Result of Service

– Legal gap analyses and comprehensive assessments of national maritime frameworks to identify deficiencies and recommend reforms conducted. – Technical assistance for the drafting, amendment, and validation of national laws addressing piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism provided. Workshops and consultations with ministries of justice, parliaments, and law enforcement agencies to review and harmonize maritime legislation designed and facilitated. – Substantive training on law of the sea and other international maritime conventions and protocols provided. – Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (HSOPs) to improve coordination between maritime law enforcement and judicial authorities developed and finalized. – Comparative legal analyses mapping discrepancies and commonalities between maritime legal systems in West and Central Africa produced. – Action plans outlining recommendations for strengthening national and regional legal frameworks and coordination mechanisms designed. – Periodic and final reports summarizing key findings, progress, and technical recommendations submitted.

Work Location

Home-based with travel to the Gulf of Guinea region

Expected duration

5 January – 30 December 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) Regional Programme Coordinator for the Atlantic Ocean Section, and in close coordination with the Programme Officer in Libreville and national counterparts, the consultant will provide technical legal expertise to support the harmonization, development, and reform of national maritime legal frameworks in selected Gulf of Guinea countries. The assignment will enhance the capacity of national authorities to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate maritime crimes such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism in line with international law. Through the conduct of legal gap assessments, comparative analyses, and facilitation of national workshops, the consultant will assist in aligning domestic legislation with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, fostering greater regional coherence and cooperation in maritime law enforcement and justice delivery.

Qualifications/special skills

– An advanced university degree (master”s degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Police Administration, or a similar field with specific focus 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 in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. – A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of countering maritime crime and implementing the Law of the Sea is required. – Proven experience in legal research and analysis, preparation of legislative proposals, and/or training plans, as well as excellent drafting skills, is required. – Experience in development work and familiarity with legal systems in West Africa is required – Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrated tact in inter-cultural communication, are required. – Proven experience in engaging with national and regional counterparts from diverse cultural backgrounds is desirable.

Languages

English 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 Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.