International Consultant (Policy Expert)

Result of ServiceDeliverable A (29 days) Research best practices on similar policy units existing in other jurisdictions and develop a conceptual model for the Policy Unit. Organize preliminary meetings with national authorities and other stakeholders to understand their need for a Policy Unit, and their current vision for it. Thereafter, discuss options for the optimal positioning, structure, functioning and resourcing of the Unit as appropriate to all aspects of the local Maldivian context. Based on the outcomes of the meetings, consolidate the conceptual model and draft the terms of reference for the Policy Unit. Submit a progress report describing the activities and achievements during Deliverable A and highlighting any incomplete, or newly identified, issues/problems to be carried forward into Deliverable B. Deliverable B (30 days) Elaborate a draft architecture for the Policy Unit, outlining its mandate, structure, overall functioning, and oversight mechanisms to ensure optimum efficiency, effectiveness and transparency. Organize follow-up meetings with the same interlocutors to present the draft architecture of the Unit and lead discussions to verify it against the reality of local conditions, expectations, resources, limitations etc. Clarify which people/agencies and what factors/resources support and/or limit the proposal such that it is realistic and deliverable within the local Maldivian context. Based on the outcomes of these meetings, confirm the draft architecture of the Unit and make a concrete proposal for the positioning, structure, functioning and oversight of the Policy Unit. In so doing, also identify external actors of indirect relevance to the proposal and agree on how to obtain their support Submit a progress report describing the activities and achievements during Deliverable B, and highlighting any incomplete, or newly identified, issues/problems to be carried forward into Deliverable C. Deliverable C (30 days) Discuss, agree, and draft the operational guidelines and practices of the Policy Unit, regulating its internal functioning, tasking, information sharing and reporting lines. Initiate discussion towards secondment of the human resources required to manage and staff the Policy Unit from the relevant department, as well as obtaining the physical resources required by the Unit. Draft and circulate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to be agreed between the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and all other agencies and bodies to cooperate and interact with the Policy Unit if required. Obtain ministerial level sign-off on the proposal as the guarantee that all agreed points are finally approved and can be put into effect. Submit a progress report describing the activities and achievements during deliverable C, and highlighting any incomplete, or newly identified, issues/problems to be carried forward into Deliverable D. Deliverable D (30 days) Establish the Policy Unit and begin its positioning and functioning within the broader governmental/ criminal justice entities. Define the Policy Unit staffing structure, the role & responsibilities of each staff member. Specify parameters for housing the Policy Unit, taking into account accessibility, security and technology parameters, and assist to identify, obtain and fit-out the chosen office premises. Define and establish the personal and technical aspects of all stakeholder relationships and put in place appropriate information sharing protocols. Upstream inputs and downstream outputs and define the feedback loops required to allow for continual learning and improvement. Organize formal meetings between the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and all stakeholders for the signing of the MoU if required. Implement a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) regime within the Policy Unit and propose means by which UNODC can remain engaged to facilitate further developments of the Policy Unit, as required. Mentor the staff member of the Policy Unit. Submit a closure report, outlining the major achievements, the outstanding challenges and providing recommendations for the further operation and development of the Policy Unit. Work LocationHome-based with travels to Malé, Maldives Expected duration03 May–16 October 2024 Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the Regional Programme Coordinator, Indian Ocean East, the consultant will carry out the following activities: Deliverable A (29 days) Research best practices on similar policy units existing in other jurisdictions and develop a conceptual model for the Policy Unit. Organize preliminary meetings with national authorities and other stakeholders to understand their need for a Policy Unit, and their current vision for it. Thereafter, discuss options for the optimal positioning, structure, functioning and resourcing of the Unit as appropriate to all aspects of the local Maldivian context. Based on the outcomes of the meetings, consolidate the conceptual model and draft the terms of reference for the Policy Unit. Submit a progress report describing the activities and achievements during Deliverable A and highlighting any incomplete, or newly identified, issues/problems to be carried forward into Deliverable B. Deliverable B (30 days) Elaborate a draft architecture for the Policy Unit, outlining its mandate, structure, overall functioning, and oversight mechanisms to ensure optimum efficiency, effectiveness and transparency. Organize follow-up meetings with the same interlocutors to present the draft architecture of the Unit and lead discussions to verify it against the reality of local conditions, expectations, resources, limitations etc. Clarify which people/agencies and what factors/resources support and/or limit the proposal such that it is realistic and deliverable within the local Maldivian context. Based on the outcomes of these meetings, confirm the draft architecture of the Unit and make a concrete proposal for the positioning, structure, functioning and oversight of the Policy Unit. In so doing, also identify external actors of indirect relevance to the proposal and agree on how to obtain their support Submit a progress report describing the activities and achievements during Deliverable B, and highlighting any incomplete, or newly identified, issues/problems to be carried forward into Deliverable C. Deliverable C (30 days) Discuss, agree, and draft the operational guidelines and practices of the Policy Unit, regulating its internal functioning, tasking, information sharing and reporting lines. Initiate discussion towards secondment of the human resources required to manage and staff the Policy Unit from the relevant department, as well as obtaining the physical resources required by the Unit. Draft and circulate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to be agreed between the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and all other agencies and bodies to cooperate and interact with the Policy Unit if required. Obtain ministerial level sign-off on the proposal as the guarantee that all agreed points are finally approved and can be put into effect. Submit a progress report describing the activities and achievements during deliverable C, and highlighting any incomplete, or newly identified, issues/problems to be carried forward into Deliverable D. Deliverable D (30 days) Establish the Policy Unit and begin its positioning and functioning within the broader governmental/ criminal justice entities. Define the Policy Unit staffing structure, the role & responsibilities of each staff member. Specify parameters for housing the Policy Unit, taking into account accessibility, security and technology parameters, and assist to identify, obtain and fit-out the chosen office premises. Define and establish the personal and technical aspects of all stakeholder relationships and put in place appropriate information sharing protocols. Upstream inputs and downstream outputs and define the feedback loops required to allow for continual learning and improvement. Organize formal meetings between the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and all stakeholders for the signing of the MoU if required. Implement a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) regime within the Policy Unit and propose means by which UNODC can remain engaged to facilitate further developments of the Policy Unit, as required. Mentor the staff member of the Policy Unit. Submit a closure report, outlining the major achievements, the outstanding challenges and providing recommendations for the further operation and development of the Policy Unit. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in legal or policy studies, with a particular focus on criminal law or related fields, 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. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in conducting policy and/or legal work by a national agency or institution, with a focus on matters linked to transnational organised crime and with an exposure to maritime crime and related human rights standards is required. Experience in policy and/or legal analysis is required. Experience of working in the Maldives criminal justice system, or in a similar South Asian jurisdiction is desirable. Experience of drafting internal procedural documents for the functioning of a national agency or institution is desirable Excellent report writing skills is required. Planning and organisation skills are required Proven experience in dealing with counterparts from various cultural backgrounds is desirable. Strong interpersonal and communication skills including demonstrated tact in inter-cultural communication is desirable. Ability to build trust across cultural lines is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.