Under the supervision of the Research Officer and GEMS Coordinator, IPS and the overall supervision of the OiC IPS Chief, the consultant will be responsible for performing the following tasks: • Design research tools for collecting quantitative data online; • Collect and analysis online data; • Collate and analyze quantitative data collected in the field and manage Observatory quantitative database; • Contribute to analysis and design of visual representations of data analysis; • Prepare visual and textual elements for the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants website • Prepare geospatial elements for the website.

Home-based

April 2026 -September 2026 (with possibility of extension)

This assignment is under the framework of the UNODC research initiatives on smuggling of migrants. UNODC is carrying out research and analysis to provide an actionable evidence base for counter-smuggling interventions as part of the Generating the Knowledge Base on Migrant Smuggling (GEMS) Initiative. The GEMS Initiative is updating and expanding UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants research along the main sea and land smuggling routes and including also transregional air routes and hybrid routes, and related document fraud. GEMS is also focusing on drawing together data and research at a global level, linking up trends and flows along routes and across regions and comparing patterns and modi operandi between routes, to provide a comprehensive, accurate and actionable picture of the global smuggling of migrants phenomenon. The GEMS Initiative seeks to provide the global, regional and route-specific situational pictures, including connections between routes, to inform the formulation of counter-smuggling policy and practice, through a whole-of-route and whole-of-phenomenon approach. The Overall Objective of GEMS is to contribute to building and enhancing the actionable evidence base to inform the formulation of effective responses to address smuggling of migrants. This assignment is to support the research activities of the GEMS initiative. The consultant will support the UNODC research team in the implementation of the research on smuggling of migrants, providing specific support on quantitative and digital methods and analysis and in the visualization of GEMS Initiative research outputs. The consultant will, inter-alia; design research tools and collect information online and conduct analysis; collate and analyze quantitative data collected in the field and manage Observatory quantitative database; contribute to analysis and design of visual representations of data analysis; and support the design and population of the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants website, including geospatial elements.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Migration Studies, Criminology, Political Science, Security Studies or similar is required. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 2 years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in the field of research and/or data analysis is required. Experience with UN organizations and knowledge of quantitative and OSINT research methods is desirable. Experience in the area of research on smuggling of migrants or trafficking in persons is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English with excellent drafting and communication skills, is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Not available.

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.