Consultant

Result of Service - One threat assessment report that highlights the main findings of the analysis and assessment as well as subject-specific briefings, each with targeted recommendations to inform UNICRI and key stakeholders on programming and future interventions; - Presentation for an expert-level meeting.

Work Location Home based (remote assignment). Travel may be required to Eastern Europe and/or Brussels.

Expected duration 50 working days (April-July 2022)

Duties and Responsibilities 1.Background of the assignment: United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI's goals are: ¿ to advance understanding of crime-related problems; ¿ to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems; ¿ to support the respect of international instruments and other standards; ¿ to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance.

2. Purpose of the assignment: The purpose of the consultancy is to produce a “threat assessment” report analyzing and assessing issues related to justice, security, and organized crime emanating from the war in Ukraine. The research will explore and analyse lessons to be learned from: (i) the impacts of the war on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats; (ii) cybercrime and cybersecurity risks; (iii) the impact of organized crime and illicit financial flows and trafficking of goods and in people; (iv) the protection of vulnerable targets and critical infrastructure, and (v) potential implications for Moldova and the European security context.

The consultant will play a central role in leading this research initiative and the findings and recommendations will be consolidated in a threat assessment report, including recommendations for policymakers at the international, regional, and national levels. The findings and recommendations of this report will inform and guide the second phase of the project which envisages technical assistance, capacity building, and development and promotion of national and regional security mechanisms. The report will be presented and discussed at an international conference with key stakeholders and institutions. The consultant will be responsible for: analysing material, data and information collected through desk and field research, interviews with government officials, law enforcement agencies, CSOs, and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant: Under the supervision of the staff member, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: - Lead the development of the methodology for qualitative data collection and design of tools to identify and interview relevant stakeholders in coordination with the UNICRI working groups of expert staff; - Carry out in-depth research and analysis of the war in Ukraine on: (i) the impacts of the war on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats; (ii) cybercrime and cybersecurity risks; (iii) the impact of organized crime and illicit financial flows and trafficking of goods and in people; (iv) the protection of vulnerable targets and critical infrastructure, and (v) potential implications for Moldova and the European security context; - Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to, law enforcement agencies, practitioners, international and regional organisations/experts; - Prepare a “threat assessment” report to highlight the main findings of the analysis and assessment as well as subject-specific briefings, each with targeted recommendations to inform stakeholders on future needed interventions; - Participate in national stakeholder meetings to present and discuss the preliminary conclusions of the report; - Support an international conference to launch the report and to present the follow-up phase on programmatic interventions; - Perform other job-related duties upon request.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (i.e. Master or equivalent) in political science, criminology, social sciences, international relations or related field is required. A PhD in relevant disciplines is desirable. Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience, at national or international level, in conducting research, analysis and data collection in the area of international security is required. Relevant research experience on issues pertaining to Ukraine, and/or Moldova, and/or Eastern Europe is also required. Professional experience with countering CBRN threats, or cybercrime, or illicit financial flows, or trafficking of goods and in people, or in other similar crime prevention fields is desirable. Language: For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian is desirable.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.