Result of Service

Under the direct supervision of the GMCP Programme Coordinator (Southeast Asia and the Pacific) based in Bangkok, the consultant will implement the following tasks: Deliverable A: Development of Training Curriculum and Training Material The consultant will be tasked with the design a comprehensive curriculum and training material at basic, intermediate and Advanced levels on MDA Analysis and Calculating of Polygons of Probability as detailed below: A1. MDA Analytical Training (Basic Course) This course is designed introduce Maritime Domain awareness to personnel unfamiliar with the initiative as well as to update and to familiarize enforcement agency personnel ashore and aboard aircraft or patrol vessels as to what constitutes normal and abnormal behaviour of vessels and local and regional socioeconomic and geo-special impacts of trade and use of the seas in the area of interest. This course addresses services for terrestrial and satellite monitoring of vessels combined with terrestrial surveillance systems and informs of the limitations and vulnerabilities of the systems. The topics will include but not limited to the following: • Understanding of Maritime Domain awareness. • Understanding the pattern of life at sea o Normal behaviour of different kinds of vessels o Signalling and identification devices used o Convection for preventing collision (COLREGS) o Behaviour of maritime traffic in various geographic scenarios o Legitimate transfers at sea o Influence of international regulations o Detrimental effect of commerce on Risk • Exchange of information o Influence of regulatory bodies o Using daylight and night-time signalling o Between ships and maritime services and need of nautical publications • Soft MDA and how to engage participation of the citizen in MDA o Need for Soft MDA o Motivation of citizens to participate o Procedures and mechanisms required by the agency. • Understanding maritime threats o IUU Fishing o Smuggling of contraband, arms and drugs o Smuggling and trafficking of people o Kidnap, Ransom of Kill o Piracy o Noxious substance pollution and effect of alien species and hull coatings o Contravening international convection for preventing collision (COLREGS) o Misuse of radio spectrum • Data Sharing and Access to data o Introduction to IoT, AI and risk engines o Use of Search and Rescue services o Intelligence available through Big Data o Mandatory and Voluntary ship reporting systems o Pilot, port and vessel traffic information services • Understanding the use, vulnerabilities and limitations of RF monitoring services o VMS/MTU o VDES including AIS o e-Navigation o LRIT o SSAS o Voice Reporting • Understanding the use, vulnerabilities and limitations of terrestrial surveillance systems o Radar o Radio Direction Finding o Optical imaging o Fibre optic sensors • Fusion of Monitoring services and surveillance systems. A2. MDA Analytical Training (Intermediate Course) This course is designed to introduce or refresh understanding of the use, benefits, limitations and vulnerabilities of airborne manned and unmanned aircraft (drones) as well as satellite borne synthetic aperture radar and optical imaging techniques. It also addresses the combination of these different surveillance types. This course also shows how to determine anomalies using vectoral drift and velocity plotting to help an observer better understand how to recognise an illegal activity. The topics will include but not limited to the following: • Recap of Basic course relevant to the Intermediate curriculum. • Use of Airborne Assets o Mitigation of vulnerabilities and limitations of coastal surveillance o Tasking for investigation of suspicious vessels or those going RF dark o Capability of assets available to the agency o Suitability for different MDA missions. • Benefits & limitations of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical Imaging. o SAR sensors available to agency, and constraints of orbit and service o SAR imaging examples of pollution, traffic and velocity characteristics o Consequence of tasking swath on resolution and coverage area o Optical sensors available to agency and constraints of orbit and service o Comparison of SAR and Optical sensor for identification of vessel / class o Comparison of pros and cons of Optical and SAR imagery. • Fusion of RF monitoring data (VDES/AIS LRIT, VMS etc.) with satellite imagery. o Identification of targets detected by satellite optical or SAR imaging o Overcoming target capture time reference difference between systems o Identifying dark vessel through historic traffic analysis o Fusion of different sensor and monitoring sources o Regulation concerning use of AIS and LRIT on AIS – Legitimate denial • Detection of anomalies by vectoral plotting o How to use plotting aids and recognise illegal or unsafe practices o Understanding different AIS message content and data vulnerabilities o Demonstration of velocity analysis to resolve anomalies or deception • Machine learning and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) o Use of AI algorithms to resolve thousands simultaneous data sets o Data used by AI to flag anomalies o Use and capability of geofencing • Evasion of detection o Spoofing methods used to provide false position, status or ID o Going dark to avoid detection o Detection of the position and ID of vessels spoofing or going dark. A3. MDA Analytical Training (Advanced Course) This course is designed to introduce the use, benefits and limitations of Radio Frequency spectrum surveillance by satellites. The course will identify how the use of this technology can be used alone or in combination with other services and will show how it can be used to counter spoofing and going dark. It will also address radio regulations and how they relate surveillance to mitigate illegal use of radio spectrum. The topics will include but not limited to the following: • Recap of Intermediate course relevant to the Advanced curriculum. • Use of RF surveillance by satellite platforms o Benefit of RF surveillance and consequences of illegal use of spectrum o Flight formation, orbit characteristics and spectrum sensing capability o Tasking of flight formation to detect vessels using different spectrum o Value of spectrum efficiency mapping • Value and limitation of spectrum o Usage of VHF, UHF, LTE and LTE MCV services o Radar for navigation, surveillance and ordinance tracking • Tasking spectrum surveillance in regard of performance of spectrum o Resolution and attenuation limitations of x and s band radar o Limitations of terrestrial and satellites (LEO, MEO GEO) communications • Spectrum important for RF surveillance o Commercial ship communication fit o Fishing vessel communication fit o Small craft communication fit o Difference between Class