Result of Service

Expected tangible and measurable output(s)/deliverable(s):

• Liaised with UNODC GMCP project team to develop an agreed research framework, including finalized research questions and scope.
• Conducted a desk review of relevant literature, policy documents, legal frameworks, and opensource materials.
• Analysed available data related to maritime incidents, interdictions, seizures, and investigations.
• Reviewed existing institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms relevant to maritime and coastal security.
• Engaged with key stakeholders through interviews or consultations.
• Synthesized findings into clear analytical outputs that highlight risks, trends, and priority areas for action.
• Submitted three reports inception report, draft analytical report and final report.
• Submitted four end-of-month reports.

Work Location

Home-based with possible travel to Bahrain, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Kuwait, London, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirate and Yemen.

Expected duration

09 April-30 June 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Background of the assignment: Transnational organized crime at sea poses a serious threat to regional security, stability, and development. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC GMCP) supports authorities throughout the criminal justice chain to ensure that maritime crime is prevented, disrupted and those who engage in it are prosecuted and humanely detained. GMCP has established two training centers in Seychelles and Sri Lanka respectively to deliver specialized training to maritime law-enforcement authorities and has established mentoring programmes in target countries to provide on the job training and expert advice. Maritime and coastal regions in the Horn of Africa continue to face a range of security challenges linked to maritime crime, transnational organized crime, and illicit financial activities. These challenges are driven by a combination of factors, including high volumes of maritime trade, complex landsea interfaces, uneven governance capacities, and the involvement of criminal and extremist networks. Illicit activities conducted through maritime and coastal routes contribute to insecurity, undermine the rule of law, and generate revenue for criminal and violent extremist actors. Understanding the nature, dynamics, and enabling factors of these activities is essential to inform effective policy responses, operational planning, and capacitybuilding interventions. 2. Purpose of the assignment: The purpose of this consultancy is to undertake an analytical study on maritime crime and related illicit activities, including the generation and movement of illicit proceeds and the trafficking of prohibited items through maritime and coastal routes. The findings will support strategic decision-making, inter-agency coordination, and the design of targeted responses by relevant stakeholders. 3. Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant: Under the overall supervision of the UNODC Regional Representative, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator for the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, the consultant will complete the following tasks:

• Liaise with UNODC GMCP project team to develop an agreed research framework, including finalized research questions and scope.
• Conduct a desk review of relevant literature, policy documents, legal frameworks, and opensource materials.
• Analyse available data related to maritime incidents, interdictions, seizures, and investigations.
• Review existing institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms relevant to maritime and coastal security.
• Where appropriate, engage with key stakeholders through interviews or consultations.
• Synthesize findings into clear analytical outputs that highlight risks, trends, and priority areas for action.
• Submit three reports inception report, draft analytical report and final report.
• Submit five end-of-month reports

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in criminal justice, criminology, law, political science, management or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Formal qualifications or certifications from a recognised national or international customs authority, police academy, or military-training institution, supplemented by specialization in criminal justice, crime prevention, or law enforcement, in combination with four (4) additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the first level university degree. – At least 7 years of experience in investigating maritime piracy and terrorism is required. – Excellent skills in collection and presentation of data are required. – Experience in writing publications is desirable. – Good communication and interpersonal skills are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language 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.