Result of Service

The Consultant (Dark web expert) will support UNICRI with the preparation of an analytical report on the dark web, terrorism and threats to cybersecurity, carrying out related research and analysis.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

2 months

Duties and Responsibilities

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI’ s goals are:

• to advance understanding of crime-related problems;
• to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems;
• to support the respect of international instruments and other standards;
• to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance.

In 2022, UNICRI launched a new research initiative to enhance the knowledge and understanding of how terrorist and violent extremists use the dark web and, in particular, the degree to which the crime-as-a-service model’s role is being utilized to augment the existing capabilities of terrorist and violent extremist groups and individuals to carry out cyber-enabled terrorism. In addition to this, UNICRI is offering tailored training to Moldova focusing on online drug sales, dark web investigative techniques and security and data protection issues associated with these.

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

• Review and interpret data collected on the dark web, terrorism and threats to cybersecurity as part of the research exercise.
• Guide and shape the drafting of the resulting report, providing critical analysis and expert insights in particular with respect to challenges, recommendations and next steps.
• Review the initial draft of the report and provide feedback from a technical perspective to facilitate it finalization and release.
• Participate in UNICRI-led workshops or events, leading sessions on dark web investigative techniques related to drug trafficking and cyber threats, in particular in Moldova.
• Perform other tasks as may be required for the finalization of the report.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, criminology, political science, social sciences, cybersecurity, computer science, information communications technology or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Specialized training diploma obtained from a recognized national police, customs, or other similar institution, including Police or Military Academies, can be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience conducting law enforcement investigations on the dark web and dark web marketplaces, forums and channels is required.
Experience in countering cyber threats, cybercrime and/or in cybersecurity is required.
Experience in countering terrorism and violent extremism is required.
Experience carrying out research in the above fields is highly desirable.
Experience working with international organizations is also desirable.

Languages

For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

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.