Open-Source Information Analyst

This position is located in the Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Bangkok, Thailand. As part of the ROSEAP Research Hub, the incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the ROSEAP Deputy Regional Representative located and the direct supervision of the ROSEAP Research Coordinator, both located in Bangkok, Thailand. For more information on UNODC, please visit the following website: www.unodc.org

The incumbent will perform the following specific duties: • Contribute to the work of the ROSEAP Research Hub by supporting the development of analytical and knowledge products relating to a broad range of transnational organized crime and its nexus with other non-traditional security challenges. • Supports the collection and analysis of open-source information and research in electronic and digital format, as well as social networking and messaging platforms, and assists in assessing credibility and veracity. • Undertakes verification, authentication, geolocation and analysis of open-source digital content as part of organized crime research such as audio, images, videos, etc. • Conducts preliminary analysis of cryptocurrency and blockchain-related information related to organized crime and the identification of potential illicit flows, cross-border movements and laundering typologies. • Implement process improvement mechanisms for data analytics tasks; acquire and clean data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems. Supports the development of training materials on open-source information analysis and research. • Implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality. Liaise with government counterparts and national, regional and international partners and other experts in the field (e.g. research institutes, academia, NGOs, Government officials etc.), exchanging views on latest findings, policy, and new developments and models of crime, research and analysis. • Prepares briefing materials for the regional research hub and the senior management of ROSEAP. • Contributes to the development of funding proposals based on findings of analytical and knowledge products to support ROSEAP’s strategic positioning. • Engages with and provide inputs to the Research Analysis Branch of HQ and other field-based research colleagues of UNODC. • Represents ROSEAP in briefings, conferences, and meetings as an open-source information resource expert, together with other UNODC staff and national law enforcement and criminal justice officials, other relevant government officials, civil society actors, and international partners. • Assists in the monitoring and analysis of specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation and contribute to drafting project reports and briefing notes on activities and related topics. • Applies open-source intelligence methodologies to monitor online environments associated with violent extremism and terrorist financing, including analysis of digital recruitment networks, propaganda, and cross-platform narratives, to inform regional prevention and counter-terrorism efforts. • Contribute to the identification, analysis and interpretation of trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured sources of information and data. Proposes the use of specialized software and digital tools, including link analysis and intelligence platforms, to analyse and present data in an accessible and meaningful manner, and to develop visualizations of networks and linkages among organized crime actors, entities, and operational contexts. • Performs other work-related duties as required.

Professionalism: Has knowledge of transnational organized crime and its nexus with other non-traditional security challenges; has ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information and draft research reports; has knowledge of the general principles of open-source information collection, analysis and preservation methodologies, including metadata; has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey findings to management; has ability to review open-source and other information gathered from a range of sources to identify gaps that require further targeted research activity; has ability to present analytic findings in a clear and concise manner and link to strategic organizational objectives of UNODC; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources of information, including digital and human sources; knowledge of foundational concepts in data manipulation and data analysis; skills in developing technical training curricula on data analysis; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public health, social and behavioural change communication, social science, political science, development cooperation or a related field 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.

Not available.

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience involving the collection, analysis, preservation and management of information pertaining to transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking or related fields, including through direct engagement with law enforcement practitioners, OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Experience in monitoring dark net and other underground online markets, groups, and forums as well as social media platforms is desirable. Experience in engaging with law enforcement and regulatory authorities on transnational organized crime issues with field engagement is desirable. Experience with foundational concepts in data manipulation and data analysis such as data structures, statistical methods, etc. is desirable. Work experience in research and analysis of organized crime groups with counterparts operating in the Asia Pacific region is desirable. Work experience in applying certifications in cybersecurity and blockchain analysis is desirable. Experience in using link analysis software and intelligence tools; data visualization and other visual analysis and analytical software; and geospatial analysis software, including geolocation, satellite imagery analysis, and mapping is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview.

This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment will be subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Bangkok is classified in the A category (family duty station). Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.