Cyber Threat Advisor – Migrant Smuggling

Host entity: UNODC

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, Information technology and telecommunications, Safety and security

Application deadline: 17/09/2026

Mission and objectives

UNODC has the mission to enable peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism, by promoting justice and building resilient societies. Through its integrated programming approach, UNODC has a proven capacity to translate global normative frameworks into operational assistance, and to identify how drugs, crime and terrorism interact and impact sustainable development and human security. UNODC’s mandate ties in directly with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs which explicitly recognize the interrelationship between sustainable development on the one hand, and the threats from violence, organized crime, corruption, access to justice, and terrorism on the other.

Assignment context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 as the United Nations entity responsible for assisting Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and with a presence in more than 80 field offices, UNODC’s mandate focuses on promoting health, security, and justice for all by addressing the threats posed by drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This position, to be based in the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean, is situated within UNODC’s Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants aiming to Implement activities under the Initiative Global Action against the Financial and Digital Dimensions of Migrant Smuggling Programme, funded by the European Union in coordination between the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) and the Global Programme on Cybercrime assigned to the Cybercrime and Technology Section (CTS).

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Cybercrime Policy Adviser of the Global Programme on Cybercrime, Cybercrime and Technology Section, and the additional supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer HTMSS based in based in the UNODC Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean (ROPAN), in coordination with the Global Action Programme Coordinator of HTMSS. The incumbent will perform his/her duties under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative for the UNODC Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean.

The role is particularly designed to strengthen UNODC’s response to the increasingly prominent cyber enabled dimensions of migrant smuggling, recognizing the growing use of digital platforms, encrypted communications, online financial services, and other technologies by criminal networks to facilitate, organize, and profit from smuggling activities.


The incumbent will contribute to the Global Action against the Financial and Digital Dimensions of Migrant Smuggling Programme, funded by the European Union, which aims to counter migrant smuggling through Evidence-based interventions, including tracing financial flows and addressing the digital ecosystem that enables these crimes. While global in scope, the programme places particular emphasis on Panama and Costa Rica within Central America and Colombia in South America. Key expected results include improving knowledge on cyber investigation techniques, Open-Source Intelligence and Social Media Intelligence techniques (Open-Source Intelligence OSINT / Social Media Intelligence SOCMINT), digital forensics and techniques to trace, freeze, and confiscate virtual assets—enhancing investigative capacities related to digitally facilitated migrant smuggling, and promoting international cooperation and the exchange of good practices.

Task description

Within assigned authority the National Programme Officer (Cybercrime Expert) will be responsible for the following specific duties:
• Provide support in coordinating project activities in Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia of the digital component of the European Union funded Global Action against the Financial and Digital Dimensions of the Smuggling of Migrants. This includes overall activity coordination, procurement of equipment, contracting service providers and meeting monitoring and reporting obligations related to national stakeholders in Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.
• Deliver capacity-building workshops and other technical assistance activities on cyber investigation techniques, Open Source Intelligence and Social Media Intelligence techniques (OSINT/SOCMIT), digital forensics, cryptocurrencies and other relevant areas to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of cyber-enabled smuggling of migrants for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, first responders and other counterparts incorporating specialized content on digital evidence handling and seizure of devices, specialized and special investigative techniques, and emerging technologies.
• Deliver technical advice and mentorship to national law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and other government officials, including to effectively seize and handle mobile and electronic devices, respecting due process of law.
• Coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders, including intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector, academic institutions, and other UN agencies, that provide training or support on cybercrime and migrant smuggling, to ensure synergies and avoid duplication.
• Assist in ongoing monitoring and evaluation of project activities by collecting data on implementation, drafting progress and evaluation reports, participating in project review meetings, and following up on recommended actions to ensure effectiveness and impact of the project.
• Liaise with relevant parties to ensure project implementation, including Internet Service Providers, Communication Regulators, Virtual Asset Service Providers, Law Enforcement Agencies, Ministries of Interior, Ministries of Justice, Attorney General Offices, and Supreme Courts in selected countries for the purpose of project implementation and the advancement of the Global Action against the Financial and Digital Dimensions of the Smuggling of Migrants.
• Support the visibility of UNODC’s cybercrime and anti-migrant smuggling work in the region in accordance with the communications plan, including by submitting inputs to communication actions and products in a timely manner; ensure project donor(s) visibility in all public activities;
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Maintain regular communication with the Project Coordinator of the Global Programme on Cybercrime, overseeing the digital dimension component (outcome 3) of the Global Action against the Financial and Digital-based Dimensions of the Smuggling of Migrants, as well as with the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section and regional offices.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Skills and experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant, progressively responsible experience in law enforcement investigation or prosecution investigations related to cyber-enabled, cybercrime, cybersecurity, electronic evidence, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques or cryptocurrency tracking is required experience supporting or conducting investigations or prosecutions involving cyber enabled trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, is desirable.
• Experience in designing, coordinating, or delivering capacity building activities, training programmes, or technical assistance related to cybercrime, cybersecurity, or digital investigations is desirable.
• Experience in coordinating, managing, or supporting projects is desirable
• Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.
• Experience working with law enforcement, prosecutorial authorities, or criminal justice institutions on operational or policy-related initiatives is desirable.

Technical expertise:
Proven knowledge of cybercrime investigation techniques, electronic evidence, cryptocurrency, digital forensics or cybersecurity, including familiarity with how digital tools, online platforms, and communication technologies are used to facilitate criminal activities.

Substantive expertise:
Demonstrated understanding of the misuse of ICTs by transnational organized crime.

Capacity building experience:
Experience in designing, delivering, or supporting training, technical assistance, or advisory services for law enforcement, prosecutors, or criminal justice practitioners, particularly in areas related to cybercrime or electronic evidence.

Coordination and stakeholder engagement:
Demonstrated experience working with national authorities, law enforcement agencies, or international partners, including the ability to coordinate activities and provide expert advice.

Competencies and values

Professionalism: Demonstrates in-depth substantive knowledge and specialization in the field of counter-cybercrime law enforcement and/or prosecution. Demonstrates ability to adapt knowledge and skills to the field of migrant smuggling. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international criminal justice and crime prevention and relevant UNODC mandates. Has knowledge of programme/project administration, implementation, evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Has very good research and analytical skills. Has knowledge of and ability to provide training to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, digital forensic experts, or other criminal justice officials in matters relating to the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. Is able to evaluate, identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Demonstrates ability to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given and to coordinate the work of others. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Living conditions

Panama City is the capital and main political, economic, and financial center of the country. It is served by one of the most well-connected airports in the region (Tocumen International Airport), with frequent international flights and domestic connections. The climate is tropical, with a dry season (December–April) and a rainy season (May–November), characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The cost of living can be relatively high in certain areas, particularly in central and residential neighborhoods; however, a wide range of housing options is available, from modern apartments to houses in traditional districts. Supermarkets, shopping centers, and restaurants offer a broad selection of local and imported products, and basic services such as water and electricity are generally reliable, although occasional interruptions may occur during the rainy season. The city has a wide network of high-quality private hospitals, specialized clinics, and public healthcare facilities. Banking services and ATMs are widely available, and the telecommunications infrastructure (mobile networks and internet) is reliable, with good coverage in urban areas. Panama is a diverse and dynamic country with a strategic geographic location and a culture shaped by indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American influences. An assignment in Panama City offers a unique and enriching experience, requiring flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in a dynamic and demanding environment. All entitlements at the duty station can be consulted at: https://app.unv.org/calculator Full conditions of service for United Nations Volunteers are available at: https://explore.unv.org/cos

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.