Counter-Terrorism Policy Expert for New Technologies

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UNOCT - Office of Counter-Terrorism

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 12 Jun 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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Result of Service The consultant will deliver the following outputs/products:

  • Draft handbook for good practices on conducting threat assessments of terrorist exploitation of new technologies.
  • Draft reference guide for designing national counter-terrorism policy responses to address challenges and opportunities of new technologies in countering terrorism.
  • Moderation of at least two expert group meetings to discuss good practices for conducting threat assessments of terrorist exploitation of new technologies and for counter-terrorism policy responses to challenges and opportunities of new technologies.
  • Final handbook for good practices on conducting threat assessments of terrorist exploitation of new technologies.
  • Final reference guide for designing national counter-terrorism policy responses to address challenges and opportunities of new technologies in countering terrorism.

    Work Location Home-based

    Expected duration 90 days over six months from start date with a possibility of extension

    Duties and Responsibilities The complex and evolving threat of terrorism demands that the United Nations adopt an efficient, coherent, and coordinated response. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/RES/60/288), the successive review resolutions and the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674 and A/70/675) emphasize the importance of strengthening coordination and coherence among United Nations entities working on counter-terrorism issues to effectively support Member States and regional organizations in developing and implementing holistic responses to address the scourge of terrorism.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established through the adoption of General Assembly resolution 71/291 on 15 June 2017and has a multi-faceted and strong mandate which includes, (a) Providing leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system; (b) Enhancing 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) Strengthening the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) Improving visibility, advocacy, and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) Ensuring 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.

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/RES/60/288), as well as several General Assembly and Security Council resolutions underscore promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism. The Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, adopted in July 2011, requires all United Nations entities to be diligent in ensuring that support to non-UN security forces in provided in a manner that is consistent with the purposes and principles as set out in the Charter of the United Nations, and is compliant with and promotes respect for international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.

UNOCT/UNNCT Global Counter-Terrorism Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies was launched in 2020 to support Member States, international and regional organisations and UN entities in developing knowledge and raising awareness of challenges and opportunities related to new technologies in countering terrorism and in enhancing capacities required to prevent, mitigate and respond to terrorist and violent extremists groups misusing new technologies. The programme also enhances Member States’ capacities to counter and investigate terrorist activities by collecting digital forensic evidence and through the use of new technologies. The Global Programme is managed and implemented by the UNCCT Cybersecurity and New Technologies Unit.

Implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy and reinforcement of human rights compliance is an integral part of all capacity building activities implemented by the Cybersecurity and New Technologies Unit. It is essential that all our activities in support to beneficiary countries to use technology to prevent and counter terrorism are integrating human rights considerations and mainstreaming human rights in an effective, meaningful and impactful manner.

The overall objective of the assignment is to provide expert advice to the UNCCT Global CT Programme on Cybersecurity and New Technologies on effective and responsible policy choices for countering terrorist use of new technologies and using new technologies in countering terrorism. The assignment is temporary in nature with a maximum duration of 2 years.

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Cybersecurity and New Technologies Unit. The consultant will be tasked to:

  • Develop a report on challenges, gaps and good practices for counter-terrorism policy responses to address challenges and opportunities of new technologies in countering terrorism.
  • Develop a handbook for good practices on conducting threat assessments of terrorist exploitation of new technologies.
  • Moderate expert group meetings comprised of representatives from public, private sectors, civil society and academia in discussing good practices for conducting threat assessments of terrorist exploitation of new technologies and counter-terrorism policy responses to challenges and opportunities of new technologies.

    Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in ICT, law, criminal justice counter-terrorism or in a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A proven record of publications on counter-terrorism policy responses to new technologies or speaking engagements on the subject at international or regional events. Previous experience in moderating expert group meetings is required. Previous experience in moderating expert group meetings on counter-terrorism policy and new technologies is an advantage. A minimum of 10 years practical experience in counter-terrorism, law enforcement, criminal justice or related field is required. Proven experience in developing counter-terrorism strategies and policies is required. Previous experience in new technologies in countering terrorism is required.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Additional Information CORE COMPETENCIES

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrated openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocated appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understand applicability and limitations of technology in countering terrorism.

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.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org