Consultant (Cybercrime Convention Knowledge Products)

UN Secretariat; Wien; On-site; EUR 83,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Consultant to support the implementation of the global cybercrime treaty and strengthen international cooperation on electronic evidence. You will provide demand-driven technical assistance to signatory States, helping them navigate treaty obligations and ratification challenges.

The role requires 5+ years in international/criminal law, strong research skills, and the ability to develop educational materials.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in criminology, law or related field is required.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in international law, criminal law or criminal justice are required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in conducting and publishing legal research and analysis.
• Minimum 1 year in developing and delivering educational materials.
• English language proficiency (oral and written) is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide demand-driven technical assistance to States to assess the UN Convention against Cybercrime in relation to national frameworks.
• Support coordinated engagement among ministries and institutions to advance ratification processes.
• Ensure States understand treaty obligations and access practical guidance.
• Address procedural and institutional challenges in treaty processes and coordination.
• Contribute to development and delivery of knowledge products and educational materials related to the Convention.
• Conduct and publish criminal justice and/or legal research and analysis on cybercrime and electronic evidence.

Skills

International law

Criminal law

Criminal justice

Cybercrime

Electronic evidence

Legal research

Educational materials

English fluency

Education

Advanced university degree in criminology/law/international law

First level degree + 2 years qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is seeking a Consultant to support the implementation of the first global treaty addressing cybercrime and enhancing international cooperation on electronic evidence. This role will provide demand-driven technical assistance to signatory States, helping them navigate treaty obligations and overcome ratification challenges.

Job purpose: The Consultant will provide essential technical assistance to Member States to facilitate the ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. This involves assessing national legal, policy, and institutional frameworks against treaty obligations, offering practical guidance, and supporting coordinated engagement among relevant ministries. The role aims to address challenges such as limited familiarity with treaty processes, competing legislative priorities, and fragmented inter-ministerial coordination, thereby preserving the nationally led nature of ratification processes and strengthening international cooperation against cybercrime.

Responsibilities: Provide demand-driven technical assistance to States to assess the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in relation to their national legal, policy, and institutional frameworks. Support coordinated engagement among relevant ministries and institutions to advance domestic ratification processes. Ensure States have a clear understanding of treaty obligations and access to practical guidance. Address procedural and institutional challenges faced by States, including limited familiarity with treaty processes, competing legislative priorities, and fragmented inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms. Contribute to the development and delivery of knowledge products and educational materials related to the Convention. Conduct and publish criminal justice and/or legal research and analysis concerning cybercrime and electronic evidence.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in criminology, law, international law, criminal law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted.

Work experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in international law, criminal law, or criminal justice is required. This includes at least one year of experience in conducting and publishing legal research and analysis, and at least one year in developing and delivering educational materials. Experience with the UN or international organizations is desirable.

Skills: Knowledge of international law, criminal law, and criminal justice. Expertise in cybercrime and electronic evidence. Experience in legal research and analysis. Ability to develop and deliver educational materials. Fluency in English (oral and written).

Required languages: English

Desired languages: