Result of Service

The Consultant (Private Military Groups Expert) will support UNICRI with the preparation of an analytical report on cybercrime in Africa and access to justice in the digital age.

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. In 2023, UNICRI released its report “SDG16: Through a Digital Lens” that delved into the various digital dimensions that challenge or enable the progress toward Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on peace, justice and strong institutions. As a follow-up to this, UNICRI and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) launched in 2024 a new research initiative focused on access to justice in the digital age, that seeks to explore cybercrime in Africa and the impact the complexities of cybercrime present in terms of access to justice for victims. In July 2024, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLFP) will convene under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and review, inter alia, goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda. This occasion presents a unique opportunity to highlight the findings of UNICRI’s work. Under the supervision of the New York Liaison Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: PHASE 1: Prepare Research Plan • Meet with supervisor 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 of open-sources, encompassing reports, studies and publications from academic institutions and other civil society organizations, generally on topics of cybercrime and access to justice and specifically these aspects in the focus countries. • Facilitate, contribute substantively to designing, developing and carrying complementary data collection approaches based on stakeholder interviews and surveys carried out by the incumbent. • Interact with other relevant stakeholders as needed to collect additional pertinent literature, and analyze existing resources. PHASE 3: Report Preparation • Based on insights from research and consultations, develop a detailed report exploring the topic of cybercrime in Africa and enhancing access to justice in the digital age, focusing on the cybercrime landscape, awareness and education, legal frameworks and investigative and judicial capacities. The report will also outline evidence-based recommendations and best practices for victims and the justice sector, including both policy makers and practitioners. • Conduct a peer review of the report with identified key experts that participated in the research and external experts and revise the report accordingly, taking into account feedback and additional findings gathered. • Finalize the report and share it with the supervisor for further comments and feedback. PHASE 4: Promotion of the Report • Identify appropriate fora to present the findings of the report to diverse stakeholders, including a launching event at UN Headquarters to disseminate the final version of the report. • Support from a substantive perspective the organization of a side-event during the 2024 HLFP, presenting an overview of the study, its findings and next steps in connection with the review of SDG 16.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, criminology, political science, international relations, history, 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 5 years of relevant experience working on access to justice in digital age is required. Experience in carrying out research and the preparation of analytical reports is required. Experience working in or with African counterparts is required, preferably in Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and/or South Sudan. Experience working on cybercrime is highly desirable. Experience working with international organizations is desirable.

Languages

For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic 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.