Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the global fight against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and guided by a Human Rights-based approach, UNODC’s primary objective is to support states in addressing threats that undermine governance, social stability, and the essential conditions needed to advance human development in our societies.

Context

Organized crime in Peru manifests in complex and interconnected ways. Drug trafficking, illegal mining, money laundering, and environmental crimes are deeply intertwined, reinforcing one another and expanding their networks across borders. Gaps in state presence and pervasive corruption weaken institutions and enable illicit economies to thrive, posing a direct threat to the country's health, security, governance, and environment. Criminal networks operate in a dynamic and sophisticated way, that require integrated responses to strengthen the national responses to counter and effectively counter the threat they pose. For this reason, adopting technologies such as data science and artificial intelligence is both a strategic and urgent imperative. These tools support a shift from reactive responses to proactive and predictive models, enabling the analysis of massive volumes of data to identify patterns, anticipate criminal hotspots, and map entire networks—including financial and logistical nodes. By applying such technologies, security strategies become evidence-based and operational actions more precise, ultimately enhancing policy formulation and improving the effectiveness of anti-crime interventions.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Data Analysis and Research Project Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks: Data Management and Consolidation Identify, collect, and centralize relevant data sources, ensuring their quality, integrity, and security. Analysis and Investigation Apply statistical and modelling techniques to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies in illicit activities. Use social network analysis (SNA) to map and understand key actors within criminal organizations. AI Model Development and Implementation Design, train, and implement machine learning models for predictive and prescriptive purposes. Classification models: Use natural language processing (NLP) to automatically analyse thousands of text reports and classify them by crime type, modus operandi, or threat level. Generation of Actionable Intelligence Develop interactive dashboards and visualizations to allow operational leaders to consume information clearly and easily. Prepare evidence-based strategic reports that recommend resource optimization, operational planning, and procedural improvements. Capacity Building Collaborate directly with investigative and operational units to understand their needs and ensure data products are relevant and useful. Train other analysts and law enforcement personnel in the fundamentals of data analysis to foster an evidence-based culture. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • 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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/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.

Competencies and values

Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-making Knowledge Sharing Professionalism Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the central coast of the country, along the Pacific Ocean. It forms a continuous urban area that stretches across the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers, within the provinces of Lima—where the city is seated—and Callao. With a population of 7,605,742, Lima is home to nearly one-third of the Peruvian population and reflects the country’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Lima’s climate is quite unique. Despite being in a tropical zone at 12 degrees south latitude and near sea level, it experiences unusual weather patterns. This is mainly due to the influence of the cold Humboldt Current from Antarctica, the nearby Andes Mountains, and its tropical location—all of which contribute to a climate that is simultaneously subtropical, desert-like, and humid. Lima enjoys mild weather without extreme heat or cold, meaning there is no need for heating in homes. The average annual temperature ranges from 18.5°C to 19°C (about 65°F to 66°F), with summer highs reaching up to 29°C (84°F). Summers, which last from December to April, typically have temperatures between 28°C and 21°C (82°F to 70°F). Winters, from June to mid-September, range from 19°C to 12°C (66°F to 54°F), with a historical minimum of 8°C (46°F). The spring and autumn months (May, September, and October) are mild, with temperatures between 23°C and 17°C (73°F to 63°F). Relative humidity in Lima is extremely high—reaching up to 100%—and often results in persistent fog from June to December, until the summer begins and the skies clear. Summers (December to April) are sunny, warm, and humid, while winters (June to September) are cloudier and cooler. Rainfall is almost non-existent throughout the year. Lima is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan-American Highway and the Central Highway. The Pan-American route links the capital with all major cities along the coast. The only neighbouring country not yet connected by road is Brazil—a gap expected to be closed with the construction of the Interoceanic Highway. The most frequently traveled international routes currently lead to Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Due to its central location on the Peruvian coast, Lima is the main hub for the country's road network. It is served by Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Callao—the most important terminal in the country for both domestic and international air traffic. As for maritime transport, the Port of Callao handles most the nation’s cargo shipments.