Result of Service

Output 1 – Mapping and analytical review Mapping and analytical review of existing projects, initiatives, and actions related to illegal mining in the Brazilian Amazon, with a specific focus on the use, control, and management of cyanide and the control of heavy machinery used in illegal gold mining. The analysis will cover initiatives implemented by partner institutions as well as by other relevant national and international stakeholders, identifying existing procedures, gaps, good practices, and lessons learned. Output 2 – Participation in meetings and events Participation in meetings with the UNODC project team and strategic project partners, including dialogues, workshops, working groups, and focus groups, to support information exchange and contribute technical inputs to the analytical process and validation of findings related to cyanide use in mining and the control of heavy machinery used in illegal gold mining. Output 3 – Analytical reports Development of analytical reports with comprehensive and fit‑for‑purpose methodology for both technical reports. The activity will result in the preparation and delivery of two technical reports providing analytical assessments of cyanide use and heavy machinery in legal and illegal gold mining in Brazil, based on regulatory reviews, institutional data, stakeholder consultations, and, where feasible, geospatial analysis. Revision, adaptation, and finalization of all drafted materials based on comments, inputs, and validation provided by the UNODC team and by participants in the validation workshop, ensuring consistency with project objectives, UNODC standards, consolidating the comprehensive analysis of all collected and reviewed data. Output 4 – Factsheet (short publication) Preparation of a concise, accessible factsheet summarizing the key findings, messages, and recommendations of the study on cyanide for outreach and awareness‑raising purposes. The factsheet will be tailored for dissemination through public and institutional channels and will present information in a clear and non‑technical format. The layout and visual design of the factsheet will be arranged by UNODC.

Work Location

Home-based with travel

Expected duration

03.08-10.11.2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNODC Field Office Representative, the Consultant will be responsible for developing scientific and technical reports related to the use of cyanide in mining activities and the control of heavy machinery used in illegal gold mining, providing continuous technical inputs throughout the duration of the consultancy. All tasks will be carried out in close coordination with the project team to ensure alignment with project objectives, as well as with the scope and expected results of both the LEAP and Aurum projects and UNODC standards and methodologies. These tasks will also include the provision of technical inputs to inter‑institutional meetings, consultations, workshops, and other project‑related events to support information exchange, the dissemination of knowledge generated through the consultancy, and awareness efforts aimed at preventing the illegal use of cyanide in mining activities and development of a proposal to control of heavy machinery used in illegal gold mining.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Applied Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or a related field is required. A first‑level university degree in similar fields, in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

At least two (2) years of experience in research in the field of illegal mining and its supply chain is required;
At least two (2) years of proven experience in Data Science (SQL, R, Python), including data integration and cross-referencing techniques, as well as Geoprocessing, is required.
Experience working with or supporting programmes of the United Nations system is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Portuguese, i.e., oral and written proficiency, is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

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.

Local Consultant – Expert in data analysis related to illegal mining and its supply chains