Result of Service

Under the supervision of the Research Officer and GEMS Coordinator, IPS and the overall supervision of the OiC IPS Chief, the consultant will be responsible for performing the following tasks:

Support the ongoing desk-based literature review;
Support the collection and analysis of information online;
Support the development of research methodologies and tools (key informant interview questionnaires);
Contribute to drafting and reviewing research documents in multiple United Nations official languages;
Support the compilation of participant lists, the booking of venues and the preparation of concept notes and agendas for (1) 1st GEMS scientific advisory board meeting, (2) 1st GEMS project steering committee meeting (3) 1st GEMS investigators meeting and (4) any other expert group and research dissemination events as necessary;

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

1 September to 30 December 2026 (with the possibility of extension)

Duties and Responsibilities

This assignment is under the framework of the UNODC research initiatives on smuggling of migrants. UNODC is carrying out research and analysis to provide an actionable evidence base for counter-smuggling interventions as part of the Generating the Knowledge Base on Migrant Smuggling (GEMS) Initiative. The GEMS Initiative is updating and expanding UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants research along the main sea and land smuggling routes and including also transregional air routes and hybrid routes, and related document fraud. GEMS is also focusing on drawing together data and research at a global level, linking up trends and flows along routes and across regions and comparing patterns and modi operandi between routes, to provide a comprehensive, accurate and actionable picture of the global smuggling of migrants’ phenomenon. The GEMS Initiative seeks to provide the global, regional and route-specific situational pictures, including connections between routes, to inform the formulation of counter-smuggling policy and practice, through a whole-of-route and whole-of-phenomenon approach. The Overall Objective of GEMS is to contribute to building and enhancing the actionable evidence base to inform the formulation of effective responses to address smuggling of migrants. This assignment is to support the research activities of the GEMS initiative The consultant will support the UNODC research team in the implementation of the research on smuggling of migrants, providing specific support on qualitative methods and analysis and in the design and organization of GEMS Initiative events. The consultant will, inter-alia, carry out desk-based literature review; collect information online and conduct analysis; support the development of research methodologies and tools; contribute to drafting and reviewing research documents during drafting process of research briefs; and support the holding of events (expert group meetings, scientific advisory board meetings, project steering committee meetings and research dissemination events).

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Migration Studies, Political Science, Security Studies or a related field 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. A minimum of 2 years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in the field of research and/or communication is required. Experience with UN organizations and knowledge of qualitative research methods is desirable. Experience in the area of research on drugs and crime, including migrant smuggling, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English, 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.

International Consultant (Quantitative Research and Visualization)