National Consultant for Assessing Law Enforcement Competencies and Training Programs in Counter

The borderless nature of cybercrimes forces law enforcement agencies to face challenges in responding effectively to this form of crime due to the limitations of cross-border investigation and diversity in capabilities across the globe. Kazakhstan strives to better integrate with the global community of countries contributing to combating cybercrime. To amplify the existing efforts in countering cybercrimes in Kazakhstan, the Office initiated implementation of an extra-budgetary project that will aim to address not only the issue of cybercrimes, but also crimes committed through ICT misuse (for example the terrorist use of the Internet), including cyber fraud, women and children sexual exploitation in cyberspace, gender-based cyber violence, cyber money laundering, trafficking of illicit drugs, their online trade, and violent extremism leading to terrorism. However, addressing these issues needs a balanced approach between cybercrime control and respect for human rights and freedoms. It will be enforced throughout all implementation stages of the Project, especially when developing the strategic and legislative country document.

The Project adopts a comprehensive approach and addresses three major pillars:
a) The legislative (National Strategic Document and relevant domestic legal norms);
b) Introducing an integrated and sustainable approach into the law enforcement education system through the development of the training strategy for police academies and the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the Prosecutor General's Office and training of their instructors;
c) Raising public awareness to reduce the cybercriminal activities impact on the population.

The Project aims to bolster international cooperation through the development of a robust domestic legislative framework and the cultivation of highly skilled specialists. By facilitating the creation of Kazakhstan's National Comprehensive Plan on Countering Cybercrimes, it paves the way for the country's accession to the Budapest Convention, potentially necessitating legal adjustments. Moreover, it supports Kazakhstan's engagement with the UN Treaty on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes. Through fostering interagency collaboration, implementing structural reforms in law enforcement, enhancing training strategies, and promoting public awareness, the Project endeavours to fortify the nation's resilience against cyber threats.

Objective of Assignment:
The OSCE Programme Office in Astana/Politico-Military Dimension requires the services of an experienced national expert in conducting assessment of the competency level among law enforcement specialists and the training programs on countering cybercrimes at law enforcement educational institutions, as well as faculty's competency levels in law enforcement educational institutions. The expert will develop methodologies that would incorporate standards of, but not limited to, EUROPOL's Cybercrime Training Competency Framework for analyzing the current competency level among acting law enforcement specialists, and provide recommendations for the Project's Steering Committee and heads of law enforcement and police academies. Based on the developed methodologies the expert will assess the current cybercrime competency level among acting law enforcement specialists across the country, the existing training programmes on countering cybercrimes, and the faculty's competency levels in law enforcement educational institutions to identify the existing gaps vis-à-vis good international practices.

Duration of Assignment:
29 working days

Tasks, Responsibilities and Deliverables:

1. To develop methodologies for analyzing the current competency level among law enforcement specialists and training programs in countering cybercrime, along with current teaching capacities.
   Outputs to be achieved:
   - Information and Data Gathering for the development of methodologies.
   - Incorporating the EUROPOL's Cybercrime Training Competency Framework into the methodologies.
   - Designing the structure and questionnaires for further assessment of law enforcement specialists and training programs in countering cybercrime, along with current teaching capacities.
2. To assess the current cybercrime competency level among law enforcement specialists across the country, as well as the current training programs in countering cybercrime and existing teaching capacities.
   Outputs to be achieved:
   - Conduct assessments both online and in person, following the developed methodologies, in designated regions of Kazakhstan according to the timetable provided by the project team.
3. To conduct Analysis and Benchmarking.
   Outputs to be achieved:
   - A comprehensive data collection and assessment report encapsulating findings from questionnaires and open-source research, categorized by relevant themes and insights. The report must include a benchmarking analysis aligned with EUROPOL's Cybercrime Training Competency Framework.
   - Identification of areas for improvement.
   - The report must incorporate visual information, such as graphs, tables, and up to date figures.
4. To provide recommendations for the Training Strategy.
   Outputs to be achieved:
   - A set of detailed recommendations for the Steering Committee, structured around the enhancement of the Training Strategy and submitted to the project team. The document should outline key areas for improvement and suggest relevant content for the Training Strategy.
   - Contributions to the Training Strategy should be documented through meeting minutes, consultation records, or draft versions with tracked changes.
5. To take part in cybercrime-related project activities organized by the Office in the areas of crimes specified in the background section.
   Outputs to be achieved:
   - Participation (online and offline) in various regular and ad hoc coordination meetings.
   - Presentation of materials and speaking notes with a focus on assessment and benchmarking results.
   - Participation in the First Forum on Combating Cybercrime in Kazakhstan, utilizing accumulated materials and knowledge.

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in Law, Information security other related field;
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in jurisprudence at the national level;
• Experience in the law enforcement, particularly in combating cybercrime, is advantageous;
• Knowledge of law enforcement educational system is an asset;
• Professional fluency in Russian; knowledge of English and Kazakh would be an asset;
• Theoretical knowledge and/or practical experience in legal review and drafting;
• Previous work experience in governmental institutions, particularly in the law enforcement or the Ministry of Justice, with additional experience working with international organizations is beneficial;
• Strong understanding of the rule of law and law enforcement issues in Kazakhstan;
• Demonstrated organizational and analytical abilities;
• Cultural, religious, ethnic, and gender sensitivity;
• Capacity to perform effectively under pressure, with minimal supervision, and adhering to deadlines.

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.

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.