Research and Analysis Assistant (AML/CFT)

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices and relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for the great majority of its budget. UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Office is the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocols, the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the three international drug control conventions and the international legal instruments against terrorism. Its work is delivered through three interrelated pillars: (i) field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States; (ii) research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and to expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions; and (iii) normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of the relevant international treaties and in the development of domestic legislation. Countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism is a long-standing priority of UNODC. The Office supports Member States in building effective AML/CFT frameworks in line with the FATF Standards, strengthening financial intelligence units, and enhancing national capacities to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate money laundering cases and to recover the proceeds of crime. UNODC also cooperates closely with the FATF and FATF-style regional bodies, including the Eurasian Group (EAG). In Central Asia, UNODC operates through its Regional Office in Tashkent and Programme Offices in the countries of the region. The Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, based in Bishkek, delivers technical assistance to national authorities under the UNODC Programme for Central Asia, covering, inter alia, countering transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, terrorism prevention, criminal justice reform, and drug prevention and treatment. Working in close cooperation with national counterparts, regional partners and donors, the Office supports the Kyrgyz Republic in aligning its legal and institutional framework with international standards and in strengthening the capacities of its criminal justice and financial monitoring institutions.

Context

The UNODC Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic supports national authorities in strengthening criminal justice and anti-crime capacities, including in the area of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), in line with the UNODC Regional Programme for Central Asia and relevant international standards. Kyrgyzstan is currently undergoing the third round of mutual evaluation of its national AML/CFT system by the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), a FATF-style regional body. The on-site visit of the EAG assessment team is scheduled for late September – early October 2026 and will be followed by an intensive period of drafting, discussion and adoption of the Mutual Evaluation Report. The outcome of the evaluation has direct consequences for the country: identified deficiencies may result in enhanced monitoring, affecting correspondent banking relationships, cross-border payments and remittance flows that play a significant role in the national economy. Against this background, UNODC provides technical assistance to national counterparts – including the financial intelligence unit, law enforcement agencies, supervisory and regulatory bodies – in preparing for the evaluation and in addressing its outcomes, in close coordination with the EAG Secretariat and partner institutions in the region. The UN Volunteer will join a small multidisciplinary team in Bishkek and will support the Office's AML/CFT portfolio during the most intensive phase of the evaluation cycle. The assignment offers first-hand exposure to the practical application of the FATF Standards, to the work of a FATF-style regional body, and to the delivery of United Nations technical assistance in a dynamic inter-agency environment, with regular interaction with national authorities, international partners and donors.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Head of the UNODC Programme Office in the Kyrgyz Republic / Programme Officer (AML/CFT, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Supports the day-to-day implementation of the Office's AML/CFT portfolio, in particu-lar activities related to Kyrgyzstan's third-round mutual evaluation by the EAG • Assists in compiling and reviewing documentation provided by national counterparts (legislation, regulations, statistics, case examples) against the FATF Recommenda-tions and the FATF Methodology, and helps identify gaps and inconsistencies for fol-low-up • As part of a team, contributes to the preparation of analytical notes, briefings, com-parative overviews and summaries of good practices from other jurisdictions relevant to the assessment • Supports the organization and delivery of workshops, mock-assessment ("dry run") sessions, training events and coordination meetings for national counterparts, includ-ing preparation of agendas, background materials and presentations • Assists in preparing the on-site visit of the EAG assessment team, including schedul-ing of meetings, compilation of supporting documentation and substantive and logisti-cal support during the mission • Contributes to communication and coordination with national counterparts, the EAG Secretariat, partner agencies and international organizations, including drafting corre-spondence, meeting minutes and mission reports • Assists in maintaining a tracking matrix of recommendations, action points and dead-lines, and supports monitoring of the implementation of agreed follow-up measures • Supports quality assurance and consistency of AML/CFT terminology in documents prepared in Russian and English • Participates in relevant internal and inter-agency meetings, takes notes and follows up on action points • Contributes to project reporting, including inputs to donor reports, progress updates and visibility materials • Performs other related tasks as required During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Competencies and values

Accountability Planning and Organizing Professionalism Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

The Kyrgyz Republic, commonly known as Kyrgyzstan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east. Renowned for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes, Kyrgyzstan offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Major urban centers such as Bishkek, the capital, and Osh are generally considered safe for travelers. However, those venturing into rural and remote areas should be cautious due to the challenging terrain and less developed road infrastructure. The cost of living in Bishkek is relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and volunteers. The daily life in Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating mix of traditional and modern influences. The Kyrgyz people take immense pride in their cultural heritage, which is evident in their vibrant music, dance, and crafts traditions. Festivals, family gatherings, and cultural events often showcase these aspects of Kyrgyz culture, providing an immersive experience for visitors and residents alike.