Forensic Field Officer 1 at The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Who we are

• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence.
• We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law.
• We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
• We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence.
• We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

The Purpose

• Under the direct supervision of the Forensic Manager 1, the Forensic Programme Field Officer 1 is part of the forensic team within the delegation.
• He/she assists the Forensic Manager 1 in formulating programme/project, policies/proposals, and helps ensure the integration of the ICRC forensic programmes within the delegation.

Your Role

• Contribute to the forensic analysis of the context by maintaining an overview of the forensic situation in the contexts covered by the Abuja delegation, including the collection, analysis, and archiving of data relevant to the forensic programme.
• Work effectively within relevant programmes to advance issues related to forensic science, namely with the Missing file and supporting advocacy for management of the dead and the right to know.
• Support the implementation of the forensic program in Nigeria, particularly by providing administrative support in data management, data consolidation, archiving and uploading forensic activities and documents in the institutional tools.
• Build and maintains professional relationships with the authorities and other stakeholders while representing the ICRC.
• Contribute to the organizing of forensic training courses and working groups, in particular dealing with practical preparations and follow up with participants and other necessary persons/structures in advance of and following the course or meeting.
• Assist in the implementation of ICRC’s Forensic Strategy (delegation, regional and institutional) and activities related to this file.
• Brief ICRC staff when requested by the Forensic Manager 1 or Protection Coordinator.
• Writes Standard Operating Procedures for guiding internal and external activities of the Forensic file.
• Monitor media and interprets key trends/priorities for feedback into the ICRC’s ongoing response to the humanitarian situation in Nigeria (e.g. regarding violations of IHL, mismanagement of the dead, missing cases.
• Prepare written and oral reports on forensic matters and drafts mission and activity reports.
• Manage forensic materials and inventory levels.

Your Profile

• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Legal, Medical, Biological, or Forensic Sciences. A Postgraduate Degree in forensic sciences would be an asset.
• At least 3 years proven experience in forensic and/or relevant investigative casework; related experience within the criminal justice system, data analytical sciences, information analysis is an asset
• Proven dissemination experience, and skills and capacity to convey the message to diverse audiences.
• Proven commitment towards highest forensic scientific and ethical standards.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven experience and capacity to work constructively in teams under considerable pressure.
• Proven ability to undertake responsibilities with substantial degrees of autonomy.
• Very good command of written and spoken English.
• Computer proficiency: technological awareness and experience in using different databases or software tools for casework analysis and management.
• Experience in writing complex multifaceted reports an advantage
• Applicant must have a valid working permit to work in Nigeria.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Competitive employment package with medical insurance and ICRC pension plan.
• In-house training opportunities for personal development.
• A full-time, fixed-term contract (1year – renewable).
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool, be considered for future assignments elsewhere and experience different contexts, fields, and challenges.