Consultant - Legislative and Policy Research

Consultant - Legislative and Policy Research

UN Offices

June 7, 2026June 12, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
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 human rights. The organization aims to assist member states in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism, while also addressing issues related to corruption and human trafficking. UNODC's mission is to contribute to global peace and security by fostering international cooperation and providing technical assistance to strengthen legal frameworks and law enforcement capacities.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the development of a comprehensive research methodology and workplan aimed at addressing the pressing issues of online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OCSAE), non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (NCII), and sexual extortion against minors. This position requires the consultant to conduct a thorough desk review and comparative analysis of existing legislative frameworks at various levels, identifying gaps and opportunities for legal harmonization. The consultant will also be responsible for presenting findings and recommendations to the supervising team, contributing to the finalization of a Repository of Best Practices that will serve as a vital resource for law enforcement and policymakers. The work is expected to be home-based, with a defined duration from July 1, 2026, to September 21, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant's duties will include: A. Supporting the development of a research methodology and workplan, preparing an annotated bibliography, designing a legislative mapping matrix, and presenting these deliverables at an online inception meeting. B. Conducting a desk review and comparative analysis of legislative frameworks on OCSAE, NCII, and sexual extortion, identifying implementation gaps, areas of convergence and divergence, and opportunities for legal harmonization. This includes synthesizing legislative best practices in criminalization, investigative procedures, international cooperation, victim support, and digital platform accountability. C. Assisting in the finalization of a Repository of Best Practices based on feedback from the supervising team. The consultant will also be expected to present findings and recommendations to the supervising team, ensuring that the research outputs are aligned with the objectives of the UNODC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law. 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. A minimum of one year of experience in legal research related to international law, criminal law, human rights law, or cybercrime is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate experience in conducting legal or policy analysis, including statutory analysis and comparative law, along with excellent drafting skills. Experience within the criminal justice system is desirable, as is experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or research institutions in a legal or policy capacity.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law. Candidates with a first-level university degree in related fields may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international law and the legislative frameworks relevant to the position.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of relevant experience in legal research, particularly in the fields of international law, criminal law, human rights law, or cybercrime is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in conducting legal or policy analysis, including statutory analysis and comparative law. Experience in the criminal justice system is considered desirable, as is experience working with international organizations or NGOs in a legal or policy capacity.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of French is also necessary, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last from July 1, 2026, to September 21, 202
  • There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not request any financial information from applicants. This position is part of a broader initiative to address serious issues related to technology-facilitated violence against children, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and legal harmonization.
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