Legal Expert (International consultant)

Legal Reform in Ghana on the Bill on Piracy and maritime terrorism supported; Gap Assessment report in The Gambia conducted and presented; Gap Assessment report in Cabo Verde conducted and presented; UNODC Prosecutors Network Forum (PNF) Session conducted; Comparative analysis between countries and region to establish a detailed mapping of the existing discrepancies in maritime laws and practice in West and Central Africa updated; Dedicated action plan aimed at addressing the identified gaps in the maritime laws and practice updated; Bilateral model agreement for the transfer of persons suspected of having committed acts of maritime piracy drafted; Reports submitted.

Home-Based with possible travels to the Gulf of Guinea region

08 June - 30 November 2026

The insecurity caused by maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea has a considerable impact on the stability and economic development of the region. Attacks at sea in the region, including piracy, have direct and indirect consequences on shipping, trade, the security of coastal states, the economy, and the environment. The lack of prosecutions related to incidents of piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes continues to undermine efforts to ensure security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea. For most countries in West and Central Africa, limited maritime law enforcement capacities, limited number of coastal states with robust legal frameworks, and insufficient effectiveness of domestic justice systems still inhibit the legal finish of prosecutions related to criminal activities at sea in the region. This is emphasized by the fact that to date, there have been only 2 successful prosecutions for maritime piracy in West and Central Africa. In this context, UNODC GMCP has been promoting legal reform and training maritime criminal justice practitioners on the Law of the Sea and transnational organised maritime crime matters in the region. The support has comprised of legal assessments conducted with regard to piracy and maritime offences, establishing legal frameworks, and support in developing solid legislation in line with the UN Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international maritime instruments. In West and Central Africa, GMCP has also been working on improving the criminal justice action and responses in Gulf of Guinea countries under several projects focusing on strengthening law enforcement capacities and criminal justice system response against smuggling of drugs/migrant, crimes in the fisheries sector, and maritime security and the rule of law to solve the lack of coordinated criminal law enforcement response and to prosecute cases of piracy, drug trafficking and other maritime crimes in accordance with the Yaoundé Code of Conduct in the region. These efforts are currently being undertaken within targeted projects aimed at enhancing maritime security in West and Central.

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, police administration or a similar field, focused on international maritime affairs, international security policy, criminal justice and / or the application of the law is required. A first level university degree in similar fields with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Proven experience in legal research and analysis, proposals and training plans, and excellent drafting skills is required. At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of countering maritime crime and implementing law of the sea is required; Experience in development work and legal systems under international maritime conventions required; Proven experience in dealing with national and regional counterparts from various cultural backgrounds is desirable; Previous work experience with the UN or other International Organizations will be considered is desirable; Strong interpersonal and communication skills including demonstrated tact in inter-cultural communication is desirable;

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations Secretariat language is an advantage.

Not available.