A and B AIS and AMRD • RF detection of dark vessels by satellite (Not using AIS, LRIT or VMS) o Smart understanding of what spectrum can still be detected o Demonstration of detection of position using another RF spectrum • Illegal use of spectrum o Countering spoofed “offset” position information o Countering ghost ships deception created warship AIS systems o Risking endangerment by non-regulation compliant spectrum use o Assignment of spectrum and improper use by ships and Coastal States o Forbidden use of radio spectrum as per the regulations o Examples of Local VHF channel assignment for radio stations • Using RF surveillance to identify targets. o RF scatter patterns relation to ship structure. • Fusion of spectrum data with imaging sensors and monitoring systems. o Collaborative tracking between RF sensors and SAR or optical images o Tasking RF sensors to test integrity and accuracy of AIS, LRIT or VMS o Collaborative tracking between RF sensors and AIS, LRIT and VMS o Extension to GEO receiver footprint or temporary segment replacement A4. Calculating Polygons of Probability The consultant will be responsible for developing a curriculum that covers the fundamental principles, methodologies, and tools used in determining polygons of probability within the context of maritime surveillance. The consultant should introduce relevant techniques and best practices, design instructional materials including presentations, handouts, and practical exercises, as well as tailoring content to meet the specific needs of the target audience. The consultant will deliver the training course to maritime law enforcement agencies. Duration of the course to be 3 days and each cohort will have approximately 20 trainees. The consultant will complete a final report after the training on the outcomes and lessons learnt to improve such training in the future. A1.1. Reliability of MDA Data for C4ISR The consultant will be responsible for developing a curriculum that covers the fundamental principles, methodologies, and tools used in determining reliability of MDA Data for C4ISR within the context of maritime surveillance. The consultant should introduce relevant techniques and best practices, design instructional materials including presentations, handouts, and practical exercises, as well as tailoring content to meet the specific needs of the target audience. The consultant will deliver the training course to maritime law enforcement agencies. Duration of the course to be 4 days and each cohort will have approximately 20 trainees. The consultant will complete a final report after the training on the outcomes and lessons learnt to improve such training in the future. Deliverable B: Development and conduct of a Pre- and Post-Training Evaluation Questionnaire The consultant is tasked to develop a questionnaire to evaluate the level of understanding by individual participants on the topics covered under the training curriculum prior and subsequent to undertaking the training course as a method of measuring the immediate qualitative impact of the training course. The post-training questionnaire should also include general feedback questions for future improvement of the curriculum and its delivery. The questionnaire will be used in all MDA Analytical Training courses. Deliverable C1 – C11: Delivery of MDA Analytical Training Courses, Calculating Polygons of Probability, Reliability of MDA Data for C4ISR Training Course, and Final report. Attendance/Presentation at the Forum of National Maritime Fusion Centres (FNMFC), and Conduct of MDA Study The consultant will deliver the training courses to maritime law enforcement agencies. The proposed training courses are listed below and the dates for such courses have to be determined in consultation with the relevant maritime law enforcement agencies. The training courses will be delivered in a progressive manner starting from the basic, intermediate to Advanced, as well as calculating polygons of probability. Each cohort of trainees will progressively undertake the basic, intermediate and Advanced courses. Duration of each course to be 4 days and each cohort will have approximately 20 trainees. Further, the training on calculating polygons of probability will take 3 days to complete and the cohort is approximately 20 trainees. The training on Reliability of MDA Data for C4ISR will take 4 days to complete and the cohort is approximately 20 trainees. The consultant will complete a final report after each training on the outcomes and lessons learnt to improve such training in the future. The consultant is also tasked to conduct an MDA Study for MMEA and will attend/present at the FNMFC. a. Malaysia: MDA Analytical course (Advanced), Reliability of MDA Data for C4ISR Training Course, and MDA Study b. Indonesia: MDA Analytical courses (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced) and Calculating Polygons of Probability course c. Vanuatu: MDA Analytical courses (Basic and Intermediate) for the Pacific Fusion Centre d. Thailand: MDA Analytical courses (Basic and Intermediate) e. Philippines: MDA Analytical course (Basic) f. Singapore: Attendance/presentation at a MDA conference/forum Deliverable D1 – D4: Conduct of Needs Assessment at Surveillance Centres The consultant is tasked to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment for maritime surveillance centres. This assessment will involve evaluating the current operational capabilities, identifying areas for improvement, and determining the specific equipment requirements to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of centres’ activities. The consultant will be conducting site visits and physical inspection in close collaboration with relevant maritime enforcement agencies (Pacific). Following the assessment and thorough research, the consultant will produce an Assessment Report highlighting existing surveillance capability, and recommendation on equipment and infrastructure needs for an effective maritime surveillance capability over the next 10 years. List of countries for the conduct of Needs Assessment are as follows: a) Kiribati b) Marshall Islands c) The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) d) Tuvalu Deliverable E: Conduct of Online Examination and Marking of Answer Scripts The consultant will draft questions both in multiple-choice format and written answer format based on the contents delivered in the MDA Analytical Training Course (Basic Course) and MDA Analytical Training (Intermediate Course) for the cohort of students that completed the training. The consultant will also be required to mark the answer scripts after the completion of the examinations. The exams will be conducted on the following tentative dates: Training Completed in Q2/Q3 (2024): Exam date 09 September 2024

