Forensic Program Assistant

PURPOSE

The Forensic Program Assistant contributes to the implementation of projects for the ICRC forensic response in Lebanon, which seek to ensure that all policies, procedures and practices are in place for the proper search, recovery, documentation and identification of the people who died as a consequence of the armed conflicts that occurred in Lebanon since 1975 and other situations of violence, in line with forensic best practices and internationally accepted data protection standards.

The Forensic Program Assistant supports in

1. the administrative processes of the Biological Reference Samples (BRS) project for the proper data management and reporting of the pre-field workflow
2. the field collection of BRS from the families of the missing persons and related documentation.

Minimum required knowledge & experience

• University degree in biological sciences, forensic sciences or related fields. Preference given to genetics or DNA related fields
• At least 2 years of field experience interacting with beneficiaries of humanitarian programs, especially populations affected by armed conflicts.
• At least 2 years of experience in administrative support of projects, preferably in the humanitarian field
• Experience in data entry and management is an asset
• Detail-oriented and able to perform data quality control checks
• Basic knowledge of DNA and genetics is required.
• Experience and capacity to work constructively in teams under considerable pressure
• Excellent command in Microsoft Office

• Excellent command (spoken and written) of Arabic and English.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administrative Support to the Biological Reference Sample (BRS) Project

• Assists and coordinates with the Field Officers (FOs) on the planning and organization of BRS field visits.
• Extracts family pedigree trees and table data from Ante Disappearance Data questionnaires (ADDq) and selects appropriate donors for each missing person following scientific recommendations.
• Enters data into the BRS collection reporting tools and RESOLVE platform and extract needed forms prior to collection.
• Monitors that standard BRS data management procedures are followed by FOs.
• Performs quality control measures for the BRS collection reporting tools, maintaining accurate and up-to-date information.
• Assists in the facilitation of the BRS shipping to external laboratories for quality control and to Switzerland for long-term storage.

2. Field BRS Collection in Lebanon, with focus on Beirut and Mount Lebanon

• Plans, organizes, and implements the collection of BRS in a timely and consistent manner and as per relevant guidelines; ensures proper follow up.
• Liaises with families of missing persons, informs about the collection project and takes charge of logistical preparation of field visits to collect BRS.
• Following BRS collection, manages samples and related documentation timely, consistently, and as per relevant guidelines.
• Provides accurate, timely, and consistent reporting on the BRS collection to the Forensic Specialist in charge of the BRS collection project.