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UNODC TUN·Apr 29, 2026

Legal/Policy Specialist (Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Coordinator (Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling) and in close coordination with the National Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the followi...

On-siteNationalSpecialist UCoS from Apr202616. Peace, justice and strong institutions
On-site

Tunisia

Tunis

Duration

182 days

Positions

1 Available

Deadline

May 13, 2026

17 days ago

🎯

Sustainable Development Goal

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

General Information

Description of assignment title

Legal/Policy Specialist (Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

Assignment country

Tunisia

Expected start date

Jun 1, 2026

Sustainable Development Goal

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category

Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Host entity

UNODC TUN

Type

onsite

Duration

182 days

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Tunis

Assignment Details

Mission and Objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and is the global leader in the fight for global peace and security, human rights, and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism by working for and with Member States to promote justice and the rule of law and build resilient societies. UNODC has its HQ in Vienna, Austria, and supports 150 countries and territories around the world, with physical presence in 111 countries through its network of 11 Regional Offices, 7 Country Offices, and the liaison offices in New York and Brussels, with a total of 3,276 personnel globally, 77 per cent of them based in the field. UNODC works closely with Governments and civil society towards building security and justice for all. The UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) covers 19 countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen). In addition to the Regional Office located in Cairo, Egypt, there are 11 Programmes Offices in Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The Regional Office in Cairo where the UN Volunteer will be integrated (remotely) has a total of 122 staff members. ROMENA has in place a Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028) (RF) which sets out UNODC’s mission to contribute to peace and security, human rights, and development by making the region safer from drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism, including by reducing violence and inequalities within society. The RF lays out a roadmap to guide UNODC programming and accelerate progress towards Agenda 2030 in pursuit of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by framing how UNODC will strengthen, prioritize, customize, and deliver support to the Arab region in effective response to some of the most pressing challenges faced by these countries. The RF articulates six focus areas for guiding UNODC-implemented programming at the regional and national levels: 1. A balanced approach to drug control. 2. Strengthening the response to organized crime. 3. Combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. 4. Action against corruption and financial crime. 5. Preventing and countering terrorism and violence; and 6. Strengthening crime/violence prevention and criminal justice. The UN Volunteer will provide legal and policy expertise and assistance to the team in charge of implementing UNODC projects and programmes in the MENA region under focus area 3 on ‘Combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants’ (TIP and SOM).

Context

Trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM) are two of the most pervasive forms of organized crime in the Arab States and involve serious human rights violations. These crimes disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, and are often driven by systemic inequalities, conflict, and lack of access to justice and protection mechanisms. Given their situation, irregular migrants are more vulnerable to smuggling and trafficking and they make up for 60 per cent of the detected victims of trafficking in the Middle East and 25 per cent in North Africa. The Arab States are particularly prone to TIP and SOM as countries of the region are origin, transit, and destination countries for irregular migration. Despite existing normative international and continental frameworks, many Arab countries continue to face challenges in preventing and countering TIP and SOM, and how to address their drivers and enablers. This can be attributed to the lack of capacities, financial resources, and regional coordination and cooperation to prevent and counter TIP and SOM, coupled with a lack of accurate and updated data and evidence-based research on flexible and changing migration patterns and routes, all necessary to inform policy planning and decision making. The UN Volunteer will support the UNODC TIP and SOM team based in Tunis, Tunisia, with the development, implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and visibility of projects under UNODC’s TIP and SOM portfolio in the MENA region, particularly by providing legal and policy expertise to strengthen national and regional legal frameworks, promote international cooperation, and support the development and implementation of evidence-based policies and strategies to prevent and combat these crimes.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Coordinator (Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling) and in close coordination with the National Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Legal and Policy Support - Conduct research and analysis on national laws, regulations, and policies related to trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM). - Review domestic legislation against relevant international frameworks and provide practical recommendations. - Prepare concise legal briefs, policy notes, and comparative analyses. - Incorporate human rights and gender perspectives in policy and legal work. Legislative and Policy Development Assistance - Support drafting or revising laws, regulations, and national strategies related to TIP and SOM. - Assist in developing action plans, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges. - Provide technical support and recommendations on the implementation and improvement of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for victims of trafficking, ensuring effective identification, protection, and referral procedures by frontline units. Capacity Building and Training - Assist to design and to deliver training for criminal justice practitioners, including judges, prosecutors, investigators, and border officials. - Facilitate workshops on investigative methods, victim-centered approaches, inter-agency coordination, and data collection. - Include NRM-related modules to strengthen participant knowledge and application of victim referral and protection procedures. Research, Monitoring, and Reporting - Contribute to research on trafficking and smuggling trends, emerging challenges, and operational needs. - Draft analytical reports, briefing notes, and updates for internal and external stakeholders. - Support monitoring of projects, including tracking the effectiveness of NRM implementation, and assist in preparing progress and donor reports. Programme and Project Support - Assist in providing inputs for project proposals, concept notes, agendas, workplans, budgets, and reports. - Ensure alignment of legal, policy, and NRM-related activities with overall programme objectives. - Support organization of field missions, expert consultations, and study visits. - Perform other tasks related to legal, policy, and NRM support as requested.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

