Senior Fellow - Senior Law Enforcement Expert

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The Senior Fellow will support the work of the Centre as a Senior Law Enforcement Expert, in particular with reference to the research initiative ‘Enhancing Transparency Around Law Enforcement’s Use of Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Approaches and Options” producing a report aimed at contributing to enabling the law enforcement community to preserve public trust in its use of AI.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

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.

The position is located within UNICRI’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in The Hague (‘the Centre’). The Centre was established in 2017 and seeks to advance understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and related technologies vis-à-vis crime prevention, criminal justice, rule of law and security; to support and assist United Nations Member States in understanding the risks and benefits of these technologies; and to explore their contribution for a future free of violence and crime.

In 2023, UNICRI launched a new research initiative to explore potential approaches and options to enhance transparency around law enforcement’s use of artificial intelligence (AI). More specifically, the initiative, which will result in the publication of a report, seeks to contribute to enabling the law enforcement community to preserve public trust in its use of this sensitive technology.

Under the supervision of the Head of Unit, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

PHASE 1: Prepare Research Plan

• Meet with the Head of Unit to discuss research questions, scope, methodology, and timeline; • Prepare a research plan outlining the key steps/methodology with specific deliverables and timeline; contextual analysis (max. 3 pages)

PHASE 2: Research and Analysis

• Undertake comprehensive desk-based research on law enforcement uses of AI with a view toward identifying and better understanding existing transparency measures. • Facilitate, contribute substantively to coordinating and lead the dialogue primarily with experts from law enforcement agencies, as well as with other public sector entities leveraging AI tools and civil society organizations advocating for heightened transparency around policing and the use of such technologies. Engagement will take the form of structured interviews and bilateral meetings on the margins of UNICRI and INTERPOL led events for law enforcement. • Interact with other relevant stakeholders as needed to collect additional pertinent literature, and analyze existing resources.

PHASE 3: Report Drafting

• Based on insights from research and consultations, develop a detailed report that assesses current AI practices in law enforcement with respect to AI, analyzes existing transparency measures and develops good practices, policy recommendations and practical considerations to enhance transparency. • Share the preliminary draft of the report with identified key experts that participated in the research and analysis phase for feedback and validation.

PHASE 4: Report Finalization and Additional Research Support

• Revise the report to take into account feedback and additional findings gathered. • Finalize the report and share it with the Head of Unit for further comments and feedback. • Present the preliminary findings and the draft report during a launch briefing at a UNICRI and INTERPOL convened event on AI for law enforcement.

Qualifications/special skills

An Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminology, law, sociology or other related discipline is required. A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields in combination with 2 (two) additional years of relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. Specialized training diploma obtained from a recognized national police, customs, or other similar institution, including Police or Military Academies, can be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in law enforcement, crime prevention and criminal justice matters is required, of which minimum 5 years should concern innovation in law enforcement and the use of new and emerging technologies. Relevant experience with respect to policy development for the use of new technologies of AI in particular is highly desirable. Experience in working with the United Nations or other large international organizations is highly desirable.

Languages

For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

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.