The UNDP Projects Management Office (PMO) in Nicosia, Cyprus, seeks to contract on behalf of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) two Workers to contribute to CMP’s mandate.

The principal mandate of the CMP is to establish the fate of the people that went missing as a consequence of the tragic events of 1963-1964 and 1974 and to provide answers to anguished families. One important aspect of this work is to exhume, identify and return remains of missing persons. This process enables the relatives of the victims to recover the remains of their loved ones, arrange for a proper burial and provide closure to a long period of anguish and uncertainty, thereby promoting a process of reconciliation, healing and dialogue between both communities. This project also aims to strengthen the capacity for civil society to engage in sustained cooperation and reconciliation, through the important participation of bi-communal scientific teams in all stages of the process. This bi-communal cooperation will strengthen civic participation toward an issue that is critical for the healing of old wounds, and will sustain partnerships of cooperation and trust between both sides.

The CMP Project includes the following phases:

•               Investigation: Information is collected and analyzed in order to identify potential burial sites.

•               Excavation: Potential burial sites are excavated and human remains are recovered.

•               Anthropological Analysis: The biological profile of the exhumed remains is established through scientific anthropological analysis.

•               Genetic Testing and Matching: DNA analysis is conducted on exhumed remains and relatives of missing persons.

•               Identification and Return of Remains: Formal identification of a missing person is concluded, the family is informed, remains are returned and psychological support is provided.

The Worker is based in the CMP Greek Cypriot Member’s Office. The incumbent reports to the Project Associate and works in a close contact with the CMP and UNDP teams.

Summary of key functions:

•     Excavations on suspected burial sites.
•     Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

(1)    Carry out excavations of suspected burial sites and exhumation of remains focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participate to excavations in suspected burial sites of missing persons.
• Conduct manual removal of soil to the level of the remains/coffin
• Conduct exhumation of remains found in sites.
• Filling up of graves with soil after the sampling has occurred.
• Support site preparation for excavation, including tasks such as trimming trees, clearing vegetation, and transporting necessary equipment to and from the excavation sites.

(2)    Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the office focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the staff related to the duties performed.