Result of Service

Support UNODC/CEB in the development of a comprehensive analytical study analysing in depth the outcomes of the second UNCAC review cycle is provided. More specifically, the consultant will: • develop a comprehensive analysis that will expand and build upon the thematic implementation reports compiled by the secretariat and data contained in the country review reports for wider dissemination, building on the related study published for the first review cycle and further research, and highlighting trends and nuances, past experience, challenges encountered and possible lessons learned in the implementation of chapters II and V of the Convention; • present data, in line with the terms of reference of the Review Mechanism and guidance of the Conference and the Implementation Review Group, on relevant successes, good practices, challenges and observations contained in the country review reports; and • present an in-depth examination of thematic areas of relevance to the implementation of chapters II and V of the Convention (Preventive measures and Asset Recovery), thus assisting the Implementation Review Group and the Conference in their deliberations regarding the implementation of the referenced chapters. Once finalized, the publication will be launched at the Conference at its upcoming eleventh session.

Work Location

Home based

Expected duration

March – Dec 2024

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Background of the assignment: Since its inception 15 years ago, the Implementation Review Mechanism has assisted States parties in the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption by establishing benchmarks against which States can measure progress, serving as a forum to identify and match technical assistance needs and delivery, and furthering peer-to-peer learning. The Mechanism has had a considerable impact in terms of legislative reforms, improved institutional frameworks, enhanced coordination and information-sharing, strengthened international cooperation, and overall increased capacities to prevent and take action against corruption. It has also generated a unique data set of knowledge, accessible globally, on good practices and challenges in implementation. The first review cycle is now nearly complete, with 177 out of 189 executive summaries adopted, while the second cycle is ongoing, with 86 out of 189 executive summaries completed. Conscious of delays incurred during the second cycle of the Mechanism, the Conference of the States Parties, in its decision 10/1, extended the duration of the second cycle until June 2026 to allow for the completion of country reviews. In accordance with paragraphs 35 and 44 of the terms of reference of the Mechanism, UNODC, as the secretariat to the Mechanism, has been preparing regular thematic implementation reports analysing, on a horizontal level, the most common and relevant information on successes, good practices, challenges and observations identified in the country reviews, together with regional supplementary addenda and cross-cutting implementation reports, for consideration by the Implementation Review Group and the Conference. The analytical value of these reported has been repeatedly underscored (e.g., Conference resolutions 9/2, 8/2, 4/1, 7/6, 8/8 and 9/6. In the first review cycle, the thematic reports were complemented and eventually superseded by the flagship study analysing in greater details the outcomes of the first review cycle, “State of Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption: Criminalization, Law Enforcement and International Cooperation”. The initial study, which covered the reviews of 68 States parties, was completed following three years of intensive work (2013-2015) and launched at the sixth session of the Conference (CAC/COSP/2015/5). The second edition of the study was finalized in September 2017 and launched at the seventh session of the Conference, comprising a larger dataset of 156 States parties. The study reaffirms the impact of the Implementation Review Mechanism and allowed for the analysis of an unprecedented wealth of information on the state of global anti-corruption efforts. It is also one of the most frequently consulted CEB publications (over 4250 downloads annually). It is completed by the key publication on the outcome of the first review cycle, “Set of non-binding recommendations and conclusions based on lessons learned regarding the implementation of chapters III and IV of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.” In the second review cycle, the latest thematic implementation reports, regional addenda and cross-cutting implementation reports were published for the Conference at its tenth session (CAC/COSP/2023/4 to CAC/COSP/2023/7). With 85 country reviews completed in the second cycle, it is therefore timely to conduct a comprehensive study analysing the outcomes of the second cycle to-date. Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Convention Support Section of UNODC/CEB and under the supervision of one or two senior officers, and in accordance with the agreed upon deliverables for the assignment (see below), the consultant will perform the following substantive duties and responsibilities: • Analyse, expand and build upon the information contained in the country review reports and executive summaries of the country reviews that are completed or substantially advanced at the time of drafting, information provided by States parties on a voluntary basis in follow-up to their completed country reviews, as well as the thematic implementation reports, regional supplementary addenda and cross-cutting implementation reports compiled by the secretariat, building on the study, State of Implementation of the Convention for the first review cycle, relevant analytical materials pertaining to the Convention and reports of the deliberations held during the Implementation Review Group and the Conference, to present, in a detailed and analytical fashion, data on the most common and relevant successes, good practices, challenges and observations in the implementation by States parties of chapters II and V of the Convention, with particular regard to examples, trends and nuances in implementation. • Research and collect information and data to present an in-depth examination of thematic areas of relevance to the implementation of chapters II and V of Convention, in particular making use of the framework established by the Convention. Concrete topics will be determined based on consultations with the secretariat staff. • Prepare an outline and a first draft of the knowledge product, to be completed by the agreed deadlines below, addressing key components of implementation, building on the structure of the country review reports, the thematic implementation reports, and the study State of Implementation of the Convention for the first review cycle, in consultation with the designated UNODC/CEB/CSS staff for comment by the relevant UNODC/CEB staff members. • Undertake, in close collaboration with designated UNODC/CEB/CSS staff, a revision of the draft study, including more detailed analysis of substantive issues and actual examples identified in the study and through the country review reports. Once all comments are satisfactorily addressed, the draft study will be submitted for peer review, which will gather the views of other stakeholders and experts in the field, and the consultant will revise and refine the draft knowledge product, taking into account the outcome of this peer review. • Formulate, in the draft study, a summary of observations on trends and patterns emerging with respect to common, unique, successful and unsuccessful implementation efforts, as well as conclusions on whether good practices could be expanded or replicated. In this context, similarities such as common legal systems, institutions and levels of development may be noted. Actual examples, trends and nuances in implementation, as well as a discussion of recommendations made, should be highlighted. • Prepare an executive summary, introduction, conclusion and bibliography, together with other related content as may be required. The study should meet the generally accepted quality standards for legal editorial committees.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, with specialization in criminal justice/international law 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 • Over 10 years of professional experience in the area of asset recovery and/or international cooperation, as defined in chapter V of the UN Convention against Corruption are required. • Knowledge of international law related to anti-corruption, including thorough familiarity with issues pertaining to asset recovery and international cooperation; good familiarity with anti-corruption issues, particularly related to the UN Convention against Corruption and its inter-governmental process is required. • Excellent analytical skills is required. • Experience in drafting relevant studies, handbooks or similar publications for regional or international organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language (especially French or Spanish) is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.