5 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment Requirements

Relevant experience

5 years

Language Requirements
EnglishRequired
Fluent
ArabicRequired
Fluent
FrenchRequired
Fluent
Required education level

Master's degree

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Legal affairs

Driving license

-

Competencies and values
- Adaptability and Flexibility - Commitment and Motivation - Communication - Ethics and Values - Integrity - Judgement and Decision-making - Planning and Organizing - Professionalism - Respect for Diversity - Self-Management - Working in Teams.
Skills and experience
in criminal justice, law enforcement, human rights, law, academic research, technical cooperation, international development, or related fields. - Experience in research on human trafficking, migrant smuggling, or related national and international legislation. - Experience liaising with government counterparts and inter-agency mechanisms related to TIP and SOM is desirable. - Knowledge or experience in criminal law and UNODC-mandated areas, particularly organized crime, trafficking in persons, and smuggling of migrants. - Experience in project development, implementation, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and/or evaluation, as well as normative and policy analysis, is an asset. - Previous volunteer work, internships, or cross-cultural engagement is highly valued. - Experience in organizing meetings and familiarity with the modalities of international organizations, especially in TIP/SOM contexts, is desirable. - Strong oral and written communication skills, including drafting, reporting, and document editing. - Accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail in document preparation. - Excellent interpersonal skills, culturally sensitive, able to work collaboratively with diverse partners. - Self-motivated, able to work independently under tight deadlines.

Additional Information

Living conditions and remarks
1) Living Conditions Living conditions in Tunisia are highly appreciated and comparable to those of northern Mediterranean countries. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate in almost all regions, except for the south, which features a more arid climate. In addition to its mild climate and varied landscapes, Tunisia has a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. It is also renowned for its gastronomic attractions and a culinary tradition inherited from a millennia-old history. According to a ranking by the American magazine Ceoworld, Tunisia is the 7th least expensive country in the world. The country has a recognized healthcare system and a quality education system. It is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure and amenities for optimal living comfort. The capital, Tunis, is relatively easy to navigate. Public transportation is available and affordable. Crime rates remain relatively low, despite an increase in reported acts of violence. Tunisia is currently going through a critical phase of democratic and social transition; it is therefore important to stay informed about the political situation. Security advice is systematically provided by UNDSS and UNHCR security personnel. Given that this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the volunteer will be responsible for organizing their own accommodation and basic needs. 2) Conditions of Service for National UN Volunteers The contract is issued for the indicated period, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no guarantee that the assignment will be renewed. Travel to the duty station (if applicable) and a settling-in grant will be provided when the duty station is located outside the commuting area from the place of recruitment. The Volunteer Living Allowance is paid monthly to cover housing, utilities, and daily living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance is included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as a final repatriation allowance (if applicable) and a resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. Additionally, in non-family duty stations classified under hardship categories D or E according to the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be paid monthly. 3) Allowances and Benefits Before the assignment - Entry lump sum: 350 USD - Relocation costs: 200 USD at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is located outside the commuting area (as determined by UNDP/UNV) During the assignment - Volunteer Living Allowance: 2,349.66 TND - Training: Access to UNDP/UNV learning and career development resources - Annual leave: 2.5 days per month - Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts for the volunteer, as well as health insurance for up to 3 eligible dependents. See the Conditions of Service for more details on eligibility criteria. At the end of the assignment - Exit allowance (paid upon successful completion of the assignment): 195.81 TND per month served, paid at the end of the contract. Further entitlements and information available at: - https://app.unv.org/calculator - https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service
Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity without distinction.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to vaccination requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), in line with the applicable host entity policy.

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