Work Location

Home based with travel to Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Expected duration

18 Mar – 6 Dec 2024

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive curriculum at basic, intermediate and advanced levels on MDA Analysis and delivery of the courses to MDA Analysts of maritime law enforcement agencies in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The consultant will design, develop and deliver MDA Analytical training to cohorts of MDA analysts adopting a progressive approach from basic, intermediate to advance with a view to enhance the capability of maritime law enforcement agencies to counter illicit activity at sea. In addition, the consultant will be responsible for conducting Needs Assessments for Surveillance Centers in the Pacific.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in maritime security, maritime studies, political sciences, management or other related fields 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. Formal qualifications or certifications from a recognised national or international customs authority, police academy, or military-training institution, supplemented by specialization in criminal justice, crime prevention, or law enforcement, in combination with four (4) additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the first level university degree. • Qualification in maritime navigational competency such as a Master Mariner or an equivalent qualification. • Minimum 7 years of experience in operating maritime surveillance applications including the use of data sources from terrestrial and satellite-based sensors for maritime surveillance operations is required. • Knowledge of maritime sensor technology, imaging techniques and analysis/interpretation of data from individual sensors or fusion of multiple sensor sources for maritime domain awareness is required. • Knowledge of terrestrial, airborne and earth observation imagery sensor technologies used for monitoring the maritime domain such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), RF surveillance, satellite photography as well as the use of SLAR, Coastal Radar, AIS, AMRD, LRIT, VTS, RF Ship Reporting, VMS and ERS is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations Secretariat language 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.