Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

For two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. We are committed to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being as deterrents to them. Because the scale of these problems is often too great for states to confront alone, UNODC offers practical assistance and encourages transnational approaches to action. We do this in all regions of the world through our global programmes and network of field offices.

Responsibilities or duties

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 open‑source 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 or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

An advanced university degree (Master’s 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.

Experience needed

At least 7 years of experience in investigating maritime piracy and terrorism is required.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• Excellent skills in collection and presentation of data are required.
• Experience in writing publications is desirable.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills are desirable.

• 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 open‑source 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

• Excellent skills in collection and presentation of data
• Experience in writing publications
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• An advanced university degree (Master’s 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.