Environmental Inspection Specialist

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC, is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. The work of the UNODC is guided by a wide range of international legal instruments and a set of United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice. The UNODC Regional Office to which Ecuador belongs, also covers the countries of Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile, which will allow the volunteer to have contact with colleagues from other countries, learn about the situation of drugs and crime in the region and exchange experiences.

Context

Since 1991, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has worked in partnership with the Brazilian government, aligning its actions with national priorities in addressing illicit trafficking, corruption, transnational organized crime, and their intersections with environmental crimes. As the guardian of key international instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, UNODC provides technical assistance to Member States across the full spectrum of prevention, law enforcement, and criminal justice responses. In Brazil, the organization implements several initiatives aimed at addressing organized crime in the Amazon, a region increasingly affected by criminal networks engaged in illicit activities that contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation. In this context, the Project Promotion of Information, Policy, and Education to Address Environmental Crime in the Legal Amazon (INPOED) was launched in 2026 to strengthen environmental governance, promote sustainable territorial development, and enhance the effective enforcement of national legislation. Supported by the Brazil–United Nations Fund for the Sustainable Development of the Amazon (Fundo Brasil–Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Amazônia), the project aims to expand the availability and dissemination of qualified data on environmental crimes and their impacts on biodiversity. This effort will contribute to evidence-based policymaking while incorporating gender-sensitive analyses and highlighting the differentiated impacts on women, girls, and Indigenous peoples. Among its initiatives, the project also promotes the strengthening of participatory governance by encouraging the engagement of civil society organizations, community leaders, Indigenous peoples, and environmental defenders in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of public policies.

Task Description

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) office in Brasília, the UN Specialist will support the implementation of the project’s state-level activities in the Amazon region, specifically in the target states of Pará, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Rondônia. The incumbent will support the implementation of planned activities with state authorities, partner UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration, policy coherence, and alignment with project objectives. In this capacity, the UN Specialist will facilitate strategic engagement and maintain dialogue with high-level institutional counterparts at the state and local levels, supporting and fostering political commitment for the implementation of project activities. The incumbent will identify opportunities to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, build partnerships, and promote cooperation among government entities, the justice sector, environmental authorities, Indigenous organizations, and other relevant actors. The role will also involve supporting the planning and execution of technical activities, as well as the organization of trainings, workshops, high-level meetings, and multi-stakeholder dialogues. The incumbent will monitor progress against planned outputs, identify implementation challenges and political or institutional risks, and propose corrective measures to ensure the timely and effective delivery of results. In addition, the UN Specialist will support data collection and analysis efforts, contribute to the preparation of technical, policy, and progress reports, and ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with UNODC standards and donor requirements.

Competencies and values

· Accountability · Adaptability and flexibility · Building Trust · Client Orientation · Commitment and Motivation · Creativity · Empowering others · Ethics and Values · Integrity · Judgement and decision-making · Planning and organizing · Professionalism · Respect for Diversity · Self-management · Work in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Brasília is the capital of Brazil and the country's political and administrative centre, hosting federal government institutions, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and public agencies. The city has well-developed infrastructure, including telecommunications, healthcare, educational institutions, and transportation services. Brasília is well connected to other regions of the country through regular domestic flights and serves as an important gateway for travel to the Amazon region. The climate is characterized by a rainy season and a dry season, with low humidity levels typically occurring between May and September. The position may require regular travel to project areas in the Amazon region, including locations where infrastructure, transportation, and access to services may be more limited than in the capital. As a tropical country, Brazil has a warm climate throughout the year. Brasília’s weather is characterized by a dry season (May to September) and a rainy season (October to April), with mild temperatures averaging between 15°C and 30°C. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious acts insurance plan. Brazil is at security level 3 (moderate). United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS Brazil advises exercising a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. Violent crime, such as muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings, and sexual assault, is very high. Avoid shanty towns (favelas) in the big cities, and if you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reservations, special procedures may apply; UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance.