Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Brussels Liaison Office (BRULO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), under the Border Management Branch (BMB), Division for Operations (DO). The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head, BRULO and will report substantively to the Chief Border Management Branch (BMB), Division for Operations (DO). The incumbent will support the implementation of the global THEMIS programme and work closely with UNODC headquarters and field offices, regional programme teams, prosecution and judicial cooperation networks, the THEMIS consortium partners, relevant European Union institutions and delegations, Member States, and UNODC supported prosecutors’ network. For more information on UNODC, please visit the following website: www.unodc.org
Responsibilities
The incumbent main responsibility will be to coordinate, implement and monitor the THEMIS Global Programme. The incumbent will support programme activities aimed at strengthening international judicial cooperation, prosecution capacities and criminal justice responses to transnational organised crime and terrorism through the development of partnerships, coordination of prosecution networks, provision of technical assistance and facilitation of international cooperation in criminal matters. Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties: • Lead the UNODC component of the THEMIS programme including coordination with relevant EU partners, consortium partners and relevant EU agencies including Eurojust. • Provide strategic oversight and coordination of THEMIS activities implemented by UNODC field offices and facilitate structured cooperation between field-based criminal justice practitioners and relevant European Union institutions and agencies. • Support the implementation of the THEMIS programme by strengthening international judicial cooperation, prosecution capacities and criminal justice responses against transnational organised crime and terrorism; support the further development and strengthening of the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus (CASC Prosecutor Network) and facilitate cooperation between the CASC Prosecutor Network and other regional and international networks. • Support the coordination between prosecutors, judicial authorities, border management agencies and law enforcement authorities, including through collaboration with relevant UNODC border control programmes, to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of transnational organised crime. • Provide technical assistance to facilitate international cooperation in criminal matters including mutual legal assistance, extradition, joint investigative teams, investigative case forums, and other judicial cooperation mechanisms. • Design and prepare capacity building activities, judicial dialogues, simulated trials and technical workshops for prosecutors, judicial authorities and criminal justice practitioners participating in THEMIS, including members of the CASC Prosecutor Network, while ensuring coordination with relevant UNODC regional and global programmes and international partners. • Support cooperation and information exchange between the CASC Prosecutor Network and other relevant regional and international criminal justice, law enforcement and information-sharing mechanisms, including CARICC where appropriate, and promote linkages with other prosecution and judicial cooperation networks supported under THEMIS. Contribute, prepare and provide input to programmatic/administrative tasks, including preparation and management of the yearly work plans and budgets, documents and reports, such as progress reports, funding proposals and advocacy material in a timely manner. • Develop and maintain partnerships and cooperation with Governments, prosecution authorities, judicial institutions, regional organisations, international organisations, donors and other stakeholders to support the implementation and sustainability of THEMIS. • Identify emerging criminal justice needs, good practices and opportunities for programme development, and contribute to the design of new projects and initiatives that strengthen international judicial cooperation and prosecution capacities. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as may be required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, approaches and international legal instruments relevant to the control and prevention of organized crime, drug and/or terrorism related areas. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as the mandates, major developments and challenges in functional and substantive areas covered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Demonstrates ability to provide guidance and coordination in the planning, development and management of operations. Demonstrates ability to apply good judgment, to identify key issues and make sound recommendations. Has very good diplomatic skills. Is able to prepare legal reviews, reports and papers and to review and edit the work of others. Is able to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in International law is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience as a judge, prosecutor, lawyer or legal expert is required. Work experience in providing technical assistance in international judicial cooperation in criminal matters, including organising, facilitating and supporting prosecutor network forums and providing legal advice and capacity-building support to prosecutors, central authorities and other criminal justice practitioners is required. Work experience cooperating with European agencies in the areas of criminal justice, law enforcement or judicial cooperation is desirable. Experience working in diverse legal systems is desirable. Work experience in developing and delivering specialized training for prosecutors and other criminal justice practitioners is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Russian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
.headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb*/ color: black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th: last-child, .headtable td: last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr: last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; }
Required Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking
English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III
French UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III
Desirable Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking
Russian UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This temporary position is available for three months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period, will normally be at a staff member’s personal grade and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Payment of Special Post Allowance (SPA) to the post level may be considered after three months subject to certain conditions. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Brussels is classified in the H category (family duty station).
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
