Pakistan: Quality Assurance Advisor - Peshawar, Pakistan

The Program

1. Background

The Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) was launched by the British Government in April 2015. It is the intention that the CSSF Pakistan will fund a Rule of Law (RoL) programme with an integral pillar being Justice Sector Reform.

The British High Commission Pakistan wishes to develop a long-term partnership with Peshawar Forensic Science Laboratory with the aim during the CSSF RoL Programme (2016-20) of supporting organisational development to help them become more efficient, effective and service oriented in regard to quality control and assurance of evidence collation. The intended focus goes beyond training delivery to include finance, human resource and performance management.

The initiative must align with and not overlap other UK Rule of Law or International Donor programmes such as Aitebaar, CAPRI, UNODC, UNDP.

The initiative also complements the Counter Terrorism and Associated Prosecutorial Reform Initiative (CAPRI) Programme’s work with the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and should look to build on its success.

An assessment of the Peshawar Forensic Science Laboratory (PFSL) was completed by BHC in December 2015 which included recommendations on future support to the PFSL and sustainablity beyond this initiative. As per the recommendations of the assessment, the next phase of support comprises of two stages:

1. Implementing a Quality Assurance Advisor: The PFSL currently operates with a minimal Quality Management System and the audit conducted by the PFSA scientists highlights many basic non-conformities that bring into question the validity and reliability of the forensic evidence currently produced by the laboratory. In order to address these issues and develop a robust and effective Quality Management System that is capable of external, independent audit and eventual accreditation, a Quality Assurance Advisor should be recruited. This senior role must be independent of the normal line management of the laboratory and KP police and should report to the Director. The role holder would be a ‘change champion’ and would oversee all aspects of the laboratory’s developing Quality Management System


2. Altering the Forensic Packaging and Submission Process: All laboratory submissions are packaged in white cloth bags and closed with a wax seal. This system does not ensure the safety of those subsequently handling the bag after sealing, the integrity of the exhibit or the preservation of certain types of evidence. The PFSL and their police colleagues should consider moving to other forms of forensic packaging to address these issues so that officer safety, integrity of exhibits and continuity of evidence are fully supported and the item arrives at the laboratory in test condition.

The Position

• Support the Peshawar Forensic Science Laboratory through an effective mentoring relationship to ensure effective skills transfer;


• Working with the PFSL, to develop a framework for the improvement of service delivery, specially the quality control standards in the field of forensic science in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including monitoring and evaluation including


• Documented Standard Operating Procedures


• Training records


• Documented Competency requirements


• Regular Competency testing


• Movement towards agreed National Standards in forensic science


• Support of National Working Groups and development of National Standards in Forensic Science


• To promote and oversee the delivery of competency and training with regard to quality control;


• To support the PFSL Director’s vision and ongoing development of the PFSL on areas including;


• Technical capacity building in specific disciplines including but not limited to:


• Crime Scene Management


• Fingerprint


• Firearms & Toolmarks (Ballistics)


• DNA


• Digital Forensics


• Organisational management


• Administrational management, including financial and report writing


• Provision of expert witness testimonial


• Creating ability and managing joint or dual examinations to exploit more than one or more of the above disciplines (i.e. DNA and Fingerprints)


• Provide advice to the PFSL management on technical and administrative procedures to improve PFSL capacity with a move toward international accreditation;


• The Quality Assurance Advisor shall be able to select and hire Short Term Experts (in consultation with BHC) as required to aid the development of the processes previously mentioned. All experts must be independent and free from conflict of interest.


• Liaise with other UK rule of Law programmes in KPK such as Aitebaar or CAPRI.


• Create a monthly report for approval.


• Lead the Altering the Forensic Packaging and Submission Process with responsibility for:


• Creating a more formal submission process to reinforce the intelligent customer against intelligent support;


• Implementing a change of process allowing for a more modern scientific approach to the packaging of forensic submission to preserve the sanctity of this evidence;

The Person

• Minimum of university degree or equivalent in Science, law, political science, social sciences or other discipline relevant to the programme;


• Experience in one of the following disciplines: crime scene management and investigation, DNA, Fingerprints, Ballistics, digital forensics or questioned documents;


• 3-5 years of Professional experience with some management responsibilities


• Excellent verbal and written command of English (essential);


• Strong Skills in report writing;


• Ability to deliver strong results in a complex and difficult environment;


• Good stakeholder and relationship communication skills.

Reporting

A monthly progress report must be prepared and submitted to the British High Commission for approval culminating in a final report delivered no later than two weeks after end of contract.

Applications close: 15 Feb 2016

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Advertised: 04 Feb 2016 West Asia Standard Time