Senior Advisor (Counter-Terrorism): UNOPS Consultancy Opportunity|Apply by 24 Aug 2026
Experienced counter-terrorism and law enforcement professionals have an opportunity to contribute to an important United Nations initiative through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The organization is seeking qualified professionals for the Senior Advisor (Counter-Terrorism) position, supporting activities of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in Baghdad.
Posted on 20 August 2026, the vacancy has a closing date of 24 August 2026. The position is structured primarily to establish a pool of qualified senior experts who may be engaged through retainer, lump-sum, ongoing or short-term assignments in different locations.
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate will become UNOPS personnel and work under the organization’s responsibility while collaborating with other experts within its roster. Assignments may include short-term deployments and field-based work depending on operational requirements.
The role forms part of UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives work supporting United Nations partners and Member States. The wider portfolio covers areas including political affairs, climate action, counter-terrorism and peacebuilding.
UNOPS is implementing project activities for UNOCT under the Global Programme on Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration. The programme aims to strengthen Member States’ capabilities and support effective responses to terrorism-related challenges.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Advisor will provide high-level strategic, operational and advisory support to national law enforcement institutions involved in counter-terrorism.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing national law enforcement capabilities and identifying operational and institutional gaps.
- Designing and overseeing targeted technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
- Advising and mentoring senior law enforcement officials on organizational development and operational practices.
- Supporting the development of operational policies, standard operating procedures and guidelines.
- Providing advanced training and mentoring to senior officers and specialized units.
- Promoting human rights, accountability and gender-sensitive approaches throughout supported activities.
- Preparing analytical reports, presentations, training materials and other substantive outputs.
The position therefore requires someone capable of combining senior-level operational experience with strategic advisory and capacity-building skills.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet substantial education and professional experience requirements.
Candidates with a master’s degree or equivalent in security studies, international relations, public administration or a related field need at least 10 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent require at least 12 years of relevant experience.
The position particularly seeks professionals with senior command experience, preferably at the level of police superintendent, colonel or above, in operational roles within law enforcement institutions involved in national counter-terrorism efforts.
Applicants must also have at least five years of counter-terrorism experience, preferably in an international policing environment. Strong expertise in developing operational law enforcement capacity while respecting international law, human rights standards and ethical requirements is also essential.
Additional Experience
International experience with law enforcement or security organizations would be an advantage. Candidates who have designed and delivered technical assistance for senior law enforcement audiences may also be particularly competitive.
Experience with multilateral or regional organizations, African law enforcement or security institutions, and post-conflict or complex environments is desirable.
Language Requirements
Fluent English and fluent Arabic are required. Knowledge of French, Spanish or Russian would be an additional advantage.
A High-Level International Assignment
This consultancy represents an opportunity for an experienced counter-terrorism professional to contribute to international efforts aimed at strengthening national law enforcement capabilities.
The successful experts will work closely with national authorities and other specialists, providing practical guidance, strategic advice, training and mentoring. The role also emphasizes responsible and rights-based approaches, ensuring that strengthened counter-terrorism capabilities are accompanied by accountability, human rights protections and gender-sensitive practices.
Because the vacancy is intended to establish a pool of senior experts rather than fill only one conventional long-term position, assignments may vary according to operational requirements and locations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should carefully review the full vacancy requirements and submit their application through the official UNOPS careers platform.
Closing date: 24 August 2026
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications, senior command experience, counter-terrorism background, language capabilities and international experience are clearly demonstrated in their applications.
Application: Apply through the UNOPS Careers Marketplace
For experienced law enforcement and counter-terrorism professionals seeking to contribute to international peacebuilding and security initiatives, this UNOPS opportunity offers the possibility to provide high-level expertise where specialized knowledge and operational leadership are critically needed.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
