GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA
MINISTRY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, HOME AFFAIRS, LABOUR AND GENDER AFFAIRS
Department of the Public Service
VACANCY NOTICE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FORENSIC SCIENCE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
A. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS
1.To manage the implementation, coordination and monitoring and evaluation of the forensic science services programmes; support and participate in scientific analyses, forensic investigations, and evidence handling for the maintenance of evidential integrity in support of criminal investigations and effective operations of the Division
2.Responds to the Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary and liaises with the Crown Prosecutions Services, Court Administrators, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, and the Courts on matters relating to work in progress.
B. DUTIES AND TASKS
1.Leads and manages assigned staff through target setting, continuous dialogue, mentoring, coaching, assessment of staff performance, identifying training needs and gaps, and managing leave, to ensure effective performance management and promote employee wellbeing.
2.Assists in the preparation of the work programme for the Division in line with the Ministry’s strategic objectives, through strategic planning exercises, consultation with stakeholders and reviewing key evidence-based information, to enable the determination of targets, milestones, and deadlines.
3.Ensures compliance with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025, International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE), and other applicable standards by designing, developing, and implementing policies, procedures and templates for the evidence control process to enable effective and efficient management of evidence.
4.Ensures the processing and preservation of physical evidence including biological and chemical samples, materials and substances of evidential value; and maintenance and validation of the chain of custody, for the security and integrity of exhibits and evidence handling.
5.Participates in scientific analyses and investigations by ensuring the implementation of scientific methodology and procedures for evidence collection and handling, the conduct of tests, verifications and evaluations, for the provision of scientific evidence in support of criminal investigations.
6.Provides evidence-based explanation of forensic findings by serving as an expert witness in legal and legislative proceedings and reviewing and evaluating court testimonies, to assist the function of the court in passing judgements.
7.Assists in the implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality management systems by undertaking systematic planning, control and monitoring of activities; reviewing existing laboratory procedures; evaluating scientific literature and validating studies, to ensure continuous improvement of scientific operations and foster compliance with established quality standards and regulatory requirements.
8.Monitors the delivery of service for major crime scene investigations by hosting post case conferences to evaluate response, ensure the needs of stakeholders’ and that investigations are executed thoroughly and consistently as per established standard operating procedures.
9.Monitors and evaluates the storage of exhibits by assessing operations as per the evidence control manual and reviewing discrepancies in evidence intake and release, to ensure compliance with International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE) and other recognized standards for evidence management and integrity of physical evidence.
10.Ensures the implementation of the maintenance plan, in accordance with established standards, through consultation, conducting walkthroughs and reviewing/assessing relevant documentation, reporting faults/issues and scheduling service visits, to minimise failure of equipment and disruption of service and enable business continuity.
11.Ensures the maintenance of a laboratory information management system for the effective custody of physical evidence in accordance with established procedures and standards for the effective recording of evidence data, compilation of statistical reports in support of decision making, internal audits, accountability, maintenance of integrity and ease of access to evidence and exhibits.
12.Provides advice and guidance on matters relating to forensic science services through consultation, research and analysis, reviewing existing policies, preparing reports, and making recommendations to allow for empirically informed decisionmaking and foster consistency in social programmes.
13.Develops, implements, and coordinates emergency preparedness plans by facilitating safety inspections and drills, developing contingency plans and liaising with various emergency response agencies, to foster a culture of safety in the workplace.
14.Assists with the implementation and monitoring of the budget of the Division, by working in collaboration with the Director to ensure access to funding for various programmes/projects, the effective use of resources, and to facilitate early detection and management of budget variations.
15.Collaborates with stakeholders in the design, implementation and delivery of training exercises, workshops and educational activities targeted at communities, schools, and institutions to promote awareness in crime scene preservation.
16.Facilitates continuous learning through training, workshops, and meetings by applying effective training methodologies and presentation skills to build capacity in scientific principles applied in forensic science, evidence collection and preservation, new and emerging forensic analytical processes.
17.Prepares submissions to the Cabinet of Ministers on matters of forensic science services through research and analysis, dialogue and consultation with line agencies and other key stakeholders, to facilitate decision making, and enable the policy development, coordination, and implementation process.
