Legal Expert - Maritime Law Reform International Consultant

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 employs thousands of professionals dedicated to promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and the rule of law. The organization aims to assist member states in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism, while also supporting the implementation of international legal frameworks and conventions.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Expert - Maritime Law Reform International Consultant involves providing specialized legal expertise to enhance the maritime legal frameworks in selected Gulf of Guinea countries. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) Regional Programme Coordinator and will closely collaborate with national counterparts. The primary focus will be on conducting legal gap analyses, offering technical assistance for drafting and amending national laws related to maritime crimes such as piracy and armed robbery at sea, and facilitating workshops with various stakeholders including ministries of justice and law enforcement agencies. The role is crucial for aligning domestic legislation with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, thereby fostering regional cooperation in maritime law enforcement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties including conducting comprehensive legal gap analyses of national maritime frameworks to identify deficiencies and recommend necessary reforms. They will provide technical assistance for the drafting, amendment, and validation of national laws addressing piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism. The consultant will design and facilitate workshops and consultations with ministries of justice, parliaments, and law enforcement agencies to review and harmonize maritime legislation. Additionally, they will provide substantive training on the law of the sea and other relevant international maritime conventions. The consultant will also develop Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (HSOPs) to improve coordination between maritime law enforcement and judicial authorities, produce comparative legal analyses mapping discrepancies and commonalities between maritime legal systems in West and Central Africa, and design action plans with recommendations for strengthening national and regional legal frameworks. Finally, they will submit periodic and final reports summarizing key findings, progress, and technical recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Police Administration, or a related field with a specific focus on international maritime affairs, international security policy, or criminal justice. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in countering maritime crime and implementing the Law of the Sea is required. Proven experience in legal research and analysis, preparation of legislative proposals, and training plans, along with excellent drafting skills, is essential. Familiarity with legal systems in West Africa and experience in development work are also required. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in inter-cultural contexts, are necessary, and experience engaging with diverse national and regional counterparts is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Police Administration, or a similar field. The focus should be on international maritime affairs, international security policy, or criminal justice. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree in similar fields, they may substitute this with two additional years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience specifically in the field of countering maritime crime and implementing the Law of the Sea. Candidates should have a strong background in legal research and analysis, as well as experience in preparing legislative proposals and training plans. Familiarity with the legal systems in West Africa is also essential, as is experience in development work.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with travel required to the Gulf of Guinea region. The expected duration of the assignment 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. Additionally, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.