Consultant (Researcher on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants)

Result of Service 4. Expected tangible and measurable output(s)

Based on the Terms of Reference, the consultant will produce the following outputs:

A. Work plan outlining proposed research, including timelines B. Conduct desk-based research of available statistics, policy and legal frameworks, and existing research reports focused mainly on the three target countries, but literature from across Southeast Asia will also be examined C. Conduct other research related to the smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons, and associated crimes as assigned by the Regional Coordinator D. Support the collection of data by the SOM Observatory research team in the three target countries

Work Location Home-based with possible travel to Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand

Expected duration 1 January 2023 – 30 June 2023 (100 working days)

Duties and Responsibilities 1. Background of the assignment

Migrant smuggling is a complex, ever-changing crime that takes different forms in different parts of the world. The criminals who smuggle migrants and refugees operate with varied levels of organization. Moreover, because migrant smuggling is a well-established crime in Southeast Asia, criminals have been adjusting their business models in response to the COVID-19 situation. In short, more evidence is needed on smuggling routes, criminal actors and their methods, aggravated smuggling offences, the risks smuggled migrants and refugees are exposed to, the factors that shape the smuggling industry, and its regional and international dimensions. Data collection, analysis and research on migrant smuggling is at a nascent stage, globally, but in the Southeast Asia region in particular.

In 2018, UNODC published the Global Study on Smuggling of Migrants, a comprehensive review of the state of the art of smuggling research around the world. While the study highlights some general findings on which there is a consensus in smuggling research, the geographical and thematic focus of existing research is patchy and uneven, and smuggling data collection at national and regional level is either non-existent or non-comparable. As a response to the serious lack of reliable data and information on migrant smuggling at a global level, with significant implications for the efficacy of counter-smuggling efforts. UNODC designed and set up the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants. The Observatory assesses characteristics, drivers and impacts of migrant smuggling in rapidly changing contexts, based on a robust and comprehensive research methodology (www.unodc.org/res/som/research-methodology.html) that has been successfully applied in West Africa, North Africa and Southern Europe, and is currently being rolled out in Horn of Africa and now also in Southeast Asia focusing on Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The Observatory aims to provide the requisite knowledge on migrant smuggling patterns and routes to inform counter-smuggling measures, with a focus on smuggling in different global regions, and on how routes and criminal actors are connected within and across these regions. The analyses are regularly updated to ensure their continuing relevance to a crime that is dynamic, multi-faceted and geographically fluid. Expanding the geographical scope of the Observatory into the Southeast Asia region is critical in order to provide a comprehensive picture for states, as well as the international community, to understand better smuggling of migrant trends. Another key aim of the Observatory is to build up a network of researchers in different regions who can apply the methodology and obtain robust findings. The Observatory methodology is available for open-access download on the website, and all researchers from the various countries and regions under analysis are fully trained on the methodology and tools.

To support key stakeholders in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand and along mixed migration routes from, to and through these countries to effectively combat smuggling of migrants and to protect the human rights of smuggled people, the UNODC Observatory proposes to carry out research and analysis in these three countries in order to provide a gender-specific evidence base for counter-smuggling interventions. This would be the first piece of research in the Southeast Asia region carried out by the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants.

2. Purpose of the assignment

To support the SOM Observatory research being carried out in the three target countries and conduct research related to the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons trends, drivers, demand, impacts and responses, and associated crimes in the Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.

3. Specific tasks to be performed by the Consultant

Under the supervision of the UNODC Regional Coordinator – Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling based in Bangkok and working in close consultation with other UNODC staff, the consultant will:

• Conduct desk-based research of available statistics, policy and legal frameworks, and existing research reports focused mainly on the three target countries, but literature from across Southeast Asia will also be examined;
• Conduct other research related to the smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons, and associated crimes as assigned by the Regional Coordinator;
• Support the collection of data by the SOM Observatory research team in the three target countries.

The research will culminate in a number of “StoryMaps”, research and policy briefs, reports, and publications. Published and available research will be used to inform discussions with key government and non-governmental stakeholders. UNODC will work closely with government counterparts to ensure the research findings translate into actionable results among policy makers and law enforcement.

Qualifications/special skills An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social science, research, or other related fields is required. A first level university degree in similar fields 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 research experience in the area of migrant smuggling, human trafficking and related issues in the ASEAN region is required. Experience with the current body of research literature on migrant smuggling, human trafficking and related issue is required.. Experience in conducting and analyzing surveys as well as in-depth interviews with key informants is required. Experience in handling sensitive data and ethical collection, analysis and presentation of data from key informants is required. A proven record of relevant research publications is required. Experience in using research findings to formulate policy recommendations is required. Experience working with UNODC is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, with excellent drafting and communication skills, is required. Knowledge of another United Nations Secretariat 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.