Firearms and Ammunition Trafficking Expert

A. Description of the methodological approach for the collection of the required information, analysis and drafting of the report. B. Commented structure of the study based on a review of available data and literature. C. Detailed working plan, based on the commented structure and information gaps identified. D. First draft of the study, including integration of comments by UNODC and other experts. E. Final draft of the study, taking into account comments received from UNODC and other experts. F. Comments of the first internal and expert review incorporated in a timely manner. G. Final draft of the Study completed, taking into account comments received from UNODC and other experts.

home-based with travel to Vienna

2.11.2026-30.06.2027

Background of the assignment Global security and the internal security of UN Member States are deeply interconnected. In recent years, the world has seen a dramatic increase in the diversion, manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, fueling violence, including in conflicts areas. These firearms are increasingly diverted into the hands of a wide range of criminal actors, including those engaged in organized crime and terrorism. Conflicts in the Middle East, West and Central Africa, and Eastern Europe, combined with the rise of gang violence in urban areas across other regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the persistent threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism, have heightened global security risks. Firearms play a significant role in the prevalence of these threats affecting all UN Member States. The links between illicit firearms trafficking and other serious crimes, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime, have further heightened awareness of the cross-cutting nature of the firearms issue, which requires holistic and comprehensive approaches. Emerging technologies such as 3D printing, assembling, conversion and reactivation, and the globalization of communication platforms such as encrypted messaging apps and the dark web, create new opportunities for illicit manufacturing and trafficking. The rapid expansion of trade via containers and postal/fast parcel services has further complicated the landscape. The negative impact of illicitly trafficked firearms on development has been acknowledged in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions and target 16.4 which calls for concrete actions to significantly reduce illicit arms trafficking and combat all forms of organized crime. Monitoring illicit arms flows and understanding the extent and impact of these evolving contexts on the illicit circulation of firearms and ammunition around the globe are essential to accurately assess and effectively respond to current and emerging risks and threats. Countering these illicit arms flows therefore requires the regular collection, monitoring, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and information on firearms trafficking at national, regional, and international levels. In this context, the UNODC Firearms Trafficking Section (FTS), together with the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), developed a standardized methodology for collecting and analyzing official data provided by Member States through the Illicit Arms Flows Questionnaire (IAFQ). The findings formed the basis of the Global Study on Firearms Trafficking 2020, which provided the global overview of trafficking patterns, routes, and trends. Building on the foundations of that study, UNODC, with support from the European Union under the Firearms Global Study project is currently developing a new Global Study on Firearms. The Study will update the analysis of trafficking flow trends, the types of firearms involved, the modi operandi used by criminal actors, and the broader criminal context, while also assessing the impact of global challenges on firearms circulation. The study aims to strengthen the evidence base available to Member States, used to prevent, detect, and counter illicit arms flows and related crimes through informed policy and operational responses. Specific tasks to be performed by the Consultant: Under the direct supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer and in cooperation with the designated UNODC staff, the Consultant will: i. Support the development of a methodology for the collection and analysis of the required information and for the drafting of the Global Study on Firearms Trafficking. The methodology will: a) Define concise research questions to be addressed by the Study; b) Identify thematic areas the Study can potentially focus on; c) Identify indicators to support the analysis of the outlined thematic areas; d) List the types of qualitative and quantitative data that will be taken into account as well as the corresponding data and information sources, and coordinate its timely collection. ii. Develop an annotated structure for the Study, which can be used as guideline for its drafting. The annotated structure will: a) Be based on a thorough review of the available data, literature and relevant research methods; b) Take into account the research questions identified in the methodology; c) Present potential hypothesis to be examined in the Study; d) Identify examples that may be developed and published as separate analytical products complementary to the main Study; e) Indicate main potential findings and conclusions of the Study; f) Identify relevant information gaps and areas requiring further research. iii. Prepare a detailed workplan and timeline based on the approved annotated structure and the information gaps identified. iv. Liaise with regional experts providing inputs for the study and keep track of and submit to UNODC all relevant information and material collected, including a written note of any interviews conducted, for its validation. v. After approval of the methodology and annotated structure by UNODC, the consultant will draft the Global Study on Firearms Trafficking. vi. Guide data analysis conducted, including advising on analytical approaches and interpretation of findings. The consultant will also provide technical guidance and input to other consultants drafting specific chapters, ensuring consistency and coherence across the overall report. vii. The study will: a) Include an executive summary, main findings and recommendations; b) Include thematic chapters and/or regional analysis identified in the approved methodology and annotated structure; c) Integrate comments provided by UNODC and by experts consulted through a peer review process; d) Contain relevant graphs, maps and, where appropriate, pictures; e) Be drafted in an accessible, neutral and professional style requiring minimal editing; f) Contain footnotes and endnotes indicating data sources and respecting quotation rules and a complete bibliography. UNODC reserves the right to make any modifications and edits to the draft report deemed necessary for purposes of clarity, adapting to UN style, among others.

An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in international relations, international law, criminal law, criminal justice, social sciences or similar subject is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with (2) two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, writing and editing research outputs is required. Experience with a focus on firearms trafficking and/or countering transnational organized crime and and/or related fields is required. Experience in drafting analytical outputs is required. Experience producing analytical publications according to UN standards is desirable.

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

Not available.