Consultant on Terrorism-Crime-Arms Nexus prevention and response – Small Arms and Light Weapons and their illicit supply to terrorists

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration Expected Duration: 70 days over a period of eleven months starting from August 2022 with a possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funding and work requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities BACKGROUND

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) on 8th September 2006. The Strategy is aimed at enhancing national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. ¿Through its adoption, all Member States agreed to a common strategic and operational approach to fight terrorism by taking practical steps individually and collectively to prevent and combat it. In the Plan of Action of the Strategy, the Member States resolved to undertake specific measures to counter terrorism, including measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism (Pillar I); to prevent and combat terrorism (Pillar II); to build States’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the UN system in this regard (Pillar III); and to ensure the respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism (Pillar IV).

The General Assembly established the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in June 2017 (resolution 71/291) to: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 38 Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact (former CTITF) Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the¿UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilisation for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

RATIONALE

The consultancy is situated within the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), which is part of UNOCT. The overall aim of the Centre is to support Member States in the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through capacity building. The consultant is sought for supporting the technical implementation of a UNCCT project on “Addressing the terrorism-arms-crime nexus: Preventing and combatting the illicit trafficking of small-arms and light weapons and their illicit supply to terrorists - Supporting the implementation of SCR 2370 (2017) and the Madrid Guiding Principles” focused on Central Asia (CA). The project is jointly implemented with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in close collaboration with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the Under-Secretary-General of UNOCT, UNCCT Director, UNCCT Chief of Countering Terrorism Section and the specific guidance and supervision of UNCCT Programme Manager on Preventing and Responding to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism, the incumbent will provide strategic advice and transfer specialized knowledge of the small arms and light weapons field, to support the implementation of the UNCCT project on “ Addressing the terrorism-arms-crime nexus: Preventing and combatting the illicit trafficking of small-arms and light weapons and their illicit supply to terrorists - Supporting the implementation of SCR 2370 (2017) and the Madrid Guiding Principles.”

The purpose of the assignment is to develop national 4-day trainings in the English language, for criminal justice practitioners (prosecutors, investigators, judges) from Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) to achieve the following specific results for the participants (in theory and practical application): - improved knowledge on general investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking and associated crimes including terrorism; - better capacities to identify the connections between firearms trafficking and associated crimes including terrorism; - improved capacities of collection, analysis and exchange of information at national and international level to support the investigation of firearms and related terrorism cases; - improved cooperation capacities between the national institutions at operational levels as well as for the detection, investigation, prosecution and adjudication of illicit firearms trafficking and its nexus with organized crime and terrorism; - better understanding of the complexity of the firearms trafficking phenomenon and its connections with other crimes, including terrorism, to be able to provide an inclusive criminal justice response.

The Consultant will perform the following functions: 1. Analyze the existing methodology prepared by UNODC, provide strategic advice and transfer specialized knowledge of the subject matter to incorporate counter-terrorism nexus components into the methodology. 2. Utilize expertise and specialized knowledge of the subject matter to tailor the training materials, including power point presentations and handouts, as well as assessment questions and answers to the Central Asia region. 3. Analyze and prepare the terms of reference to ensure that the nominated participants fit the required profile, prepare the training materials and handouts, prepare pre-training and post-training evaluation questionnaires. 4. Provide strategic advice and specialized knowledge of the subject matter to deliver, in cooperation with UNCCT and UNODC staff, 5 (five) 4-day trainings (one per country) in each of Central Asian countries according to the training delivery schedule, and facilitate trainings as needed. 5. Provide strategic advice and specialized knowledge of the subject matter to draft a post training report for each of the trainings, and a final comprehensive report including all implemented activities and outcomes, conclusions and recommendations. 6. Provide strategic and technical advice to the Head of the Preventing and Responding to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBRN) Terrorism Unit in the field of small arms and light weapons.

Qualifications/special skills Competency: PROFESSIONALISM: Strong knowledge and exposure to a range of disarmament, countering SALW trafficking, counter-terrorism, and legal issues. Experience in analysis in areas relevant to the project, particularly in the area of nexus of terrorism, arms and organized crime. Knowledge of relevant resolutions and treaties. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive research on a range of issues, including those of a complex nature. Proficiency in drafting and ability to prepare well and under time pressure briefs, reports, analyses and research papers, statements and other written materials. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

CLIENT ORIENTATION

Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

COMMUNICATION

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminology, law, international relations, science, security, counter-terrorism or other related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree. Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of professional expertise and experience in criminal investigation and/or prosecution of SALW trafficking and associated crimes is required. A minimum of ten (10) years of professional expertise and experience in counter-terrorism and/or countering illicit firearms trafficking is required. Experience in delivering training and developing training manuals, programs and tools is required. Experience in delivering training programmes for law enforcement agencies, government officials, UN and other intergovernmental organizations and international organizations is required. A proven record of publications on firearms trafficking, organized crime and terrorism is required. Language: English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in written and spoken Russian, is desirable.

Additional Information Please apply to Job Opening by the deadline.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Candidates should list all work experience and diplomas in the relevant part of the application. Work experience and diplomas only mentioned in the cover letter will not be considered for screening purposes. Statements must include concrete start and end dates, detailed description of tasks and achievements and whether the experience was obtained in full-time or part-time. Candidates should note that eligibility and fees will be decided based on their submitted application only. There is no option to revise an application after submission.

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.