International expert in forensic crime scene management and accreditation standards (SSA)

Background:

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo (the OSCE) is implementing a comprehensive project on “Advancement of strategic and operational capacities and human rights compliance within security sector institutions”. This project mainly targets the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) and Kosovo law enforcement institutions, including the Kosovo Police (KP), Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK), Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS), Kosovo Probation Service (KPS), and Kosovo Agency on Forensic (KAF). Activities of this project focus on enhancing their operational capacities and specialised skills to effectively respond to criminal behaviour. Specifically, the project foresees numerous specialised and advanced trainings, and workshops to support the implementation of local strategies and associated action plans to improve operational effectiveness in tackling all forms of criminal activities, as well as develop and review sub-legal framework.

The overall objective of the project is to support the security sector institutions to advance their strategic and operational capacities, and human rights compliance within the police, forensics, police oversight, and correctional services. This will be covered through three specific objectives:

1. Security sector institutions operate more effectively in areas of forensics, oversight mechanisms, re-integration and rehabilitation;
2. Local law enforcement institutions are able to effectively identify, prevent and combat serious and organized crime; 
3. Law enforcement institutions and relevant oversight bodies improve their response to preventing, combating, and monitoring hate crimes, while institutional mechanisms efficiently address VERLT.

The OSCE will provide hands-on support to the KP Directorate of Forensics, Crime Scene Section as it works toward formal accreditation. An international expert will spend five days on-site, reviewing current operational practices, assessing compliance with international standards, and exploring ways to strengthen the Section’s overall performance. Through practical recommendations and evidence-based insights, this support will help the team build confidence, improve processes, and take concrete steps toward achieving accreditation.

This effort reflects the OSCE’s ongoing commitment to walking alongside Kosovo’s law enforcement, helping officers grow their skills, enhancing public trust, and reinforcing the rule of law through meaningful, people-centered support.
 

Objective of Assignment: 

This consultancy aims to provide expert support to the KP Crime Scene Section in preparing for accreditation by assessing current operational, procedural, and technical practices; identifying gaps in compliance with relevant international standards; providing guidance on implementing improvements; supporting documentation, internal audits, and preparation for external assessment.

Duration of Assignment:

The Consultant will be hired for 8 working days.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Submit the draft agenda and related materials to the OSCE Activity Manager or review and possible amendment.
• Develop the assessment methodology, agenda and materials in consultation with the OSCE Activity Manager. 
• Deliver a five-day assessment of the KP Crime Scene Section’s operational practices and compliance with international standards, providing actionable recommendations to support the accreditation process. 
• Produce final consultancy report with recommendations for further action by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
   

Deliverables:

• By 07 September 2026: Submit the draft work plan, assessment methodology, and related materials to the OSCE Activity Manager for review and feedback.
• By 11 September 2026: Incorporate the OSCE Activity Manager’s comments and submit the final version of the work plan and methodology for approval.
• From 14 to 18 September 2026: Conduct a five-day on-site assessment of the KP Crime Scene Section, reviewing operational practices, compliance with international standards, and documentation.
• By 22 September 2026: Deliver the final consultancy report to the OSCE Activity Manager, summarizing findings, identifying gaps, and providing actionable recommendations to support the accreditation process.
   

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in forensic science, criminology, or related field.
• Minimum seven years of experience in forensic operations, crime scene management, or laboratory accreditation.
• Proven experience in ISO/IEC 17020/17025 accreditation processes.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and internal audit procedures.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• Previous experience working with law enforcement agencies preferred.
• Excellent spoken and written English is essential;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds and genders,

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this
position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.
 

In order to apply for this position, you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under OSCE Careers- Jobs. Applicants are encouraged to use the online recruitment and only fully completed OSCE applications will be accepted. However, if you have technical difficulties with the system, you may use the offline application form found at Offline application form | OSCE Employment and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by email to: consultancy.omik@osce.org. In line with your qualifications please indicate a preference for one or more fields of expertise listed above (while using the online application the field of expertise preference can be indicated in the cover letter part). Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the OSCE Application Form or other languages than the English language would not be considered. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply.