Consultant

Result of Service The 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.

UNICRI has been cooperating with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for the past several years, conducting studies and case law analysis in view of improving the understanding of the multifaceted environment surrounding infringements of Intellectual Property (IP) rights. This includes the involvement of transnational organized crime in managing the production and trade of IP infringing goods as well as the various ways in which violations of IP can occur. By way of example, some of the results of this cooperation over the years include: the publication of a study focused on the use of malware in IP infringing websites, the creation of 20 case studies used for training of judges and prosecutors, and the publication of a study analyzing legal measures applicable by way of judicial cooperation in online copyright infringement cases.

The Consultant will draft the 2023 update of a Handbook dedicated to presenting successful techniques and tools used for investigating and prosecuting IP crimes, ready for final review and final systematization. The 2023 update of the Handbook shall include additional chapters for the two criminal modus operandi, 1) cyber-fraud related to IP, and 2) IP registration invoice fraud, plus, when needed, a full description or update of related investigative steps, techniques and tools.

Work Location Home based

Expected duration April-September 2023

Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the Consultant will perform the following duties: - Identify research methodology and conduct research on new criminal modus operandi to be included in the 2023 edition of a Handbook dedicated to present succesful investigative techniques in relation to Intellectual Property (IP) crimes. The new modus operandi are: 1) cyber-fraud related to IP, and 2) IP registration invoice fraud; - Contribute to draft research plans; - Conduct interviews with experts to gather information and data on the criminal modus operandi to be included in the 2023 edition of the Handbook and on corresponding investigative steps, techniques and tools; - Identify and present in the Handbook the criminal modus operandi on: 1) cyber-fraud related to IP, and 2) IP registration invoice fraud; - When needed, update, identify and present in the Handbook investigative steps, techniques, and tools to be used for the successful investigation of the above-mentioned criminal modus operandi; - Perform other job-related duties upon request.

Qualifications/special skills An advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in law, criminal law, international law, criminology, criminal justice, security, social sciences, or other related areas is required. At least 7 years of relevant working experience as a trainer, researcher, law enforcement expert, law practitioner or law analyst is required. Relevant work experience shall include the following areas: crime prevention, Intellectual Property crimes and security. Previous relevant working experience in capacity-building projects and creating law enforcement investigative guides is required. Previous relevant working experience with the United Nations or other international or regional organizations is highly desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (i.e., oral and written proficiency) is required. Knowledge of Spanish is highly 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.