Senior Fellow (Programme Development)

Result of ServiceThe incumbent will support UNICRI to design, position, and advance evidence-based programme concepts in priority and emerging thematic areas. Through high-quality research outputs and strategic positioning, the assignment will contribute to expanding UNICRI’s programme pipeline, partnerships, and resource mobilization opportunities aligned with its strategic priorities. Work LocationUNICRI HQ in Turin, no travels envisaged Expected duration11 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnited 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 2026, UNICRI launched a series of research initiatives under its Programme Development Fund, designed to both buttress ongoing programme delivery and strategically explore new and emerging areas of work. These targeted research efforts aim to generate evidence, refine institutional positioning, and open pathways to new and diversified funding opportunities by testing concepts and building foundations for future programmes across priority thematic areas. Envisaged areas of focus for 2026 include evolving patterns of exploitation and victimization, crime risks linked to major societal and environmental transitions, comparative frameworks for international police and judicial cooperation, and prison reform pathways that balance security, human rights, and innovation. Under the supervision of the New York Liaison Office, and under the overall guidance of the Senior Programme Officer (Deputy Director) of UNICRI, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: • Support the design and implementation of research initiatives under the Programme Development Fund, including background research, scoping exercises, and analytical inputs across selected thematic areas (e.g., patterns of exploitation and victimization, crime risks linked to major societal and environmental transitions, comparative frameworks for international police and judicial cooperation, and prison reform pathways that balance security, human rights, and innovation, etc.). • Support stakeholder mapping and engagement efforts, including the identification of potential partners, donors, and subject-matter experts relevant to the research initiatives. • Assist in positioning research outputs for strategic outreach and resource mobilization, including through contributions to donor-facing materials, presentations, and briefing notes. • Support the organization of launch or visibility events related to Programme Development Fund research outputs, including identifying potential formats, platforms, and opportunities for dissemination. • Provide coordination and administrative support related to research activities, as required. • Perform any other related tasks as requested by the supervisor in support of UNICRI’s research and programme development priorities. Qualifications/special skillsAn Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminology, law, sociology, political science, international relations or other related discipline is required. A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields in combination with 2 (two) additional years of relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. Specialized training diploma obtained from a recognized national police, customs, or other similar institution, including Police or Military Academies, can be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in research, reporting, policy analysis, programme development, or related areas, is required, of which at least 5 years shall be within crime prevention, criminal justice, or rule of law fields. Experience working at a strategic level is required. Experience working with organized crime, violent extremism, trafficking, or prison reform is highly desirable. Experience contributing to analytical or exploratory research on emerging or cross-cutting crime and justice issues is desirable. Experience in working with the United Nations or other large international organizations is desirable. LanguagesFor this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. 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.