International Research Consultant – Counter Narcotics

Result of ServiceThis International Consultancy is home-based with potential missions to Pakistan, subject to security clearance and coordination with UNODC COPAK. More specifically, the International Consultant will be responsible for the quality and timely submission of his/her specific deliverables, as specified below. All products should be well-written, inclusive, and have a clear analysis process. A. Inception Report (by the end of Week 2): Design and development of research and data collection tools and instruments, including: a. Detailing the methodology, literature review plan, and proposed interviews. b. Structured questionnaires, interview guides, and data collection strategy. c. Guidelines for conducting key informant interviews with counter-narcotics, law enforcement, customs, port authorities, coast guards, and the maritime security agency. d. Methodological framework for triangulating data from field research, official statistics, and open-source intelligence. B. Interim Report (by the end of week 8): A draft analysis including key findings, route maps, and preliminary recommendations. C. Produce the Final Research Report (by the end of week 11): A comprehensive analytical report (approx. 30–40 pages) on maritime drug trafficking trends through Pakistan, including: a. An executive summary. b. An overview of the existing and emerging trends, routes, and methods used for drug trafficking via Pakistan’s coastal areas and maritime channels, along with case examples. c. Full findings such as the mapping of drug trafficking networks, key actors, and transshipment hubs involved in smuggling of drugs and other associated contraband items from and to Pakistan via its coastal areas and maritime domain. d. Known and suspected maritime smuggling routes and destination markets (e.g., Gulf, East Africa, Southeast Asia). e. Assessment of enabling factors such as governance gaps, port vulnerabilities, and regional linkages. f. Identification of gaps in current interdiction and investigative responses. g. Strategic and policy-level recommendations for project beneficiaries (PMSA, PCG, Customs, ANF). D. Presentation (by the end of week 11): Slide deck and oral presentation to UNODC stakeholders and national counterparts, as needed. E. Draft project document for proposed project to counter narcotics trafficking through littoral and maritime domain in and through Pakistan: A 15 page project document with background, proposed interventions / activities and a logframe. Work LocationHome-based with travel to Pakistan Expected duration15.06.-30.08.2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall guidance of the Representative UNODC COPAK, and in close coordination with the Advisor Sub-Programme 1 (Transnational Organized Crime and Border Management) and the Programme Officer (Border Management) of UNODC COPAK, the International Consultant will conduct desk-based and field research to map current and emerging trends, routes, and methods used in transnational maritime drug trafficking from and to Pakistan, with emphasis on the seaports and coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces, and Pakistan’s maritime domain. He/she will conduct the following key tasks: • Review existing literature such as national, regional, and international assessment reports, seizure data, and legal frameworks. • Collaborate with national authorities (e.g., ANF, Pakistan Customs, PCG, PMSA, and ETNC Departments of Sindh and Balochistan provinces) through facilitation by UNODC COPAK, to validate and contextualize the research findings. In this context, conduct structured interviews with relevant stakeholders, where access is feasible and approved. • Map key maritime smuggling patterns, including departure and arrival points, types and volumes of drugs, concealment methods, drug trafficking networks, and their transshipment dynamics (including transshipment and use of fishing vessels or dhows) involving Pakistan’s coastal areas and maritime domain in the Arabian Sea and adjacent maritime regions. Assess the roles, capabilities, and challenges of Pakistan’s federal maritime law enforcement agencies (e.g., ANF, Pakistan Customs, PCG, PMSA). • Analyse the enabling factors and vulnerabilities in maritime governance, port security, container management, and inter-agency coordination that traffickers exploit. • Examine regional and international cooperation mechanisms relevant to maritime interdiction. • Provide actionable recommendations for national policy enhancement, interagency coordination, surveillance capabilities, and international partnerships. • Provide actionable policy and operational recommendations for the GoP and its international partners to strengthen national policy, surveillance, risk-profiling, interagency coordination, information-sharing, and interdiction capabilities along Pakistan’s coastal areas and maritime domain. • Draft a comprehensive research report summarizing findings, methodology, case studies, and strategic recommendations for strengthening the national response to maritime drug trafficking. • Present the findings to UNODC and relevant stakeholders in a validation workshop and incorporate feedback into the final version of the research study. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university (master’s degree or equivalent) in the fields of law, criminology, security studies, maritime law, public administration, political science, international relations, or related fields of criminal justice, crime prevention, and/or law enforcement are required. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in the field of law, criminology, Navy or another criminal justice field at both national and international levels is required. Expert knowledge of UNODC's global counternarcotics strategy, the three UN Drug Control Conventions, and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime is desirable Working experience with the UN system, government entities, and/or international organizations is desirable. Familiarity with South Asia’s geopolitical context, especially maritime and narcotics issues in Pakistan is desirable. Proven research experience with publications on similar topics is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (i.e. oral and written proficiency and excellent drafting skills) is required. Knowledge of other official UN languages, or Urdu, is desirable. 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.