Forensic Pathologist – 2 openings

Office/Unit/Project Description 

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) wishes to implement initiatives to strengthen the national security state institutions. The Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre (TTFSC) and in particular, the discipline of forensic pathology has been identified as an area which needs strengthening in order to effectively deal with the current challenges. 

The TTFSC, a division of the Ministry of National Security, is the national organization responsible for providing forensic pathology and analytical forensic science services to support law enforcement and other agencies involved in the investigation of crime and the administration of justice.  The TTFSC comprises two subdivisions, the Forensic Pathology Subdivision and the Forensic Science Subdivision. 

The services provided by the Forensic Pathology Subdivision are primarily post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death in cases of unnatural deaths (particularly those suspected to involve a felony) and the identification of skeletal remains.  The Forensic Science Subdivision which provides analytical scientific services is further subdivided into five laboratory sections each representing one of the main disciplines of forensic science. 

Currently, the TTFSC does not have its full complement of Pathologists to conduct postmortem examinations.  Although nationals have been awarded scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in the field, it is not anticipated that these persons would complete the required studies at foreign institutions in the short term.  It is expected that this recruitment will enhance the capacity of the TTFSC to support national crime detection and resolution.  This support will be specifically provided to undertake post mortems to determine causes of unnatural death, particularly those suspected to involve a felony; identification of skeletal remains; and histological examination of tissues.

The objective of this project is to strengthen the current capacity of the TTFSC in the area of forensic pathology, to ensure that it can support law-enforcement agencies more effectively.  Specifically, this project will source the professional services of at least two (2) Forensic Pathologists to work at the TTFSC for a period of two years. 

The UNDP Multi-Country Office in Trinidad and Tobago is proposing to assist the GORTT in addressing the current shortage of specialized forensic pathology skills through the provision of specialized human resources. 

Scope of Work 

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Director, TTFSC or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Forensic Pathologist will:

• Perform post mortem examinations, both external examinations and autopsies, and perform microscopic examination of specimens in cases submitted to the Forensic Science Centre by official and private clients;
• Complete Medical Certificates of Cause of Death as required for the registration of deaths cases, at any crime scene, facility or location in Trinidad and Tobago;
• Prepare and issue reports to the Coroner and Police Investigators on examinations performed, including observations made and opinions as to the cause of death;

Submit samples taken in the course of post mortem examinations to various laboratories for specific analyses and complete Proof of Death Certificates for submission to insurance companies and other agencies by persons claiming life insurance benefits;

• Testify in criminal and civil courts and at Coroner Inquests in relation to professional findings and opinions;
• Direct and supervise junior staff, including Mortuary Attendants and Autopsy Technicians and visit scenes of suspected homicide where such visits would be of assistance to investigators;
• Advise on improvements and best practices in pathology for the TTFSC; assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of standardized policies, protocols and procedures for the delivery of pathology services;
• Contribute to decision making in matters involving, inter alia, staffing, training, and procurement of equipment and materials for the Forensic Pathology Subdivision;
• Lecture to medical practitioners, law enforcement officers, legal officers, students and other groups on various aspects of forensic pathology;
• Represent the Forensic Science Centre, as required, at conferences, meetings and discussions on forensic pathology matters;

Institutional Arrangement

The Forensic Pathologist will report to the Director, TTFSC or his/her designated mandated representative(s).

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Communication	Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Business Management	Risk Management	Access to Justice
Business Direction & Strategy	System Thinking	Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Direction & Strategy	Negotiation and Influence	Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations

 

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Education requirements   

• Advanced university degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in Forensic Pathology (e.g. FRCA, MMed, etc); Medical Degree (e.g. MBBS, MD, MBCh, etc).
• First-level university degree in Forensic Pathology; Medical Degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.
• Also see comparative table below (Anex 1)

Min. years of relevant work experience             

• Minimum 2 years (with Master´s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of working experience as a Forensic Pathologist
• Completion of a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology or anatomic pathology and a fellowship in forensic pathology or equivalent;
• Must be eligible for Specialist Registration License by the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago (requirements can be found at http://www.mbtt.org/

Required skills               

• Knowledge of professional standards in forensic pathology;
• Excellent oral and written skills;
• Excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section 

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Required Language(s)   

• Fluency in English is required
• Working knowledge of Spanish is an advantage

 

 

Anex 1: Comparative Qualifications Relevant to this Assignment

The table below identifies the qualifications required across various countries that would qualify a person to work as a Forensic Pathologist in Trinidad and Tobago. Candidates should have these qualifications or equivalents to these to work as Forensic Pathologists in Trinidad and Tobago.

Comparative Guideline on Qualifications Required by a Medical Doctor to Work as a Forensic Pathologist in Trinidad and Tobago 

 

No.	Country/ Training and qualifications	Country/ Training and qualifications	Country/ Training and qualifications
	United States/Canada/North America	United Kingdom	Trinidad and Tobago/Medical Board
1	ENTRY REQUIREMENT	ENTRY REQUIREMENT	ENTRY REQUIREMENT
	Medical Degree 5 years	Medical Degree	Medical Degree MBBS
2	Residency or equivalent	Residency or equivalent	Residency or equivalent
	Residency for 4 years  -2 years in anatomical pathology -2 years in clinical pathology   Wrote and passed the American Board of Pathology exams written in Tampa Florida USA	Residency  -2 years training in anatomical / histopathology at the Royal college of Pathology  and after exams a certificate is issued,	Residency and/or experience in general pathology inclusive of anatomical and clinical pathology
3	FELLOWSHIP OR EQUIVALENT	FELLOWSHIP OR EQUIVALENT	FELLOWSHIP OR EQUIVALENT
	1 year fellowship in forensic pathology subspecialty with an accredited Medical Examiners Office.     Wrote and passed exams and issued  a Board certification I and a Certificate also issued for having passed the exams after fellowship complete.	-3 years advanced training in Forensic Pathology at the Royal college of Pathology where oral and written exams are written and issue of a certificate or diploma issued	Training and Schooling in Forensic Medicine from an accredited University with success in examinations and an award of a diploma in Forensic Medicine
			Registered with the British or American/Canadian Medical Board will be an asset

 

 

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