Local Consultant

• Preparatory Materials for monthly meetings of GUARD Wildlife prepared • Activity report for Operation Mekong Dragon-related activities is submitted. • WIRE Forum invitations are drafted. • ICCWC activities are coordinated. • Updates on wildlife crime cases in Lao PDR are submitted. • Final report on case development on wildlife crime are drafted. • Draft documents of the Wildlife Crime Leadership Initiative are submitted. • Minutes and read-outs from engagement with the EU and other donors in Lao PDR on wildlife and forest crime are submitted.

Vientiane, Laos

4.5.2026-31.12.2026

Crimes that affect the environment are often serious transnational organized crimes. The UNODC Environment Team serves to deliver a range of technical assistance activities within several thematic areas towards achieving the key project objective of strengthening capacity to prevent and combat these crimes on a regional, national and local basis. The Environment Team aims to improve cooperation and the capacity of Member States to work, locally, nationally and internationally, to prevent and combat crimes that affect the environment and other forms of serious and organized crime. Wildlife and Forest Crime (WLFC) is a serious and growing problem transnational organized crime. The UNODC Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment (GPCAE) serves to deliver a range of technical assistance activities within several thematic areas towards achieving the key project objective of strengthening capacity to prevent and combat WLFC on a regional, national and local basis. The programme aims to improve cooperation and the capacity of Member States to work, locally, nationally and internationally, to prevent and combat WLFC and other forms of serious and organized crime. Lao PDR is a major hub for the trafficking of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. It is predominantly a transit country and gateway to other Asian markets, while playing a smaller role as a source and destination for illegal wildlife and timber. Lao PDR is a priority 1 country under the GUARD Wildlife programme, implemented by the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), coordinated by UNODC. Under the banner of ICCWC, UNODC supports Lao PDR law enforcement agencies (including local authorities, environmental, wildlife as well as police, customs, and prosecution services) to be mandated, equipped and skilled with sufficient capability to respond to the growing threat of wildlife and forest crime, through the implementation of the recommendations from the ICCWC Toolkit report and provide support under the GUARD Wildlife project. 2. Purpose of the assignment: The purpose of this assignment is to be a key member of UNODC team in Lao PDR and provide the project management and expertise in the field of wildlife crime and/or transnational organized crime, coordinate and work with wildlife law enforcement, counterparts from the wildlife management authorities, and relevant CSOs in Lao PDR, including mainly the Department of Natural Resource and Environment, Department of Forestry, CITES-SA, Supreme’s People Procuracy (SPP), Customs, and Police, to organize activities in connection to the implementation of the ICCWC Toolkit Recommendations in Lao PDR as well as work closely with the implementing partners of UNODC, including Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) and TRACE Forensic Network. Under the overall guidance of the Regional Coordinator of the UNODC Environment Team in Asia-Pacific, the Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNODC Lao PDR Officer-in-Charge (OIC). The consultant will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of UNODC Environment Team activities in Viet Nam (GUARD Wildlife project) and for the on-site support of related coordination with other projects in Lao PDR/Southeast Asia and close collaboration with national stakeholders. The consultant will: • Organize, convene, chair, prepare minutes and circulate relevant information for monthly meetings of GUARD Wildlife implementing partners • Support organization and follow-up to Operation Mekong Dragon and the WIRE forum, including coordination of capacity building and case coordination involving Lao PDR • Support ICCWC partners to coordinate their activities with Lao government counterparts • Coordinate with government counterparts to ensure GUARD activities are aligned with priorities and action plans • Monitor wildlife crime cases in Lao PDR and support tracking of their move through the judicial system • Organize, convene, moderate and draft final reports on case development and case coordination meetings on wildlife crime • Coordinate with CSO partners on the development and organization of the Wildlife Crime Leadership Initiative, including aspects in partnership with Viet Nam • Maintain strong relationships with the EU and other donors in Lao PDR on wildlife and forest crime

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in criminal justice, criminology, international relations, law, political science, social science, project or programme management, environmental science, animal science, environmental affairs, or a related field is required. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • At least seven (7) years of work experience at the national or international level in the area of crimes that affect the environment, international development, legal affairs, enforcement or similar areas is required. • Experience in developing and delivering capacity building and/or technical assistance on topics related to crimes that affect the environment or organized crime is required. • Experience in developing and implementing programme activities in Lao PDR is required. • Experience working with governmental agencies and related ministerial/agency offices in Lao PDR is desirable. • Experience with Lao PDR’s legal frameworks, judicial or prosecutorial services is desirable. • Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral communication skills is required; • Knowledge of Government procedures linked to technical assistance is desirable. • Previous experience with the UN or other international organizations is desirable; • Strong organization and time management skills are required, including the ability to perform responsibilities independently with minimal guidance is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English, in oral and written proficiency, is required. Proficiency in Lao language is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.