International Consultant - Combating Technology-facilitated Trafficking in Human Beings

Background:

Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, with an expected duration of up to 180 working days per calendar year. Work location: home-based and field work. Travel within the OSCE region.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (SR/CTHB) represents the OSCE at the political level on anti-trafficking issues. The Office of the SR/CTHB assists OSCE participating States in the implementation of commitments and full usage of recommendations set forth in the OSCE Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings and its Addenda. The Office also provides a co-ordinating function among OSCE structures and institutions involved in combating trafficking in human beings.

The Office’s programmatic portfolio on responding to technology facilitated trafficking aims to develop evidence-based policy and operational frameworks for combating technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings (THB).  

Objective of Assignment: 

The services of consultants are required to provide programmatic assistance to the programmatic portfolio and support implementation of a wide range of its tasks and activities envisioned therein to assist participating States (pS) in combatting technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings (THB).  

Duration of Assignment:
 

180 days per year

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The consultant’s/expert’s services will be engaged by the OSR/CTHB, within the following clusters of tasks that will be further specified in the additional Terms of Reference, including maximum number of days per task. The consultant/expert must submit a report each time a given task is completed and delivered.

1)    Providing in-depth research, analysis, operational support and/or technical advisory support (including needs/ feasibility assessments) on combatting technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings (THB), in the following thematic areas: (i) mapping and assessing online platforms and ICT environments to identify THB risks, including through open-source intelligence (OSINT) for law enforcement actors, (ii) developing methodologies and risk indicators for proactive identification of victims and traffickers online, (iii) analyzing emerging patterns and trends, such as the role of scam centers, artificial intelligence (AI) and other evolving technologies in facilitating THB, (iv) prosecution, (v) adjudication, (vi) strengthening information exchange and monitoring mechanisms, (vii) prevention through awareness-raising, integration of online safety measures, and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
2)    Supporting capacity development of OSCE participating States through analysis, operational guidance, operational support and/or tailored technical assistance to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, prevent, regulate, manage and co-ordinate specific aspects of combatting technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings (THB), in the following capability areas: (i) policy frameworks, including drafting recommendations and model guidance, (ii) legal and regulatory framework, (iii) institutional and organizational frameworks, including coordination mechanisms and oversight of online platforms, (iv) education and training frameworks, including the development of curricula, training modules and awareness-raising materials for investigators, prosecutors, judges, and relevant authorities, (v) information and communication management, (vi) security and safety frameworks, including safeguards for online platforms and institutional resilience against THB risks, (vii) integrating analysis of emerging patterns and technological developments, such as scam centers and AI, into pS’s capacity-building efforts.
3)    Providing analysis, strategic and operational support (including needs/feasibility assessments) and/or technical advisory on strengthening cross-sectoral and institutional responses to technology-facilitated THB, in the following contexts: (i) supporting development of inter-agency coordination and cooperation mechanisms at national and regional levels to address online THB risks, (ii) advising on national strategies and action plans to prevent and combat technology-facilitated THB, (iii) enhancing cooperation with online platforms and private sector actors on risk mitigation, safety standards, and reporting mechanisms, (iv) integrating gender and victim-centered approaches into policies, guidance and training, (v) advocacy and awareness-raising among relevant institutions, regulatory bodies, and the general public on the risks and manifestations of online THB, (vi) promoting exchange of knowledge and practices on emerging trends, including scam centers and AI-driven exploitation models.
 

Necessary Qualifications:

•    Second-level university degree in criminal justice, international relations, public policy, public administration, law, social science, cybercrime, data science, artificial intelligence, digital forensics, or other related disciplines;
•    Minimum six (6) years’ experience as expert/consultant on technology-facilitated THB issues;
•    Previous experience working with international organizations, including OSCE, on projects related to technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings or cybercrime;
•    Proven knowledge and experience on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies (e.g., algorithmic profiling, deepfakes, online scam centers) would be an asset; 
•    Proven experience in drafting and publishing reports, papers, publications related to technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings; 
•    Experience in delivering technology-facilitates THB-related trainings and/or developing curricula and e-learning modules for practitioners, especially for criminal justice authorities;
•    Experience in conducting risk assessments, mapping online environments, and developing risk indicators related to technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings;
•    Excellent oral and written English skills; Knowledge of Russian with written/spoken communication skills would be an asset;
•    Excellent usage of Microsoft applications, including the ability to independently finalize a document for external use.
•    Availability at short notice, flexibility and ability to work under deadlines;
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse national and cultural backgrounds;
•    Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity as well as ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.