries, affected families, incident scenes, etc.)
• Understanding of cultural diversity, gender equality, and equal opportunities

How to Apply: All qualified and interested candidates should forward their applications with a detailed updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) indicating email and phone contact with a minimum of two professional references, a cover letter stating why they think they have the necessary skills and qualifications for this job opportunity; and their salary expectations. Clearly marked to (bag_hrservices@icrc.org) with the subject line: SURNAME first name/ vacancy title.

• Applications will only be accepted with valid residency and work permit in Iraq.
• The successful candidate will undergo a three months’ probation period.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

NB: If you have not heard from us within a month of receiving your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

No Fee:

ICRC DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS WHETHER APPLICATION, TESTS, INTERVIEWS OR PROCESSING.