Researcher

Result of Service - Methodology for qualitative data collection and tools to identify and interview relevant stakeholders; - Collection of relevant data through the research and interviews, and its analysis and assessment; - Report highlighting the main findings of the analysis and assessment with recommendations for potential programmatic interventions; - Presentation for the expert-level meeting.

Work Location Home-based (possible travel to Afghanistan and neighbouring countries depending on the security situation and Brussels)

Expected duration 50 working days

Duties and Responsibilities 1. Background of the assignment: 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.

2. Purpose of the assignment: The purpose of the consultancy is to produce a high-quality report analysing and assessing the recent developments in Afghanistan and their broader implications on the security context at the domestic, regional, and international levels. The research aims to explore and identify: (i) new sources of Taliban funding; (ii) the relationship between the Taliban and terrorist groups, notably Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K); (iii) the use of sanctions, and their unintended consequences; (iv) regional relations and dynamics; and (v) potential implications for the European security context.

The consultant will play a central role in leading this research initiative and the findings and recommendations will be consolidated in a report to be presented at a joint EU-UNICRI expert-level meeting to be held in Brussels. The findings and recommendations of this report would inform and guide the second phase of the project which envisages the design of ad hoc capacity-building activities for neighbouring countries. The consultant will be responsible for: analysing material, data and information collected through desk and field research (given the the current security situation in Afghanistan, alternative solutions shall be enquired), interviews government officials, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant: Under the supervision of the respective staff members, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: - Lead the development of the methodology for qualitative data collection and design of tools to identify and interview relevant stakeholders; - Carry out in-depth (desk and field) research and analysis of sources of Taliban funding; the relationship between the Taliban and terrorist groups, notably Al-Qaida, ISIL-K and other armed groups/factions; the use of sanctions and their unintended consequences; regional relations and dynamics; and potential implications for the European security context; - Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to, law enforcement agencies, practitioners, international and regional organisations/experts; - Prepare a report to highlight the main findings of the analysis and assessment and to outline potential recommendations/programmatic interventions; - Organise a validation meeting to present and discuss the preliminary conclusions of the report; - Provide substantial assistance to a joint EU-UNICRI expert-level meeting in Brussels to launch the report and to present the follow-up phase on programmatic interventions. - Perform other job-related duties upon request.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (i.e. Master or equivalent) in political science, criminology, social sciences, international relations or related field is required. A PhD in relevant disciplines is desirable. Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience, at the national or international level, in conducting research, analysis and data collection in the area of international security is required. Relevant research experience on issues pertaining to the Afghanistan context is also required. Previous experience in conducting similar research with the United Nations or other similar international organisations is highly desirable. Language: For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto would be highly desired.

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.