UNODC Junior Professional Officer (JPO) in Crime Research – Work on Global Security from Dakar

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is offering an exceptional opportunity for young professionals to launch an impactful international career. Through the United Nations Junior Professional Officer Programme, aspiring researchers can contribute to cutting-edge work addressing organized crime, terrorism, and drug-related challenges in West and Central Africa.

📌 About the Opportunity

This Junior Professional Officer (JPO) position is based in Dakar, Senegal, within UNODC’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa. It is designed for early-career researchers passionate about data, policy, and international development.

In this role, you will work at the intersection of research and policy, supporting evidence-based strategies to combat transnational crime and strengthen justice systems across the region.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

As a JPO in Crime Research, you will:

• Conduct research on transnational organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking
• Analyze complex datasets to generate actionable insights
• Contribute to high-level UNODC regional and global reports
• Support capacity-building initiatives in Member States
• Participate in field missions across West and Central Africa

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this role, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be 32 years old or younger by 31 December 2026
• Hold an advanced degree in:
  • Statistics
  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Economics
  • Or related social sciences
• Have:
  • At least 2 years of research experience, OR
  • 4 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate fluency in both English and French
• Be a national of an eligible country (see full list in official job description)

🌍 Why This Opportunity Matters