Senior Fellow – Strengthening CBRN Operational, Investigative and Criminal Justice Capabilities

Developing training curricula and training material on the issue of prevention, detection and disruption of chemical security incidents, carrying out training sessions, regional exercises and meetings.

Home-based with missions to Ukraine, Moldova, Vienna, Turin, selected Eastern European countries.

November 2026 - January 2027, with possible extension, subject to operational needs and availability of funds.

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968 to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI' s goals are:

• to advance understanding of crime-related problems;
• to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems;
• to support the respect of international instruments and other standards;
• to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance. One of the strategic priorities of UNICRI is to support the development of an integrated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) approach that incorporates all international, regional and national CBRN components into a common strategy. This entails the application of a holistic approach through which all stakeholders, while operating autonomously, can establish common goals, identify and manage resources to achieve these goals, clearly allocate responsibilities and tasks, elaborate functioning channels of communication, create a security culture based on common learning, and ensure that lessons learnt are incorporated and absorbed throughout the whole system. In 2026 UNICRI launched the project "THEMIS - Strengthening CBRN Operational, Investigative and Criminal Justice Capabilities". The project is expected to significantly strengthen national capacities in Ukraine and Moldova to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to chemical and broader CBRN security threats. It will enhance the ability of intelligence, law enforcement, investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities to address the growing risk of chemical weapons misuse and hazardous material trafficking by non-State actors, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk environments. The project will contribute to reducing vulnerabilities to chemical and CBRN incidents and to reinforcing national resilience against these threats by targeting sustainable training systems, improved inter-agency coordination, and alignment with international standards. With specific reference to the Themis project, the Senior Fellow will contribute to the implementation of project activities by providing specialized subject-matter expertise in the area of chemical security, training and regional cooperation. Under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, the Senior Fellow will perform the following tasks:
• contribute to the development of a tailored training curriculum for operative officers from security and law enforcement agencies on the prevention, detection and disruption of chemical security incidents;
• review existing training materials developed under UNICRI’s ATLAS project and contribute to their adaptation to the operational and security context of Ukraine and Moldova;
• develop specialized training materials, case studies and exercises for operative officers from security and law enforcement agencies on the prevention, detection and disruption of chemical security incidents;
• deliver training sessions for security and law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and Moldova;
• participate and facilitate discussions among relevant stakeholders during meetings and workshops;
• contribute to the development and facilitation of a regional tabletop exercise simulating realistic chemical security incident scenarios;
• participate in coordination meetings and discussions with UNICRI, other instructors and relevant national stakeholders to ensure that training materials respond to identified needs;
• perform other duties upon request.

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of chemistry, physics, criminology, law, law enforcement, criminal justice, political science or similar field is required. At least ten (10) years of working experience in the field of CBRN security, of which at least seven (7) years of relevant experience on prevention, detection, and disruption of chemical security incidents is required. Prior experience of training development and delivery in the field of chemical security is desirable. Prior working experience with the United Nations or similar large international organizations is desirable. Prior working experience in Ukraine and/or Moldova is an asset.

Proficiency (i.e. oral and written fluency) in English is required. Fluency in Ukrainian and/or Romanian is desirable.

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.