Result of Service

• Data on intelligence and law enforcement operations aimed at thwarting RN trafficking attempts is collected and analysed; • Training material and other project materials are prepared and reviewed; • Research reports and analyses are drafted and reviewed.

Work Location

Home-based (remote work), with travels globally.

Expected duration

September-November 2026. Assignment can be further extended subject to performance, operational needs, and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

The United 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. One of the strategic priorities of UNICRI is to support the development of an integrated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) approach that incorporates all international, regional and national CBRN components into a common strategy. This entails the application of a holistic approach through which all stakeholders, while operating autonomously, can establish common goals, identify and manage resources to achieve these goals, clearly allocate responsibilities and tasks, elaborate functioning channels of communication, create a security culture based on common learning, and ensure that lessons learnt are incorporated and absorbed throughout the whole system. In 2019, UNICRI launched the CONTACT Programme, aimed at building capabilities of law enforcement and intelligence officers to plan and carry out intelligence and law enforcement operations to thwart radiological and nuclear (RN) trafficking attempts. Additionally, the initiative aims at fostering regional cooperation and exchange of information related to RN trafficking investigations in different regions. The CONTACT Programme is currently being implemented in the Central Asia and in the Black Sea regions. Furthermore, UNICRI has launched the project “Threat assessment on radioactive sources out of regulatory control in Ukraine: implications from a counter radiological and nuclear trafficking perspective”. The project aims at assessing the security implications of lost RN sources in Ukraine during the war for the wider Black Sea region and Europe and raise awareness of RN trafficking risks among the intelligence and law enforcement community. In 2026 UNICRI also started implementation of the THEMIS project aimed at strengthening institutional capacities to prevent, detect, and disrupt chemical security incidents, while supporting investigative and prosecutorial bodies in addressing CBRN-related crimes in line with international standards in Ukraine and Moldova. With specific reference to the CONTACT programme, THEMIS and Threat assessment projects, the Fellow will assist the Associate Programme Officer in the implementation of project activities, in particular in developing and reviewing training curricula and training material on the issue of countering trafficking of CBRN materials, carrying out research and analysis on different issues related to CBRN security, as well as in organizing training events, regional workshops and meetings. Under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, the Fellow will perform the following activities: - Collect data and analyse material related to CBRN security, in particular, to intelligence and law enforcement operations aimed at thwarting RN and chemical material trafficking attempts to inform the organization of relevant project activities; - Draft and review research reports and training material on CBRN security; - Assist with the preparation of substantive workshop and training material and participate in missions, meetings and technical workshops at UNICRI Headquarters, Ukraine and other partner countries primarily in the Black Sea and Central Asia regions; - Liaise with relevant stakeholders on project-related issues; - Perform other job-related duties upon request. See more info on www.unicri.org.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of law, international security, criminology, social sciences, or a similar field is required. A first level university degree in a relevant field with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Work experience is not required for fellows with a Master’s degree. However, experience in research and/or analysis on international security and/or nuclear security and non-proliferation is desirable. Experience with the United Nations or other similar international organizations is also desirable.

Languages

Proficiency (i.e. oral and written fluency) in English, Russian and Ukrainian languages is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

Fellow (CBRN and nuclear security unit)