Anti-Corruption Consultant

Result of ServiceUNODC’s anti-corruption efforts in the Pacific region focus on supporting countries to meet the requirements of UNCAC by providing technical assistance and facilitating regional exchanges to translate the provisions of the Convention into effective legal frameworks, policies and practices and to build national bodies of highly skilled anti-corruption practitioners that will allow States to be well-equipped to prevent and combat corruption. Under the direct supervision of the Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor, the consultant will be responsible for: • Conducting the research and interviews. This will include defining a research methodology, in coordination with the Anti-Corruption Regional Advisor reach out to relevant journalists, media professionals, and stakeholders (with a focus on PACJN journalists), conducting interviews and collect qualitative data, focusing on investigative methods, challenges faced, analyzing collected data to identify key themes, trends, and recommendations. • Drafting a research report tailored content to the three target audiences (public, media, and decision-makers – either three documents or one document for the three audiences. This will include synthesizing the data from the research and interviews, ensuring a clear connection to UNCAC Article 7(3) and its relevance to political financing transparency, drafting the research paper, with actionable recommendations, supported by research findings and media examples. • Drafting of a human Impact Story. This includes identifying a case or narrative that illustrates the personal and societal impacts of corruption in political financing, interviewing (or integrating already existing interviews of) individuals affected by or involved in cases of corruption, ensuring their voices and experiences are central to the story. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration1.08-15.09.2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesUNODC, as guardian of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and secretariat to the Conference of the States Parties to the Convention, has the mandate to provide support and technical assistance to States parties to effectively implement the Convention. Article 7 (3) of the UNCAC states : “ Each State Party shall also consider taking appropriate legislative and administrative measures, […], to enhance transparency in the funding of candidatures for elected public office and, where applicable, the funding of political parties”. The UNCAC technical guide highlights that “Putting in place appropriate rules and procedures to govern the finance of political campaigns and the financing of political parties has proved crucial in preventing and controlling corruption. According to the most recent UNODC report on the implementation of Chapter II of the UNCAC, Article 7 represents the greatest challenge among the 91 countries reviewed . In the Pacific 12 countries have received, or based on their self assessment are likely to receive, a recommendation in this area, including those to address some of the most prevalent challenges in the implementation of Article 7.3, including, a “lack of comprehensive legislation or administrative measures to regulate the funding of candidates for elected office and the funding of political parties, including in relation to adequate limits to private donations and restrictions of anonymous and foreign donations, effective disclosure obligations and oversight and audit mechanisms”. Media investigations, particularly those conducted by networks like the Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network (PACJN) or the Journalists Against Corruption (JAC) in South East Asia, play a crucial role in uncovering corruption and irregularities in political financing. However, their findings are often not effectively leveraged to inform evidence-based policymaking. This disconnect undermines efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and compliance with UNCAC Article 7(3) across the Pacific region. Strengthening the bridge between investigative journalism and policy development is essential for combating corruption and promoting good governance. This research aims to explore the vital role of media investigations in uncovering corruption within political financing practices. By linking the findings to Article 7(3) of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the research will provide practical recommendations to inform evidence-based policymaking and foster collaboration among the public, media, and decision-makers. The objectives of the research: 1. Highlight the role of media investigations in uncovering corruption in political financing. 2. Provide actionable recommendations for the public, media, and decision-makers to foster transparency and accountability in political financing. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, political science, international relations, public administration, 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 five years of relevant professional experience in investigative journalism, research on governance, or anti-corruption issues is required. At least two years of experience working on political financing, transparency, or compliance with international frameworks such as the UNCAC is required. Demonstrated understanding of media landscapes, including investigative journalism practices, preferably in the Pacific region, is desirable. Experience in producing research or reports that target diverse audiences, including the public, media professionals, and policymakers, is desirable. Familiarity with policy advocacy, evidence-based policymaking, or the use of investigative findings to influence governance reforms is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, with excellent drafting and communication skills, is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.