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

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

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 

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.