Research and Awareness Specialist, Dakar

General

Description of assignment title: Research and Awareness Specialist
Assignment country: Senegal
Duty stations: Dakar
Work location: On UN premises
Expected start date: 11/09/2026
Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Host entity: UNODC
Modality: Onsite
Type: National
Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule: Full-time
Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and in Vienna, Austria. UNODC is s a world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It operates through 54 regional offices, covering more than 150 countries. Its regional office for Western and Central Africa (ROSEN) is located in Dakar, Senegal and has been active in the region for more than 20 years. Currently ROSEN covers 22 countries and has established 13 field offices.

Context

The Research and Awareness Unit produces evidence-based analysis on drugs and crime in West and Central Africa to inform policy making. Ongoing research projects include reports on trafficking in medical products, crimes in the fishery sector, drug trafficking, trafficking in cultural property and violent extremism in prisons. The Unit also works with member states to develop their capacity to produce, collect, share and analyze drugs and crime related data.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Research and Awareness Unit and the Specialist Research Officer, the Research and Awareness a national Speicalist UNV will undertake the following tasks:

Project development and implementation

• Organize national and regional workshops on topical issues such as terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime (TOC), drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, firearms, etc.;
• Support the development and implementation of national strategies on transnational organized crime and/or violent extremism;
• Contribute to programme development, including by identifying potential donors and developing concept notes;
• Contribute to the organization of various R&A activities, field missions, and strategic meetings;
• Contribute to the recruitment and induction of consultants, UNVs and interns;
• Represent the Unit in meetings, in close consultation with the Head of the Research and Awareness Unit;
• Undertake other complementary activities which will support the development of ROSEN Research unit activities as may be required.

Research

• Support/participate to field-research on drugs and crime, including transnational organized crime and terrorism, as well as States’ responses to these issues;
• Contribute to the development of the workplan, the methodology and the structure of research papers in consultation with the senior consultant, the direct supervisor, UNODC ROSEN experts and with the overall guidance of UNODC Research and Analysis Branch;
• Collect and review information and data from governments, inter-governmental/non-governmental organizations, research institutes, media, UNODC or other UN Offices, and other relevant sources. Monitor national and international online news in the region and compile irregular migration and migrant smuggling related news clippings on a daily basis;
• Create and maintain databases on drugs and crime in the region;
• Contribute to the production of research papers on transnational organized crime, TiP/SOM, violent extremism, corruption and money-laundering in the West African region;
• Develop partnerships with U.N. agencies and independent research institutions in the region to promote research in West and Central Africa.

Communication

• Draft communication outputs, including press-releases, webstories and social media posts on research findings;
• Prepare and deliver presentations on key research findings to policy makers;
• Coordinate research and analysis initiatives with UNOWAS, UNOCA and other UN Secretariat presences in West and Central Africa;
• Support the organization of media events report launches and press conferences.
• Support with any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80
Required experience: 3 years
Nationality: Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 3 years

Languages:

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• French, Level: Fluent, Required
• Spanish, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level: Bachelor's degree in law, political or social sciences, public administration or equivalent academic training/education from a recognized university

Competencies and values:

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Communication
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Working in teams

Skills and experience:

• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in research and/or data management is required;
• Work experience in West and Central Africa is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international organizations;
• Experience of working on drugs and crime, including drugs, terrorism and organized crime is desirable;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in drugs and crime related data and analysis, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Legal affairs

Driving license: -

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with frequent missions to the region. Dakar is a livable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese is among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2013 official estimates, the population of the Dakar metropolitan area reaches over 3.1 million people. The total population of Senegal is 13.508.715 inhabitants (ANSD 2013). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall.

The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 03 February 2016, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 593.289 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private accommodations, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis.

To enter Senegal, a valid passport is required. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required an entry visa. Nationals of other countries may be required an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and in other parts of the world issue visas prior to travel.

For national assignments:

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in [please complete with the required information]. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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