Consultant - Access to Justice

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization focuses on promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights, and works closely with national authorities, civil society, and academia to strengthen the capacity of legal aid providers and justice professionals. UNODC's strategic framework is guided by the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes the importance of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. UNODC employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 professionals worldwide, dedicated to enhancing global security and justice.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Access to Justice will play a crucial role in supporting the UNODC's mission to ensure equal access to justice for all individuals, particularly those in vulnerable situations. This position involves drafting high-quality background papers, coordinating workshops, and developing project proposals aimed at enhancing legal aid and justice systems. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including ILANUD and other international organizations, to implement initiatives that promote human rights and effective criminal justice responses. The role requires a deep understanding of the principles of rule of law and human rights, as well as the ability to engage with diverse groups to foster collaboration and advocacy for justice-related programming. The consultant will also oversee the maintenance of access to justice webpages and develop advocacy materials to raise awareness about justice issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: researching and drafting elements of the substantive background paper for workshop 2 at the Crime Congress; coordinating the planning and organization of workshops in collaboration with ILANUD; leading the development and implementation of panels at the Law, Justice and Development Week; exploring fundraising opportunities and drafting project proposals; developing initiatives with FIFA and other sports organizations on criminal justice responses to racism; overseeing the maintenance and updates of access to justice webpages; coordinating with UNODC field offices to promote access to justice programming; developing materials on access to justice in the context of environmental crimes; and managing the knowledge hub on policing and legal aid. The consultant will also be expected to deliver online sessions and engage with various stakeholders to promote effective justice solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, international relations, social or political science, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. At least 5 years of relevant work experience in crime prevention, criminal justice, access to justice, or human rights at both national and international levels is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong drafting and reporting abilities. Experience in capacity-building and technical assistance in access to justice or policing is desirable, along with work experience in international organizations focused on criminal justice reform.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, international relations, social or political science, or a related field 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 for understanding the complexities of legal systems and the principles of human rights and justice.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in areas related to crime prevention, criminal justice, access to justice, or human rights. This experience should encompass both national and international contexts, demonstrating the ability to navigate diverse legal frameworks and engage with various stakeholders effectively. Experience in developing and delivering capacity-building initiatives or implementing technical assistance programs in access to justice is highly desirable, as is work experience with international organizations focused on criminal justice reform.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another UN official language, is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders within the UN system and beyond. Proficiency in additional languages can enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse populations and contribute to the UNODC's mission.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from January 6, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The position is based in Vienna, Austria, and involves full-time engagement with the Access to Justice Team. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Team Leader and collaborate with other team members on specific tasks. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.