Maritime Law Enforcement Investigation Expert (International Consultant)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which was established in 199

• The UNODC is dedicated to combating illicit drugs and international crime, promoting justice and the rule of law, and supporting the development of effective criminal justice systems. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and international organizations to address global challenges related to drugs, crime, and terrorism.

Job Overview:
The Maritime Law Enforcement Investigation Expert will provide critical technical expertise to enhance the operational and procedural capacities of maritime law enforcement agencies in the Gulf of Guinea. This position focuses on developing and delivering practical training curricula on maritime criminal investigations, which includes evidence handling, chain of custody, and inter-agency coordination. The consultant will design and implement investigation-focused training sessions for various maritime law enforcement entities, including navies, coast guards, and prosecutors. The role also involves creating operational manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for maritime investigations, offering technical advice on ongoing or simulated maritime cases, and facilitating workshops to improve collaboration among investigators and prosecutors. The consultant will conduct assessments to identify capacity gaps and propose recommendations to strengthen national investigative processes, ultimately contributing to the effectiveness of the legal process under the Yaoundé Architecture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and update practical training curricula on maritime criminal investigations, focusing on evidence handling and inter-agency coordination.
• Design and deliver specialized training sessions for maritime law enforcement agencies, navies, coast guards, and prosecutors in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Create and implement operational manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for maritime investigations and case referrals.
• Provide technical advice to national investigators on ongoing or simulated maritime cases.
• Facilitate workshops that bring together investigators, prosecutors, and maritime law enforcement agencies to enhance collaboration during the investigation-to-prosecution process.
• Conduct assessments to identify capacity gaps in national investigative processes and propose practical recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare analytical reports summarizing training outcomes, recommendations, and lessons learned for follow-up programming.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, police administration, or a related field, with a focus on international maritime affairs, international security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policy, or criminal justice. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Strong analytical, instructional, and reporting skills are essential for this role, as well as experience working in West and Central Africa or comparable environments, which is desirable. Prior work experience with the United Nations or other international organizations is also considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, police administration, or a similar field that emphasizes international maritime affairs, international security policy, or criminal justice. 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 crucial for understanding the complexities of maritime law enforcement and criminal investigations.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, particularly in the context of maritime law enforcement and criminal investigations. Experience working in West and Central Africa or similar environments is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the regional challenges and operational contexts. Additionally, prior work experience with the United Nations or other international organizations is advantageous, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with travel to the Gulf of Guinea region expected. The duration of the consultancy is from January 5, 2026, to December 30, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.