A significant body of academic research and public policy reporting shows Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) poses a significant and evolving threat to security, governance, and economic stability in East and Southern Africa. The interconnected nature of criminal networks and their illicit activities—such as drug and human trafficking, wildlife smuggling, and money laundering—erodes the rule of law and can threaten U.S. national security and U.S. business interests in the region. To design programs to counter TOC, there is a critical need for deeper understanding of TOC dynamics and specific information regarding the Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) operating in the region.
The position reports to the Project Manager.
The goal is to define and analyze the current TOC landscape in the East and Southern Africa region.
Functional Responsibilities;
The consultant will be responsible for the following key objectives:
Conduct a deep-dive research assessment to define and analyze the current state of Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southern Africa. The assessment should leverage open-source information to identify specific transnational criminal organizations operating in the region, illicit activities being undertaken by these organizations, transit patterns of illicit activities, financial flows from these activities, connections between criminal organizations, and how these organizations may or are threatening U.S. national security interests, U.S. business interests, or U.S. citizen security. When possible, specific case information should be provided.
Write a comprehensive report for INL that outlines key findings, identifies trends, and provides strategic recommendations for future U.S. foreign assistance programming.
Develop an agenda for a two-day workshop for participants from our East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (EATOC) partner countries, including investigators, prosecutors and judges, to present and discuss the research findings.
Deliverables;
The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:
Research Plan: A detailed plan outlining the research methodology, scope, and timeline.
Research Report: A comprehensive, evidence-based report (approximately 30-40 pages) detailing the nature of TOC in East and Southern Africa. The report must include an executive summary, an analysis of key trends and actors, with specific transnational criminal organizations and actionable recommendations and be written for INL as the audience.
Infographic: A professionally designed one-page infographic summarizing the key findings and trends from the research report in a visually engaging and easily shareable format.
Draft Conference Agenda: A draft agenda for a two-day conference to present and discuss research findings with EATOC countries at a future date.
Project Timeline
The project is expected to be completed within a maximum of three (3) months from the time the agreement is signed.
