2026:International Commission on Missing Persons Hiring Senior Forensic DNA Laboratory Development Advisor

International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is seeking an experienced Senior Forensic DNA Laboratory Development Advisor to support the development of national forensic DNA laboratory capacity in Syria.

This senior consultancy opportunity is ideal for forensic genetics professionals with extensive experience in DNA laboratory management, forensic science, laboratory development, and quality systems who want to contribute to efforts to identify missing persons and support families affected by conflict.

Location: Damascus, Syria (Hybrid)
Position: Senior Forensic DNA Laboratory Development Advisor
Department: Science and Technology
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Contract Duration: 1 October 2026 – 28 February 2027 (5 months)
Employment Type: Consultancy

About ICMP

ICMP is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation headquartered in The Hague that works with governments and communities to locate missing persons from conflicts, human rights abuses, disasters, organised crime, migration, and other circumstances.

The organisation supports countries in developing sustainable systems to investigate missing persons cases, identify remains, and provide answers to families searching for loved ones.

About the Syria Programme

Following political changes in Syria and the establishment of the National Commission for Missing Persons (NCMP), efforts are underway to develop sustainable mechanisms for locating and identifying missing persons.

Hundreds of thousands of people remain missing due to conflict, displacement, human rights violations, migration, and other causes.

ICMP has supported Syria’s missing persons efforts through:

• Data collection initiatives.
• DNA reference sampling.
• Policy development.
• Support to families and civil society.
• Regional cooperation.
• Strengthening forensic capabilities.

The Senior Forensic DNA Laboratory Development Advisor will contribute technical expertise to help establish sustainable forensic DNA testing capacity aligned with international standards.

About the Consultancy Role

The Advisor will provide strategic and technical guidance to ICMP’s Syria Programme and the National Commission for Missing Persons.

The successful candidate will support:

• Development of forensic DNA laboratory infrastructure.
• Laboratory equipment planning.
• Operational workflows.
• Quality management systems.
• Staff capacity development.
• Alignment with international forensic standards.

The role requires a senior professional who can work with government representatives, forensic experts, contractors, and international partners.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting DNA Laboratory Development

The Advisor will:

• Provide technical advice on forensic DNA laboratory design.
• Review laboratory layouts and workflows.
• Advise on infrastructure, security, biosafety, and contamination prevention.
• Ensure alignment with international standards, including ISO/IEC 17025.

Equipment Planning and Procurement Support

Responsibilities include:

• Developing technical specifications for laboratory equipment.
• Supporting procurement documentation.
• Reviewing technical evaluation processes.
• Ensuring equipment meets future operational requirements.

Strengthening Operational Readiness

The consultant will:

• Provide guidance on DNA testing workflows.
• Support laboratory implementation planning.
• Advise on staffing structures and competency requirements.
• Support validation processes and operational readiness.

Stakeholder Engagement

The Advisor will collaborate with:

• Syrian authorities.
• Forensic professionals.
• ICMP technical teams.
• International partners.
• Contractors.

The role requires the ability to explain complex scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

• An advanced university degree in Forensic Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific field.
• At least seven years of professional experience in forensic DNA laboratories.
• Experience managing forensic DNA laboratory teams or major laboratory development projects.
• Experience designing or expanding high-throughput forensic DNA laboratories.
• Experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory environment.

Candidates should have strong technical knowledge of:

• STR profiling.
• DNA extraction and analysis.
• Human remains identification.
• Laboratory automation.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Method validation.
• DNA reporting systems.

Desirable Experience

Additional experience in the following areas will be an advantage:

• Developing national forensic laboratory capabilities.
• Establishing quality management systems.
• Training and mentoring forensic professionals.
• Working with government forensic institutions.
• Providing forensic evidence reporting.
• Experience in Arabic-speaking countries or post-conflict environments.

Key Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent English communication skills.
• Strong technical judgement.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex environments.

Consultancy Deliverables

The consultant will provide:

• Technical recommendations for DNA laboratory development.
• Participation in an initial DNA scientist workshop at ICMP Headquarters.
• Laboratory design reviews.
• DNA equipment specification documents.

Opportunity to Support Humanitarian Justice

This consultancy provides a unique opportunity for forensic science experts to contribute to a critical humanitarian mission.

By strengthening Syria’s forensic DNA capabilities, the successful candidate will support efforts to identify missing persons, improve accountability, and help families receive long-awaited answers.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application in English before:

31 August 2026

Applications must meet ICMP’s requirements. ICMP does not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process.

Location: Damascus, Syria (Hybrid)
Duration: October 2026 – February 2027
Role Type: Consultant

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