Result of Service

Fellow will assist the Programme Officer in supporting project activities, research, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen Mexico’s prison system.

Work Location

UNICRI Turin Headquarters

Expected duration

Sep-Dec 2026 (possible extension subject to performance and availability of funds)

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Background of the assignment: The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI' s goals are:

to advance understanding of crime-related problems;
to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems;
to support the respect of international instruments and other standards;
to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance. In line with its mandate and objectives, UNICRI implements targeted programmes to support countries in strengthening criminal justice institutions and addressing complex crime challenges. Building on its collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Justice and the Governments of Mexico and Guatemala, UNICRI’s programme supports the reform of the Mexican and Guatemalan prison systems and addresses organized crime infiltration. The initiative combines international best practices, practical training, and institutional reform measures to improve prison management, promote rehabilitation and reintegration, and enhance coordination between federal and subnational authorities. In doing so, the programme contributes to more secure, efficient, and rights-respecting penitentiary institutions, directly reflecting UNICRI’s mission to foster just and effective criminal justice systems and uphold international standards. 2. Purpose of the assignment: With specific reference to the projects: “Programme for the Strengthening of the Penitentiary System and Social Crime Prevention Policies in Mexico as a Model for Latin America” and “Strengthening Guatemala’s Penitentiary System to Prevent Organized Crime and Promote a Human Rights-Based Approach” the Fellow will assist the Programme Officer in supporting project activities, research, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen Mexico’s prison system. 3. Specific tasks to be performed by the Fellow: With the support from UNICRI and under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer, the Fellow will perform the below listed duties:
Support the collection, review, and analysis of data on the prison system from Mexico, Guatemala and other countries in the region, with a primary focus on issues related to organized crime, alternative measures to imprisonment, rehabilitation measures, and comparative international experiences, including Italy.
Contribute to research, drafting, and preparation of briefs, reports, technical documents, training materials, presentations, and content for advocacy and awareness initiatives related to prison reform, rehabilitation, human rights, alternative measures to incarceration, and organized crime prevention.
Assist in preparing agendas, background materials, and logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and capacity-building activities with Italian and International government authorities, prison staff, and other stakeholders, and participate actively in these meetings and events.
Support coordination and communication with national and international partners, including scheduling, note-taking, and follow-up on agreed actions.
Draft, edit, and proofread official documents, correspondence, and internal notes in Spanish.
Perform other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in criminology, law, criminal justice, social sciences, public policy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (either Bachelor’s degree or associate level) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. Work experience is not required for fellows with a Master’s degree. Previous experience – academic or professional-related – in the field of in criminal justice, prison management, organized crime prevention, or related areas is required. Experience with the United Nations or similar large international or regional organizations is desirable. Experience in supporting capacity-building within prison systems or law enforcement institutions is desirable.

Languages

Proficiency (i.e., oral and written fluency) in Spanish and English is required. Fluency of Italian is desirable.

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.