Consultant for the preparation of a paper on lessons learned from other review mechanisms of relevant regional, sectoral and international instruments on their operation or transition to a s

Result of Service Specific tasks and expected tangible deliverables The consultant will perform the following substantive duties and responsibilities: a) Design the methodology for the paper, including a description of other relevant review mechanisms to be covered in the analysis; b) Conduct desk research and structured interviews with other review mechanisms, as needed, and prepare an outline of the paper compiling relevant information, including lessons learned from the operation or transition of other review mechanisms to follow-up phases and based on the reports and analysis of the secretariat, the Implementation Review Group and other relevant review mechanisms; c) On the basis of the inputs and UNODC feedback, prepare a draft of the paper for further consultation, revision and eventual presentation to the IRG (submission date: 31 May 2023).

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration April - May 2023

Duties and Responsibilities Background of the assignment: Since its inception more than 10 years ago, the Implementation Review Mechanism has assisted States in the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption by establishing benchmarks against which States can measure progress, serving as a forum to identify and match technical assistance needs and delivery, and furthering peer-to-peer learning. The Mechanism had a considerable impact in terms of legislative reforms, improved institutional frameworks, enhanced coordination and information-sharing, strengthened international cooperation, and overall increased capacities to prevent and take action against corruption. It has also generated a unique data set of knowledge, accessible globally, on good practices and challenges in implementation. The first review cycle is now nearly complete, with 174 out of 188 executive summaries adopted, while the second cycle is ongoing, with 66 out of 188 executive summaries having been completed. Conscious of delays incurred during the second cycle of the Mechanism, the Conference of the States Parties, in its decision 8/1, extended the duration of the second cycle until June 2024 to allow for the completion of country reviews. In line with Conference resolution 3/1 and the terms of reference of the Mechanism, more than one review phase comprising several review cycles is envisaged, although the launch date of the next phase remains to be determined. The Conference is charged with establishing the phases and cycles, as well as the scope, thematic sequence and details of the review. In this context, the Implementation Review Group, as the subsidiary body of the Conference responsible for having an overview of the review process, has started to discuss the preparation of the next phase of the Mechanism, considering lessons learned under the current review phase. As a prerequisite to launching the second phase, the Group needs to continue to assess the performance of the Mechanism on the basis of the experiences gained in the first review cycle and carry out an evaluation of the terms of reference (as per resolutions 3/1, 8/2 and the Mechanism’s terms of reference). To benefit from the experience in this regard of other relevant review mechanisms of regional, sectoral and international instruments that have moved beyond the first phase, the Implementation Review Group at its meeting in September 2022 requested the secretariat to prepare a paper for consideration at its future session, analysing lessons learned from the operation or transition of those review mechanisms to follow-up phases. The Group noted that lessons learned and good practices experienced by other relevant review mechanisms should be taken into account when designing the second phase of the Implementation Review Mechanism, in order to ensure synergies with such review mechanisms.

Qualifications/special skills- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, international relations, political science, other social sciences or a related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

- A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required.

- Professional experience in conducting legal research and drafting, reviewing, and editing of technical/academic studies such as background papers, policy studies or academic publications

- Knowledge of other peer review mechanisms, particularly in the field of anti-corruption is required

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, oral and written fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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.