Consultant (Private Military Groups Expert)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The Consultant (Private Military Groups Expert) will support UNICRI with the preparation of an analytical report on private military groups and their linkages with crime and terrorism, carrying out related research and analysis.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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.

In 2023, UNICRI launched a new research initiative to investigate the growing role played by private military groups and their relationships with criminal organizations, and acts of terrorism. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of these groups in conflicts and will provide insights into strategies for addressing the challenges they pose to global security.

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

PHASE 1: Prepare Research Plan • Meet with the project team to discuss research questions, scope, methodology, and timeline; • Prepare a research plan outlining the key steps/methodology with specific deliverables and timeline; contextual analysis (3 pages)

PHASE 2: Research and Analysis • Undertake comprehensive desk-based research on private military groups, their associations with criminal organizations, and implications in acts of terrorism. • Facilitate, contribute substantively to organizing and lead the dialogue at a meeting of experts from national authorities, NGOs, research entities and think tanks, as well as representatives from UN Peacekeeping Operations in conflict settings. • Interact with relevant stakeholders, collect pertinent literature, and analyze existing resources. • Engage with recognized specialists in UN agencies and other relevant institutions to collect insights on experiences, best practices, and challenges.

PHASE 3: Report Drafting • Based on insights from research and consultations, develop a detailed report that covers the current and historical roles of private military groups, legal and policy challenges they present, their identified affiliations with criminal entities and terrorist activities, and provide actionable recommendations. • Share the preliminary draft of the report with participants from the expert group meeting for feedback and validation.

PHASE 4: Report Finalization and Additional Research Support • Revise the report considering feedback and additional findings. • Finalize the report and share it with the Programme Officer for further comments and feedback.. • Present the preliminary findings and the draft report during a launch briefing at the the Stockolm Forum on Peace and Development (TBC) for members of international communities in the development, humanitarian, peacebuilding and security spheres.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, history, social science 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 an advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working in the fields of intelligence, security analysis and military operations is required. Experience working on specific topic of private military groups is required. Experience in carrying out research and the preparation of analytical reports is required. Experience with combatting organized crime and countering terrorism is highly desirable. Experience working with international organizations is also desirable.

Languages

For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.