Vacancy Notice 1023

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: Operations Specialist
Reporting To: Direct Supervisor
Location: Lyon, France
Type of contract: Fixed-term and Short-term contracts
Duration (in months): different contract durations *
Grade: 6
Number of post: Reserve list
Level of Security screening: Basic
Deadline for application: 5 January 2026

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.

* Extensions to this post 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 4 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.

SUMMARY OF THE ASSIGNED DUTIES, INCLUDING GOALS AND OBJECTIVITIES OF THE POST

Under the guidance and monitoring of his/her direct supervisor, and operating at all times with minimal supervision, the Operations Specialist assists transnational police, anti-crime and disaster response co-operation in accordance with the mandate of the department to which he/she is assigned:

The Forensics and Police Data Management (FPDM) Sub-directorate is two-fold. One part is dedicated to the professional management of INTERPOL’s police databases; processing of international requests for cooperation (notices, diffusions and messages) sent to the General Secretariat; developing applications linked to database services and modernizing database features offered to member countries as well as the quality control of police data and databases in liaison with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) as part of the Notices and Diffusions Task Force.

The other part focuses on police forensics to support member countries in the identification of crime, criminals and missing persons based on INTERPOL biometrics expertise. This capability delivers products and activities, such as forensic software and databases (firearms, fingerprints, DNA profiles and facial recognition) to allow police across the world to make connections between criminals and crime scenes. Training is also provided to frontline officers and assistance in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) assistance in the aftermath of a disaster.

The Sub-directorate as a whole sets international standards for data exchange, capacity building and training in addition to the sharing of best practices, and in conjunction with operational units provides specialized field support. Pertinent workshops and conferences are also organized.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES

Main Duties:

• Reception and assessment of all incoming information to IPSG (which may be received in all four official languages).
• Assessment of the level of urgency and implementation of subsequent action upon urgent operational, tactical and strategic matters.
• Logistical and support services provided from Lyon to member countries and support teams both in-house and in the field.
• Provision of comprehensive services via specialized field team support in response to the needs of the requesting administration.
• Facilitation of communication between NCBs and General Secretariat staff on day-to-day and specific issues.
• Assistance in the location, identification and detention of persons and substances or goods moving illegally around the world and continued monitoring of subsequent movements as required.
• Provisions of a real time service to locate and identify persons travelling that are wanted or using fraudulent documents.
• Gathering, reporting and processing of information and data, in accordance with the rules on the processing of data (RPD), relevant to transnational crimes and criminals, wanted persons, individuals subject to criminal investigation, crisis and major events to ensure the relevance and accuracy of information in the Organization’s databases and alert member countries to potential dangers/threats.
• Preparation of clear, impartial, concise, objective reports on all activities, including movements of INTERPOL and related personnel.
• Assessment of needs, provision and planning of relevant training.
• Identification of best practices and setting of internationally shared standards for comprehensive and efficient exchange of information or biometrics.
• Notice Publication and on a daily basis quality control and compliance review for Notices, wanted diffusions and other diffusions;
• Replace supervisor when necessary.
• Perform other duties as requied by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Education and qualification required:

• At least two years’ University education in an area relevant to the incumbent’s duties.

Experience required:

• At least three years’ experience in in an area relevant to the department to which the incumbent will be assigned. Five years’ experience in the area is required if the incumbent does not have the required level of education.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and a second official language of the Organization (Arabic, French or Spanish) is required. Proficiency in a third official working laguage would be an additional asset.
• Proficiency in a widely-spoken non-official language such as Russian or Mandarin would be an additional asset.

Abilities required:

• Work experience with law enforcement entities and/or in crisis management positions is an asset;
• Experience of working in other international organizations, or participating in field missions is an asset;
• Knowledge of criminal procedures, criminalistics or law enforcement actions and practices;
• Sound knowledge of the Rules on the Processing of Data;
• Strong communication skills, both in written and oral form;
• Experience in working with computers including knowledge of oral presentations software, business intelligence and word processing software;
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions and demonstrated proactivity and resourcefulness
• Ability to understand complex scenarios and judge them objectively and identify any source bias
• Attention to detail
• Prone to self-improvement and sharing knowledge with colleagues
• Personal and professional maturity;
• Ability to maintain objectivity and apply logical reasoning;
• Ability to work in teams as well as individually;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Good social skills, particularly in a multicultural environment;
• Initiative, creativity (original thinking) and curiosity;
• Ability to synthesize;
• Good listening skills.