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.
UNICRI has been cooperating with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for the past several years, conducting studies and case law analysis in view of improving the understanding of the multifaceted environment surrounding infringements of Intellectual Property (IP) rights. This includes the involvement of transnational organized crime in managing the production and trade of IP infringing goods as well as the various ways in which violations of IP can occur. By way of example, some of the results of this cooperation over the years include: the publication of a study focused on the use of malware in IP infringing websites, the creation of 20 case studies used for training of judges and prosecutors, and the publication of a study analyzing legal measures applicable by way of judicial cooperation in online copyright infringement cases.
The consultant will have the following assignment:
- Writing chapters of a legislative analysis on the status of IP protection in relation to:
1) criminal acts according to the criminal code and/or special legislation related to trademarks, copyright and trade secrets;
2) poly-criminality (including health and safety-related crimes, fraud, hacking);
3) recognition as a predicate offence in relation to money laundering;
4) preparatory acts and aiding and abetting;
5) sanctions regimes;
6) provisions in relation to limited liability companies;
7) statute of limitations;
8) legal requirements for initiation of criminal proceedings.
All the above elements will have to be described in relation to EU MS while for the remaining geographical scope, the information will be included when available.
- Contributing to the drafting of relevant projects’ report.
Home based
April-September 2023
Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the Consultant will perform the following duties:
- Identify research methodology, conduct research, contribute to draft research plans and define research tools;
- Writing chapters of the study on the status of IP protection through the application of criminal law and practice in relation to the following topics:
- 1) criminal acts according to the criminal code and/or special legislation related to trademarks, copyright and trade secrets;
- 2) poly-criminality (including health and safety-related crimes, fraud, hacking);
- 3) recognition as a predicate offence in relation to money laundering;
- 4) preparatory acts and aiding and abetting;
- 5) sanctions regimes;
- 6) provisions in relation to limited liability companies;
- 7) statute of limitations;
- 8) legal requirements for initiation of criminal proceedings.
- The geographical scope of the research shall include all EU MS, and when information is available, other European countries and key non-European countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Jordan, Malaysia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and the US);
- Conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders to obtain key information;
- Contribute to the project related reporting;
- Perform other duties upon request.
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, criminal law, international law, criminology, criminal justice, social sciences, and other related areas is required.
At least 7 years of relevant working experience as a researcher and/or analyst is required. Relevant work experience shall include the following areas: crime prevention, illicit trade, intellectual property crimes, human rights, and security.
Previous relevant working experience with the United Nations or other international or regional organizations is desirable.
Previous experience in conducting legislative analysis and comparison is highly desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (i.e. oral and written proficiency) is required. Knowledge of French and Spanish is highly desirable.
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.