National Consultant to develop the Standard Operating Procedures

Expected tangible and measurable output(s): The consultant will be responsible for the timely and satisfactory delivery of the following outputs: • Draft SOP chapters produced and revised by relevant law enforcement body; • A consolidated draft SOP on investigation of trafficking in persons; • A final, validated and print-ready SOP document agreed by the Inter-Ministerial Commission on Combatting Trafficking in Persons; • A final consultancy report.

Home-based with travel to regions if necessary

06.05-20.07.2026

Background of the assignment: Trafficking in persons (TIP) remains a significant challenge in Tajikistan, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including women, children and migrant workers. Despite the Government’s demonstrated commitment to combating human trafficking, structural and procedural gaps persist in the effective investigation and prosecution of TIP cases. In particular, the absence of standardized operating procedures for law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies hampers a coordinated, victim-centered and legally compliant approach to TIP investigations. Currently, law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan lack a comprehensive and harmonized methodology for investigating trafficking in persons cases. This results in inconsistent investigative practices, difficulties in evidence collection and case-building, and challenges in securing successful prosecutions. In the absence of clear guidance, investigative approaches may fall short of international standards, including in cases involving cross-border elements. The development of a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the investigation and prosecution of trafficking in persons in Tajikistan is therefore a critical step toward strengthening the country’s anti-trafficking response. The SOP will provide clear, practical and nationally endorsed guidance to relevant authorities, support consistent and effective application of national legislation, and promote alignment with international standards and good practices. Ultimately, the SOP will contribute to improved identification and protection of victims of trafficking and enhanced accountability of perpetrators. This assignment is implemented under the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT PROTECT), a joint initiative of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In Tajikistan, UNODC GLO.ACT PROTECT works closely with national counterparts to strengthen criminal justice responses to TIP through a gender-responsive and human rights-based approach, in line with national priorities, including the National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2025–2027). UNODC is seeking a National Consultant to support this initiative through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the investigation of trafficking in persons cases, following a victim-centered approach. Specific tasks to be performed by the Consultant: Under direct supervision of the GLO.ACT Programme Coordinator, the National Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: • Review the national legal and institutional framework relevant to the investigation of trafficking in persons, including applicable criminal legislation and secondary regulations; • Review and analyse existing investigation practices and procedures related to TIP; • Include preliminary recommendations/measures to address investigating Smuggling of Migrants as a emerging form of organized crime; • Develop 1st draft of the SOP, ensuring alignment with national law and international standards; • Integrate victim-centered, gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches throughout the SOP; • Circulate draft SOP with Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Prosecutors Office, Committee on National Security, Customs Agency and Drug Control Agency for their inputs; • Consolidate comments and inputs from relevant ministries into a revised draft; • Prepare a final, consolidated SOP document; • Plan, organize, and facilitate a national workshop on the SOP content with relevant stakeholders; • Prepare a final consultancy report.

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in law, criminology, public administration, International Law, International criminal law, political science, international relations or related fields of criminal justice, crime prevention and/or law enforcement is required. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 7 (seven) years of relevant professional experience in in the areas of human trafficking, migrant smuggling and / or transnational organized crime on national or international level is required. Experience in TIP research, law enforcement, or prosecution at national level is required. Experience in development of practical guidance and/or manuals for law enforcement is required. Demonstrated knowledge of trafficking trends and patters in Tajikistan, including regional dynamics, and scope is required. Experience including at national level and/or with an international organization in trafficking in persons’ research is desirable. Intercultural work experience and/or experience working with the UN is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in Tajik and Russian, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language 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.