18.Supports the review of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures through consultation with stakeholders and making recommendations that are constitutionally sound to enable legal reform and decision making.
19.Establishes linkages with relevant stakeholders through collaboration and networking at the local, regional, and international levels, to enable information sharing, knowledge transfer, and the identification of requisite resources to fulfil the mandate of the Forensic Services Unit.
20.Represents the Department on committees, conferences and meetings at the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances.
21.Prepares status reports on the work programme of the Division in accordance with standard operating procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decision-making and promote accountability.
22.Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.
C. CONDITIONS
1.Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office.
2.Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, Evidence Act, Criminal Code of Saint Lucia, Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025:2017 accreditation standards, International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE) Standards Laboratory Quality Policy, and other relevant policy documents.
3.Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Training and Development Policy for the Saint Lucia Public Service.
4.May be required to work beyond the normal / hours.
5.Required to remain current on practices and developments in strategic leadership and management including crime scene and evidence management.
6.Required to demonstrate political acuity.
7.May be required to work off-site and be exposed to varying work and weather conditions.
8.May be exposed to hazardous material including biological, chemical and radiological.
9.Required to use personal protective equipment in the conduct of duties.
10.Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
11.Required to be punctual and present for work, meetings and other official appointments and activities.
12.May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.
13.Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
D. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply forensic principles, procedures and techniques used to prepare, examine, analyse and identify samples and evidence.
2.Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, controlled substances, biology, toxicology, criminalistics, genetics, statistics, molecular and quality assurance standards.
3.Advanced knowledge of and ability to conduct crime scene examinations.
4.Advanced knowledge of evidence handling and maintaining the integrity of evidence.
5.Intermediate knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, Occupational Safety and Health, Part IV of the Labour Act, Cap 16.04, Evidence Act, Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act (2008), Good Laboratory Practices, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025:2017 standards, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, Criminal Code and other relevant policy documents.
6.Intermediate knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
7.Advanced oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills;
8.Advanced analytical and conceptualisation skills.
9.Advanced interpersonal skills and demonstrates emotional intelligence.
10.Advanced organisational skills.
11.Advanced computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets and presentation and forensic science information systems.
12.Ability to interpret and apply forensic science literature.
13.Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
14.Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
15.Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
16.Ability to adapt to organisational change.
E. EVALUATION CRITERIA
1.Demonstrated knowledge of the structure of the public service and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
2.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act 2020, Evidence Act, Drugs (Misuse and Prevention) Act; Administration of Justice Act, Drugs (Misuse and Prevention) Act; Administration of Justice Act, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025:2017 accreditation standards, International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE) Standards, Criminal Code and other relevant policy documents.
3.Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to apply principles and analytical procedures of chemistry, toxicology, criminalistics, firearms, genetics, controlled substances, statistics, molecular biology, cyber forensics, and quality control assurance programmes and accreditation standards.
4.Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to conduct crime scene examinations.
5.Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
6.Demonstrated effectiveness of oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
7.Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
8.Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
9.Demonstrated organisational and project management skills.
10.Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
11.Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
12.Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
13.Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
14.Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply forensic science literature.
15.Demonstrated ability to present and explain forensic reports and findings and testify in a court of law.
16.Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
17.Demonstrated intellectual acuity and ability to be visionary and innovative.
18.Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
19.Demonstrated political acuity.
20.Demonstrated ability to remain current on practices and developments in strategic leadership and management including crime scene and evidence management.
21.Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.
22.Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.
F. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
1.Master’s Degree in or Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field of study plus three (3) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or three (3) years’ relevant professional experience;
OR
2.Bachelor’s Degree plus Post Graduate Diploma in Management or Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field of study plus three (3) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or three (3) years’ relevant professional experience.
G. SALARY
Salary is at the rate of EC $82,323.96 per annum (Grade 18, Step 1).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form and should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Public Service Commission
Sir Stanislaus James Building
Waterfront
Castries
SAINT LUCIA
Applications are to reach the above address no later than November 29, 2024.
Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.
Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.
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