Counter-Narcotics Sector Assessment Expert (Consultant)

Satisfactory outputs based on activities as listed under item 3, are listed below: • Assessment methodology and inception report: Development and submission of a detailed methodology, workplan, and analytical framework to guide the assessment, including data collection tools and stakeholder engagement approach. • Thailand assessment: Conduct missions and consultations with key stakeholders (RTP/ONCB) at both headquarters and operational levels, including at least four (4) field missions to priority locations. Based on the findings, the consultant will produce a draft assessment report for Thailand, covering institutional analysis, operational performance, and identified gaps. • Cambodia assessment: Conduct missions and consultations with key stakeholders (CNP/NACD) at both headquarters and field level, including at least four (4) field missions to priority locations. The consultant will develop a draft assessment report for Cambodia, including analysis of institutional frameworks, operational performance, and capacity gaps. • Final comprehensive assessment report: Submission of a consolidated final report integrating findings from both countries, including comparative analysis, key gaps, and a prioritized and actionable modernization roadmap. • Presentation of findings: Delivery of two (2) in-country briefings (one in Cambodia and one in Thailand) to present key findings and recommendations to national and international stakeholders and incorporate final feedback as required. Deliverable A: Assessment methodology and inception report Development and submission of a detailed assessment methodology, workplan, and analytical framework. (30 Jun 2026/ 10 working days) Deliverable B: Thailand assessment completed Conduct consultations with key stakeholders at headquarters and field levels, including at least four (4) field missions, and submission of the draft Thailand assessment report. (31 Aug 2026/ 40 working days) Deliverable C: Cambodia assessment completed Conduct consultations with key stakeholders at headquarters and field levels, including at least four (4) field missions, and submission of the draft Cambodia assessment report. (30 Nov 2026/ 40 working days) Deliverable D: Final comprehensive assessment report Submission of a consolidated report integrating findings from both countries, including comparative analysis and recommendations. (15 Jan 2027/ 20 working days) Deliverable E: Presentation of findings and finalization Delivery of two (2) in-country briefings (one in each country) and incorporation of feedback, as required. (28 Feb 2027/ 10 working days)

Home based with travel to Cambodia and Thailand (travel date to be confirmed)

08 June 2026 – 28 February 2027, 120 working days

The illicit drug market in Southeast Asia, particularly concerning synthetic drugs and methamphetamine, continues to expand at unprecedented levels. Despite record seizures, drug prices remain low, indicating a highly adaptive and resilient organized crime landscape. Cambodia and Thailand are significantly affected by these dynamics, facing evolving challenges linked to cross-border trafficking, precursor diversion, and the growing role of technology in facilitating illicit drug activities. While both countries have made efforts to strengthen their counter-narcotics responses through institutional reforms and international cooperation, gaps remain in operational capacity, inter-agency coordination, and the effective use of technology and intelligence. To address these challenges, UNODC is launching a comprehensive baseline assessment of the counter-narcotics law enforcement sectors in Cambodia and Thailand. The assessment focuses on key institutions, including the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) and Cambodian National Police (CNP) in Cambodia, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and Royal Thai Police (RTP) in Thailand. This initiative aims to analyze key institutions, operational frameworks, and capacity gaps to provide a baseline for systemic reforms and evidence-based international assistance tailored to the current threat landscape. The primary purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a detailed performance and modernization review of the counter-narcotics systems in Cambodia and Thailand. The consultant will identify institutional bottlenecks, evaluate the alignment of current technologies with operational needs, and propose a prioritized modernization roadmap to enhance each country's ability to disrupt transnational criminal networks. Under the overall supervision of UNODC ROSEAP, the consultant will: • Develop and refine the assessment methodology and workplan; • Conduct extensive desk review of relevant literature, legal frameworks, policies, and previous assessments; • Carry out field missions and consultations with key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and relevant ministries in Cambodia and Thailand (CNP/NACD and RTP/ONCB); • Assess the national drug threat landscape and institutional roles in each country; • Analyze the structure, mandates, and coordination mechanisms of key counter-narcotics institutions; • Evaluate performance across the counter-narcotics enforcement cycle, including intelligence, investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery; • Assess operational effectiveness in priority border and trafficking hotspot areas; • Review existing equipment, technology, and infrastructure, including gaps and sustainability considerations; • Conduct a review of international assistance and partnerships; • Perform a comparative analysis against relevant international standards and practices; • Develop a comprehensive assessment report, including findings, gap analysis, and a prioritized modernization roadmap; • Present key findings and recommendations to UNODC and relevant stakeholders.

- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, cybercrime, digital investigation, digital forensics or social science or in a subject closely related/relevant to programme development/management, 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 7 years of relevant professional experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, or counter-narcotics policy and operations is required - Excellent written and spoken English is required - Strong knowledge of drug trafficking trends, transnational organized crime, and counter-narcotics frameworks is required - Previous experience working with law enforcement authorities in the Asia-Pacific region is required - Previous experience working in law enforcement operations or within a counter-narcotics agency is highly desirable - Experience working in Southeast Asia or similar contexts is highly desirable - Proven experience in conducting institutional assessments, evaluations, or analytical studies in the criminal justice or security sector is desirables.

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 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.