International consultant (Prison and Penal Reform_

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), headquartered in Vienna, is the lead UN entity combating illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. It strengthens justice and rule of law institutions globally. The Global Programme on People-Centered Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice supports Member States in reducing crime and ensuring fair, effective justice systems. Outcome 5 specifically focuses on advancing penal and prison reform.

Job Purpose

This consultancy role supports UNODC's mission by providing advisory services, conducting assessments, and contributing to capacity-building for prison and correctional services in Fiji and Nigeria. The consultant will deliver key outputs including assessment reports, project documents, and recommendations for reform, all aimed at improving prison management, conditions, and offender reintegration. The work involves close collaboration with UNODC Field Offices and national correctional services, contributing to the broader UNODC strategy of addressing global prison challenges and strengthening criminal justice systems. The role is home-based with travel required, spanning from September 2025 to October 2026.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for producing a range of deliverables, including inception and mission preparation notes, substantive contributions to regional workshops and outcome documents, and comprehensive assessment reports on correctional services in Fiji and Nigeria. This includes analyzing observations, stakeholder feedback, current priorities, challenges, and reform directions. The consultant will also develop project documents or concept notes based on assessment findings and conduct technical field assessments of custodial centers. Key tasks involve presenting draft findings, facilitating validation meetings, and incorporating feedback to produce final reports and presentations. All outputs must meet professional analytical and drafting standards and be delivered in English.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in criminal justice and prison management or offender treatment is required, including international-level experience. This should encompass exposure to organizational change, regulatory frameworks, prison safety and security, prisoner classification, and rehabilitation/reintegration. Experience in developing and delivering training programs or servicing international conferences is also required. International experience in crime prevention and criminal justice policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, is essential.

Skills

Strong drafting, coordination, and analytical skills are essential for synthesizing complex information into practical guidance. Experience in developing user-friendly tools for prison and offender management is highly desirable. A solid understanding of UN standards and norms related to prison management (e.g., Nelson Mandela Rules, Bangkok Rules) is required, with prior technical assistance experience in low- and middle-income countries being highly desirable.

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