International Consultant Research Consultant, SOM

Conduct research among migrants and key informants on smuggling issues.

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UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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Application deadline 7 months ago: Wednesday 12 Nov 2025 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Conduct research among migrants and key informants on smuggling issues.

You have:

  • An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences or Economics is required.
  • A first-level university degree or equivalent academic education may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree, combined with additional years of qualifying experience.
  • At least 5 years of research experience in the field of organized crime and/or migration studies is required.
  • Specialist knowledge in social science research and field research with vulnerable populations is required.
  • Oral and written fluency in English, French and Arabic is required.
  • Knowledge of another United Nations official language or a language spoken by migrant communities in Morocco is an advantage.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

  • Field research plan developed. - Finalized and translated research tools prepared, including referral protocol for protection issues. - Minimum 30 interviews conducted with at least 10 key informants and at least 10 migrants with experience of smuggling (delivery of interview transcriptions). - Interview metadata - preliminary qualitative analysis of interviews.

Work Location

Home-based, with internal travel within Morocco.

Expected duration

8 Dec.25 – 31Mar.26

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and plan field research among migrants with experience of smuggling and relevant field research in Tan Tan, Morocco • Conduct min. 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with migrants in Tan Tan (foreign citizens and Moroccan intending migrants) according to methodological guidelines and ethical code of conduct of UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants • Conduct min. 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key informants in Tan Tan (local authorities, civil society, other relevant interlocutors) according to methodological guidelines and ethical code of conduct of UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants • Transcribe interviews in English or French, including full metadata • Conduct preliminary qualitative analysis of interviews using qualitative coding methods. • Participate in meetings with UNODC, Moroccan authorities and other partners for training and to discuss and refine the research. • Any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences or Economics is required. A first-level university degree OR equivalent academic education, professional training with certification from a recognized international/national institution with specialization in Social Sciences, or other related areas, in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification, award or research fellowship in the area of migration studies or social sciences is an advantage. At least 5 years of research experience is required in the field of organized crime and/or migration studies is required. Specialist knowledge in social science research and field research with vulnerable populations is required. Previous working experience in or in relation to Morocco is a strong desirable. Proven experience in delivering field research is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, oral and written fluency in English, French and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, another Moroccan official language, or a language spoken by migrant communities in Morocco is an advantage.

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.

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience in conducting qualitative interviews with vulnerable populations. This assesses your practical experience and comfort level with the target groups. Share specific examples of interviews you've conducted, including the context and outcomes.
Can you explain your approach to analyzing qualitative data from interviews? The interviewer wants to understand your analytical skills and methodologies. Pro members can see the explanation.
What ethical considerations do you take into account when conducting research in sensitive areas? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where an interviewee becomes distressed during a conversation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you implement to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your interview transcriptions? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a research project where you had to adapt your methods based on participant feedback? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss your experience working with local authorities and civil society organizations during research. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach conducting research in a politically sensitive environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: careers.un.org