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

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is offering a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) position based in Dakar, Senegal, within its Regional Office for West and Central Africa. The role is designed for early-career researchers interested in data, policy, and international development, focusing on research about transnational crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking and contributing to UNODC reports and capacity-building efforts.

Hands-on research experience, opportunities to contribute to UNODC reports, and potential field involvement in West and Central Africa.

Applicants must 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 with a bachelor’s degree; demonstrate fluency in English and French; and be a national of an eligible country.

Applications are submitted through donor countries’ national JPO portals; shortlisted candidates are reviewed and interviewed by UN offices; final selection is made by the hosting UN entity.