Result of Service

The consultant will support UNICRI in the research into Moldova and the wider region’s electoral process, threats and crimes (this includes desk research and stakeholder interviews), as well as what Member States have in place to counter this threat, and provide recommendations based on the findings.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

March-July 2024

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. In 2023, UNICRI developed the project on Moldova’s Electoral Process: Threats and Crimes, also looking at neighbouring countries in the region, resulting from the needs expressed during high-level discussions with local and international partners working in the country, and in view of the upcoming presidential elections, and possible referendum, in the second half of 2024. The Republic of Moldova has faced complex geopolitical tensions in recent years, especially during its electoral processes. This research seeks to give a comprehensive understanding of Moldova’s current electoral landscape, as well as insights into the broader implications for regional stability and international democratic practices. Considering Moldova’s geopolitical position and the regional security context, it would be beneficial to investigate the potential patterns of interference ahead of its upcoming presidential elections. The desk research and interviews foreseen as part of this project, will shed light on the trends regarding threats and crimes affecting electoral processes in Moldova, while promoting an analysis of regional challenges and global trends impacting electoral processes in the wider region. This analytical assessment will provide insights to Moldova, and other interested countries, about the diverse dynamics affecting electoral process globally and which solutions other Member States are adopting. This research study aims to identify best practices and recommendations to prevent and counter threats and crimes that target the electoral process. 2. Purpose of the assignment: This consultant reports to the Programme Officer (Special Assistant) and will support UNICRI in the research into Moldova and the wider region’s electoral process, threats and crimes (this includes desk research and stakeholder interviews), as well as what Member States have in place to counter this threat, and provide recommendations based on the findings. 3. Specific tasks to be performed by the Consultant: Under the supervision of the Programme Officer (Special Assistant), the incumbent will perform the: following tasks: PHASE 1: Prepare Research Plan (3 working days) • Meet with the project team to discuss research questions, scope, methodology, and timeline; • Prepare a research plan outlining the key steps/methodology with specific deliverables and timeline, this will include a contextual analysis focusing on Moldova’s Electoral Process: Threats and Crimes – (3 pages); • Prepare a stakeholder mapping of relevant entities and stakeholders to interview and involve in this study; PHASE 2: Research, Interviews, Analysis and Report Drafting (10 working days) • Conduct comprehensive desk-based research on past threats and crimes connected to the electoral process in the Republic of Moldova • Analyze the provisions of the New Electoral Code, including the latest amendments • Collect primary data through the involvement of key stakeholders, including local and national authorities, and representatives of relevant NGOs (interviews); collect insights on experiences, best practices, and challenges. • Interact with relevant stakeholders, collect pertinent literature, and analyze existing resources. • Based on the information collected through research and interviews, develop a preliminary report and provide preliminary recommendations PHASE 3: Validation Workshop (2 working days) • Present the draft report in Chisinau to the UNICRI project team, key government representatives, and relevant stakeholders to gain feedback and ensure that the proposed steps are feasible and relevant to the context. PHASE 4: Report Finalization and Additional Research Support (5 working days) • Revise the report considering feedback from the validation workshop, inputs from UNICRI and additional findings • Finalize the report and share it with the Programme Officer based on the latest review of comments and feedback.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social science or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of seven years of relevant working experience, at national or international level, in conducting research, analysis and data collection on various topics related to electoral processes is required. Previous experience in the Central Eastern Europe (CEE) Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) countries, on topics related to electoral processes is required. Experience of different election legislation and international election standards is desirable. Previous work with international organizations is desirable.

Languages

For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Russian and/or Romanian is desirable.

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.