Political Party Financing Lead 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, with a mission to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. The organization aims to promote justice and the rule of law, ensuring that all individuals can live in a safe and secure environment. UNODC's work is guided by international treaties and conventions, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement effective strategies and programs.

Job Overview:
The position of Political Party Financing Lead International Consultant is crucial for supporting the UNODC's mandate to enhance political finance integrity in Africa. The consultant will be responsible for implementing UNCAC Resolution 11/7, which focuses on strengthening transparency and accountability in political party financing. This role involves conducting a comprehensive review of existing legislation and practices related to political party financing in selected African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Malawi, and Zambia. The consultant will develop recommendations aimed at mitigating corruption and illicit financial flows in political campaign financing. Additionally, the consultant will provide training and technical assistance to various stakeholders, ensuring that the UNODC's efforts are aligned with international standards and best practices. The consultant will work closely with implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders to maximize the impact of UNODC's assistance and avoid duplication of efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Lead Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including: conducting a regional study on political party and campaign financing, developing a methodology for the study, performing desk research and fieldwork, consulting with stakeholders to identify existing laws and regulations, and drafting a study report with recommendations. The consultant will also support the organization of regional forums and technical sessions on political financing. Furthermore, the consultant will provide targeted advisory support to select African countries, conducting stakeholder consultations, desk reviews of existing legislation, leading workshops, and facilitating inter-agency cooperation to promote political party financing reforms. The consultant will be expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including a final regional study report and targeted technical support packages for each target country.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in criminology, law, public policy, economics, finance, political science, criminal justice, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of ten years of professional experience in the anti-corruption, governance, rule of law enforcement, or integrity sector is required. Proven experience in electoral integrity, transparency, and accountability is essential, along with a demonstrable understanding of capacity development in the governance and rule of law sector in Africa. Experience in conducting needs assessments and developing programs to enhance electoral integrity is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as criminology, law, public policy, economics, finance, political science, or criminal justice. A first-level university degree in similar fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of political party financing and the legal frameworks that govern it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience in areas related to anti-corruption, governance, and rule of law enforcement. Candidates should have a proven track record in electoral integrity and transparency, as well as experience in capacity development within the governance sector in Africa. Experience in conducting needs assessments and developing programs to enhance electoral integrity is also essential. The ability to work independently and in diverse environments is desirable, along with experience in reporting to senior government officials on sensitive issues related to political party financing.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the assignment is from August 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will be engaged on a contractual basis, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, and training stages, ensuring that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible.