Forensic Coordinator, E6, Ukraine/Remote - Internal Job Opening

Organization Profile 

Around the world, the number of missing persons is rising – as a result of conflict, climate change, organized crime, migration and other causes.  By some metrics, the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since 1946.  Conflict and natural disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes and floods, have fueled migration, which in turn has been accompanied by a surge in human trafficking and slavery.

The International Commission on Missing Persons, a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with Headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands, is seeking an experienced, dynamic and committed individual to join a highly motivated team working on this global challenge. ICMP’s overall strategy is based on upholding international law and securing the rights of families of the missing to truth, justice and reparations. 

Background of the Position

Working under the guidance of the ICMP Head of Anthropology and Archaeology Division, and ICMP Program Director Europe, the Forensic Coordinator ensures ICMP AAD resources are coordinated effectively and international best practice is applied in support of the investigation and identification of missing persons in Ukraine.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Anthropology and Archaeology Division, and in close consultation with the Program Director Europe, the Forensic Coordinator’s duties and 

responsibilities will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following: 

• Assist with developing, revising and updating monthly and quarterly AAD workplans to ensure ICMP resources are used effectively in support of the investigation and identification of missing persons in Ukraine; 

• Manage budget lines which relate to the procurement of AAD equipment, supplies and consumables, and ensure the ICMP AAD team has sufficient equipment, supplies and consumables for its work; 

• Work with the case coordinator to manage the deployment of ICMP AAD teams in Ukraine to examine and DNA sample cases of unidentified deceased persons in line with international best practice and on the basis of investigators’ orders; 

• Participate in the examination and DNA sampling cases of unidentified deceased persons in line with international best practice and on the basis of investigators’ orders; 

• Liaise with the Case Coordinator to ensure proper records are kept of all cases examined and sampled by ICMP AAD teams in Ukraine; 

• Engage experts from ICMP AAD roster as required to ensure adequate expertise is available to support the examination and sampling of cases of unidentified deceased persons in line with international best practice on the basis of investigators’ orders; 

• Work with the Case Coordinator to monitor the execution of orders for presumptive DNA testing of reference and PM samples in specific cases on the basis of investigators’ orders; 

• Participate in the design and delivery of targeted forensic archaeological and/or anthropological training for technical and non-technical personnel employed in domestic institutions responsible for the search, location, recording and recovery of human remains and associated evidence in mass graves and other body disposal contexts; 

• Participate in designing needs assessment frameworks and conducting targeted assessments of domestic institutions to establish capacity and infrastructure gaps related to forensic science, in line with international norms and standards of forensic best practice; 

• Undertake outreach activities relevant to the ICMP’s country program objectives including the establishment and maintenance of contacts with forensic specialists in relevant domestic and international institution; 

• Work under the guidance of  the Head of Anthropology and Archaeology Division, and others in the Science and Technology; Department to establish and develop policies and SOPs relating to archaeology and anthropology and ICMP’s informatics tools in relation to programmatic needs; 

• Contribute to identifying opportunities to represent ICMP with the relevant scientific communities as it pertains the Ukraine program; 

• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in forensic anthropology, or related forensic discipline. 

• Extensive experience of conducting forensic anthropological examination of cases of unidentified deceased persons on a large scale – such experience in the context of Ukraine would be favorable.

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience with at least six years' experience of managing teams.   

• At least eight years working in a similar role within an international organization.

• Experience working in a conflict area and ability to remain calm under pressure is essential.

• Extensive practical experience of conducting forensic anthropological examination of cases of unidentified deceased persons as well as forensic archaeological field work.

• Experience in the design and delivery of training and mentoring activities. 

• Experience in carrying out needs and capacity assessments on field work activities and processes. 

Other skills required

• Proven diplomatic and negotiating skills and an ability to work effectively in complex political environments.

• Self-organized, self-controlled, and self-reliant, with a high level of personal and team responsibility. 

• Ability to meet tight deadlines. 

• Physically and mentally robust with the ability to operate effectively in complex and insecure environments and hardship conditions.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel and Power Point.

• Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender. 

• Ability to travel at short notice and to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings. 

• Commitment to the underlying objective of helping the authorities and families of the missing to account for missing persons in an impartial and transparent manner. 
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of Ukrainian and Russian is an asset. 

Benefits

This is an internal position for current ICMP staff. It is a full-time, fixed term position with a competitive base salary at the E6 level on the ICMP professional salary scale, includes a post adjustment, six weeks of paid leave and extended health and dental benefits. 
The position is not eligible for expatriate benefits including: relocation allowance, education allowance for eligible dependent children and dependent health insurance coverage.

Expected start date: as soon as possible

VN close date: 07 January 2026

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

ICMP may cancel this recruitment without notice or may decide to offer a position with different duties and/or contract length.

ICMP does not request payment during any stage of the selection process.