Field Assistant

Legal

Overview

Support data collection on trafficking in fishing communities.

You have:

• 1-2 years of experience in data collection and analysis related to maritime safety or labor conditions.
• Proficiency in conducting surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience working in international development organizations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Ability to adapt and work in challenging environments.
• Culturally and socially sensitive, able to engage with diverse community members.

The UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) supports member states to respond to challenges affecting maritime domain. The mission of the UNODC GMCP is to improve the capabilities of member states through the improvement of the entire criminal justice systems to prevent, interdict, investigate, and prosecute maritime crime, through a sound rule of law framework and effective international cooperation. The Programme focuses on each element of the criminal justice chain, including prevention, deterrence, detection/interdiction, investigation, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and regional cooperation. In doing so, GMCP develops, inter alia, targeted assessements and operational analyses, and supports capacity building and infrastructure development for relevant agencies.

Recently, UNODC GMCP has emphasized the critical need for a deeper understanding of trafficking in persons within the fisheries sector of the Eastern Indian Ocean as well as the opportunities to combat these crimes in the region. Trafficking in person in the fisheries sector not only jeopardizes vulnerable populations, women and girls, often disproportionately affected, face unique vulnerabilities in this sector, contributing to gender-specific exploitation patterns. Therefore, addressing these crimes requires a gender-sensitive approach to protect and empower all individuals, ensuring interventions are inclusive and effective.

To this end, UNODC GMCP has initiated an operational analysis on trafficking in persons (TiP) in the fisheries sector within the South Asian littoral States.This assignment aims to support the data collection for this analysis focusing on identifying potential patterns of TiP within the fisheries sector, with particular attention to its gender dimensions and related dynamics. The objective is to deepen the understanding of the range of vulnerability factors and forms of exploitation impacting individuals in this sector.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNODC GMCP IOE Programme Support Officer for Sri Lanka, and overall direction of Regional Programme Coordinator of UNODC GMCP-IOE team, The Community UN Volunteer is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Engage with and interview fishing communities to gather data on labor practices, the role of women, and any potential trafficking indicators in distant-water fleets at sea.

• Ensure accurate recording of interviews, using the questionnaires developed by UNODC GMCP. This would help the UNVs in collecting information on the local challenges in the fisheries sector (focusing on economic conditions, recruitment practices, labour conditions and other vulnerabilities potentially leading to TiP), as well as the such as exposure to gender-based violence, including harassment and abuse).

• Collaborate with Labor inspectors and conduct interviews with them to understand their role in monitoring labor conditions and preventing exploitation and gather information on the frequency and effectiveness of inspections in fisheries and fish-processing areas.

• Document any local practices that could be linked to trafficking at sea, such as the exploitation through recruitment, sexual exploitation or gender-based violence.

• Provide feedback on the challenges faced during field interviews and any key trends observed.

• Work closely with local organizations to ensure that information is shared in a culturally sensitive manner.

• Participate in debriefing sessions to discuss findings and assist in compiling data for the final study report.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

engaging with local communities, particularly vulnerable groups, to gather qualitative and quantitative data is required.

Relevant experience and skills:

• Familiarity with collecting and analyzing data related to maritime safety, security, and/or labour conditions in coastal and fishing communities is an asset;

• Familiarity with data collection methodologies, including conducting surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions is an asset;

• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset;

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Accuracy and professionalism in data collection;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with community members, youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of data collection;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain;

Chattogram, located in southeastern Bangladesh along the Karnaphuli River, is the second-largest city in the country and an important economic and commercial hub. The living conditions in Chattogram reflect a mix of urban development and natural beauty. The city has witnessed significant infrastructure improvements, including modernized services, transportation networks, and communication facilities. It serves as a major port, attracting foreign investments and fostering trade activities. Chattogram boasts a number of green spaces, gardens, and parks, providing recreational areas for its residents. The city also offers a range of historical landmarks and vibrant dining options. The weather in Chattogram is typically tropical, with hot and humid summers during the monsoon season and relatively drier and cooler winters. Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country for internationals so far. While Chattogram is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.

Cox’s Bazar is a family duty station with good access to air and bus travel to other parts of Bangladesh. Accommodation, food, education, and medical facilities are available. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials as well. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious acts insurance plan. The UN Volunteer will be based in Cox’s Bazar, with regular travel to the other locations in Teknaf and Ukhia upazila. Cox's Bazar is a district of Bangladesh known for fishing port and tourism. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. The beach in Cox's Bazar is an unbroken 120 km (75 miles) sandy sea beach with a gentle slope, making it the second longest sea beach in the world. The cli-mate of Cox's bazar is similar to the rest of the country. The climate of Bangladesh is generally determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, generally excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations. It is further characterized by the location in the coastal area. Cox’s Bazar is a generally safe place to live. The communications systems in Cox’s Bazar is well developed and the district is well-connected with other cities. National mobile networks are operational. Cox’s Bazar has a domestic airport and is currently classified as a family duty station

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org