Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Law Enforcement Expert)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Programme Office in Bangladesh (POBGD), which operates under the Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) based in Delhi, India. This office is part of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which was established to address issues related to drugs, crime, and terrorism. The UNODC aims to assist member states in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The organization works with various partners to develop effective responses to these challenges, particularly in South Asia, where the complexities of trafficking and smuggling require coordinated efforts across borders. The UNODC is committed to promoting the rule of law and enhancing criminal justice systems globally, with a focus on human rights and sustainable development. For more information, visit www.unodc.org.

Job Overview:
The Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a UNODC and EU-funded project aimed at combating trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM) in South Asia. The incumbent will work closely with the GLO.ACT Project Coordinator and will be responsible for providing substantive advice and support to project staff in partner countries. The position requires a deep understanding of law enforcement practices, criminal justice systems, and the specific challenges related to TIP and SOM. The officer will contribute to the development of counter-trafficking and counter-smuggling advisory services, assess capacity-building activities, and prepare necessary documentation for project implementation. This role also involves training national law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, mentoring them in investigations and prosecutions related to TIP and SOM, and ensuring effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including international bodies and NGOs. The officer will be expected to travel frequently within the project countries and the South Asia region to facilitate project activities and consultations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the workplan under the UNODC, EU-funded project in South Asia, providing substantive advice and backstopping to project staff.
• Delivering counter-trafficking and counter-smuggling law enforcement advisory services and assessing capacity-building activities.
• Preparing concept notes, agendas, and documentation for meetings and consultations, identifying experts and participants.
• Providing training in criminal investigation and prosecution, focusing on TIP/SOM, financial investigations, cybercrime, and related areas.
• Acting as a regional law enforcement and technical focal point, coordinating with UNODC HQ and other stakeholders.
• Undertaking mission travel to project countries for consultations and technical meetings.
• Contributing to the implementation of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia and supporting TIP/SOM components of other projects.
• Preparing inputs for performance parameters, programme performance reports, and results-based management plans.
• Supporting UNODC visibility and communications plans. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making. 1
• Performing other work-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in law enforcement, criminal justice, and crime prevention. The position requires substantive knowledge of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, as well as experience in criminal investigations and intelligence gathering. The ability to provide technical advice and assistance to national authorities is essential. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of international cooperation in criminal matters and have the capacity to liaise effectively with law enforcement agencies. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data for decision-making are also required. The role demands a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, or related disciplines is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the legal and criminal justice frameworks relevant to the position.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in law enforcement, prosecution, crime prevention, and criminal justice is required. Candidates should have experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations, particularly in cases related to TIP and SOM. Experience in providing technical advice to national authorities and promoting international cooperation in criminal matters is essential. Additionally, experience in developing and delivering training programs related to TIP and SOM is desirable, as is experience in dealing with cybercrime investigations and digital forensics. Familiarity with the United Nations system or similar international organizations is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as French, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This is a project post, temporarily available for 364 days, and is subject to funding availability. The extension of the appointment will depend on the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Candidates who are current staff members of the United Nations Secretariat may be considered for a temporary assignment. The position is classified as a family duty station in Dhaka, which is categorized as C. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment.