International Training on Mitochondria-DNA analysis

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Archived vacancy details

The following information is provided for archival purpose only.

Issued by: OSCE Mission in Kosovo
Vacancy number: VNKOSC01938
Vacancy type: Experts/Consultants
Field of expertise: Training
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Prishtine / Pristina
Date of issue: 16 June 2017
Deadline for application: 30 June 2017 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)
Date of entry on duty: 15 July 2017

Background

		In recent years, the Department for Security and Public Safety (DSPS) of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMiK) has been proactively participating in the development of security and public safety sector initiatives in Kosovo. The main emphasis of this work was to strengthen sustainability, improve professional standards and introduce internationally recognised best practices for Kosovo law enforcement agencies. In the past year, the DSPS has supported activities that are designed to assist with enhancing the capacity and to ensure the sustainability of security agencies that are tasked with providing security to all communities within Kosovo. The beneficiaries of this project will have the possibility to improve capacities and their expertise through different trainings, based on best practices of European countries, and participation in regional conferences to exchange their expertise related to forensic scientists, DNA data etc. This project will build upon the achieved progress and is designed to assist the security sector agencies in enhancing their regional co-operation with neighbouring countries in target areas which are related to their mandated tasks. It will incorporate activities designed to improving participation of women and non-majority communities; further develop the management of human resources skills; further enhance understanding the capacity to combat hate crimes; and assist in the development of distance training modalities for the security sector. In order to ensure the programmatic objective to develop a transparent, gender – sensitive and accountable resource management and quality assurance system for the Kosovo Agency on Forensic (KAF), from 24 to 28 July, five (5) representatives of the KAF will complete a total of five (5) days modular Training on Mitochondria-DNA analysis, Y-STR (Short Tandem Repeats)-DNA analysis of Y chromosomes and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms). This practical oriented training program will provide KAF members from the Laboratory of DNA and Serology the skills necessary to legally conduct examinations of DNA evidence submitted for analysis. The learning outcomes for this training are: Lineage Markers including Y Chromosome Markers and Mitochondrial Markers Instruction of Mitochondria areas in cytoplasm The differences between mtDNA and Nuclear DNA The availability of Reference Sequence Instruction on Genotyping mtDNA and Hyper-variable Regions Genotyping by Sequencing and Screening Genotypes PCR Protocol for mtDNA Sanger Sequencing Method and Modern Sequencing Building sequences and Mini-primers. Objective The main objective of the project is to develop a transparent, gender – sensitive and accountable resource management and quality assurance system for the Kosovo Police (KP), the Kosovo Agency on Forensic (KAF) and the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety (KAPS). The project directly relates to the Mission’s Programme Objective which strives to achieve that Kosovo Police (KP) Kosovo Agency on Forensics (KAF) and the Kosovo Academy for Public Safety (KAPS) develop transparent, gender-sensitive and accountable resource management systems. To accomplish aforementioned objective OMIK PDMS has already developed and provided number of training which were aimed at enhancing the professional skills of the scientists in the KAF. This specialized training will target scientist from the KAF Laboratory of DNA and Serology and will equip them with more detailed understanding of issues related to and limitation regarding the analysis of DNA and methods for conducted procedures and techniques related to the forensic examination of DNA evidence. It will also address issues related to cross contamination.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Under the supervision of the Chief of PDMS, the international expert shall: Develop the training methodology and materials in consultation with PDMS and deliver the agenda, presentations, exercises and case studies to the Chief of PDMS prior to the training Deliver a five (5) days of modular training on surveillance techniques for five (5) staff twenty from the Laboratory of DNA and Serology in the KAF and assist participants to cope with the challenges that they meet during the training Provide advice to the Chief of PDMS and to the staff from the KAF on the sustainability of the specialized training relate to the analysis of DNA evidence Produce the final consultancy report and recommendations relate to future training and capacity building activities for the staff of the Laboratory of DNA and Serology in the KAF. Deliverables By the beginning of July 2017 submit the final training plan satisfactorily incorporating the PDMS comments, if applicable, to the Chief of PDMS in electronic form By mid-July 2017 prepare the final training agenda, presentations, exercises, case studies and training evaluation questionnaire satisfactorily incorporating the PDMS comments and submit to the Chief of PDMS and in electronic form/as agreed with the PDMS Chief From 24 to 28 July 2017 deliver five (5) days training on Mitochondria-DNA analysis, Y-STR (Short Tandem Repeats-DNA analysis by Y chromosome and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphisms). The training will last from 9am until 4pm each day; By the end of August submit to the Chief of PDMS the final consultancy report including assessment of the participants, the effectiveness of the training materials/methodology, recommendations for further action and the sustainability of the specialized training programme in the relevant area, etc. Performance Indicators Final training plan, agenda, presentations, exercises, case studies and training evaluation questionnaire incorporating the PDMS comments submitted to the Chief of PDMS on time, in the agreed form and of quality satisfactory to the Chief of PDMS Training delivered as scheduled/planned in a requested format and to the satisfaction of the PDMS Chief Positive feedback from the training participants (training evaluation questionnaire) The final consultancy report is submitted to the Chief of PDMS on time and of quality satisfactory to the Chief of PDMS.

Necessary Qualifications

		University degree in Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, Molecular genetics, Molecular biology, Forensic science, Physics, Criminalistics, Biochemistry or similar related field A minimum of five (5) years’ experience of using methods/techniques for conducting specialized DNA tests, including DNA purification, PCR amplification, and fluorescent DNA analysis Recent experience of forensic laboratory techniques including record keeping, the analysis and interpretation data protocols, the identification of problems that may affect test performance and the implementation and adherence to quality assurance programs and conducting peer reviews regarding quality assurance and safety procedures A minimum of five (5) years’ experience of delivering training related to DNA analysis Ability to operate windows applications, including word processing and e-mail Professional fluency in English Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds and different gender Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and with limited time frames.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		Remuneration will depend on the qualifications and experience of individual experts as well as the detailed work plan to be agreed upon and will be based on the current OSCE consultancy rates.

How To Apply

		In order to apply for this position you must complete the OSCE's online application form, found under http://www.osce.org/employment/43284. Applications received after the published deadline will not be considered.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 under http://www.osce.org/employment/43284 and forward the completed form quoting the vacancy number by e-mail to: consultancy.omik@osce.org