Biometrics Specialized Officer

Vacancy Notice 736

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 196 Member Countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. 

INTERPOL strives to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To achieve our Diversity goals, we encourage applications from women and nationals of under/unrepresented member countries who are passionate about our mission. INTERPOL’s recruitment process is merit-based hence all hiring decisions are made considering the applicant’s qualifications and the needs of the Organization.

Job Title: Biometrics Specialized Officer
Reporting To: Coordinator
Location: Abidjan
Type of contract: Short-term Contract
Duration (in months): till 31 December 2026
Grade: 5
Number of post: 1
Level of Security screening: Basic
Deadline for application: 7 February 2025

For Short-term vacancies only: For internal candidates holding fixed-term appointments, selection for this position will be treated as a Temporary Assignment.

Conditions applying for all candidates

Only professional experience for which candidates can provide official proof of employment will be considered. Candidates could be requested to provide copies of such official documents prior to interviews/test.

* Subsequent extension to this post will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

* This position is financed by a third-party, external to the Organization with funding provided by the donor. Although there is a commitment from the donor, the appointment may be terminated prior to indicate official end date of project, should the external funding for this position no longer be available. This position also carries, in principle, no expectation of renewal. Any potential subsequent extension will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

OR.* This position has a temporary nature and carries, in principle, no expectation of renewal. Any potential subsequent extension will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

Tests/interviews in connection to this selection procedure will take place approximately xx weeks after the deadline for applications. Applicants are kindly requested to plan their availability during this period accordingly, in case they are short-listed.

​Selected candidates will be expected to report for duty approximately two to three months after receiving an offer of employment at the latest.

This selection exercise may be used to generate a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to address Organization's similar staffing needs in the future.

The Forensics and Police Data Management Sub-directorate (FPDM) is responsible for maintaining the Organization's biometric databases consisting of Fingerprints, DNA and Facial Recognition. These databases and associated products such as Gateways, Notices and Diffusions allow member countries to share biometric data, in accordance with INTERPOL standards as defined by FPDM, through INTERPOL channels.

Under the supervision of a Senior Project Manager and FPDM Coordinator, the incumbent will be required to apply their biometric knowledge and bioetric data management skills to a diverse range of tasks as required by the needs for the AFIS project, all others projects of WAPIS programme and, for the member countries and the INTERPOL biometric units.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES

In the order of importance, indicate main duties and activities pefformed by the post holder: supervisory responsibility, taking decisions, etc. /Par ordre d'importance, indiquez les principales missions et activités du titulaire du poste (ex: missions d'encadrement, prise de décisions, etc.)

DUTY 1

Biometric Support

• Provide biometric-related support to all Projects of WAPIS programme, such as Fingerprint advice, Biometric Assessment, forensic purchase equipment and forensic unit renovation follow up.
• Assist member countries' authorities, if required, in the collection of biometric data
• Maintain an holistic understanding of all the INTERPOL biometric databases
• Contribute to INTERPOL's biometric product developments and policy
• Provide biometric-related support to FPDM, such as data entry, depending on the incumbent's area of expertise
• Ensure that the use of the INTERPOL biometric databases by member countries is compliant with INTERPOL procedures and Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD) whilst identifying, responding to and correcting, in accordance with the specialized biometric unit, any non-conformance issues where appropriate
• Serve as a business liaison between FPDM and respective departments in the General Secretariat such as Office of Legal Affairs, Information & Systems Technology Directorate, Data Protection Office, Specialized Crime Sub-Directorates, etc., on matters related to biometrics.

DUTY 2

Promotion and trainings

• Prepare and deliver trainings and associated training material on INTERPOL biometric business products and/or biometric-related training modules to INTERPOL staff, National Central Bureau staff, national law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories
• As subject matter expert, represent INTERPOL by participating in various working groups and international conferences
• Participate in promotional activities to increase awareness of INTERPOL biometric business products and best practices among stakeholders

DUTY 3

Other tasks

• Respond to member countries' requests for assistance by providing, for example, technical information, practical support or general advice related to biometrics.
• Provide support, including administrative support, to all biometric units as required.
• The incumbent may be called upon to participate in Incident Response Teams and go on mission to member countries.
• Perform other duties as required by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIRED/FORMATION

• A minimum of three-to-four years' education at a University or other specialized higher education establishment. Ten years' experience is required if the education qualification is not met.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• At least three years' experience in at least one biometric discipline (Fingerprint and/or DNA and/or Facial Recognition, and awareness of crime scene investigation in accordance with best practices).
• Recognised expertise and knowledge of additional biometrics (Fingerprint, DNA, Facial Recognition) and/or biometric matching technology would be an asset.

LANGUAGE

• Professional Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of a second official language (Arabic, French or Spanish) of the Organization would be an additional asset;
• Excellent communication skills, both in written and oral form (public speaking and delivery of presentations).

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to maintain objectivity and apply logical reasoning;
• Initiative, creativity (original thinking) and curiosity;
• Ability to work in teams as well as individually with minimum supervision;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to synthesiz and analyse
• Ability to develop and maintain professional networks;  Good social skills, particularly in a multicultural environment;
• Good listening skills
• Personal and Professional Maturity