Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Temporary)
Organizational Context
This position is within the Brussels Liaison Office (BRULO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), specifically under the Border Management Branch. The role supports the global THEMIS programme, collaborating with UNODC headquarters, field offices, regional teams, judicial networks, EU institutions, Member States, and UNODC-supported prosecutors.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this role is to coordinate, implement, and monitor the global THEMIS programme. This involves strengthening international judicial cooperation, enhancing prosecution capacities, and improving criminal justice responses to transnational organized crime and terrorism. The incumbent will achieve this by fostering partnerships, coordinating prosecution networks, providing technical assistance, and facilitating international cooperation in criminal matters. Key activities include leading the UNODC component of THEMIS, overseeing activities implemented by field offices, supporting the development of prosecutor networks, and coordinating efforts between various law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Responsibilities
Coordinate, implement, and monitor the global THEMIS programme, focusing on strengthening international judicial cooperation and prosecution capacities against organized crime and terrorism. Lead the UNODC component of THEMIS, coordinating with EU partners, consortium members, and agencies like Eurojust. Provide strategic oversight for THEMIS activities in field offices and facilitate cooperation between practitioners and EU institutions. Support the development and strengthening of the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus (CASC Prosecutor Network). Facilitate coordination between prosecutors, judicial authorities, border management, and law enforcement agencies. Provide technical assistance for international cooperation in criminal matters, including mutual legal assistance and extradition. Design and deliver capacity-building activities, workshops, and judicial dialogues. Develop and maintain partnerships with governments, judicial institutions, and other stakeholders. Identify emerging needs and contribute to new project designs. Collect and analyze data to inform planning and reporting. Manage work plans and budgets.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience as a judge, prosecutor, lawyer, or legal expert is required. Experience in providing technical assistance for international judicial cooperation, including organizing forums and capacity-building for practitioners, is also required. Experience with European agencies in criminal justice or law enforcement, working in diverse legal systems, and delivering specialized training is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, knowledge of international legal instruments related to crime prevention, understanding of drug control and crime prevention policies, ability to coordinate operations, good judgment, diplomatic skills, legal review and editing capabilities, data analysis and interpretation, communication (written and verbal), and accountability.