Chair in Countering Illicit Trade and Preventing Transnational Organized Crime

Lead teaching, research and international collaboration on illicit trade and transnational organized crime.The University for Peace (UPEACE) invites applications for the position of Chair in Countering Illicit Trade and Preventing Transnational Organized Crime, based at its headquarters in Costa Rica.

Location: UPEACE headquarters, Costa RicaAppointment: IndefiniteSalary: USD 2,400–3,000 per monthApplication deadline: 25 October 2026.

International applicants are welcome. UPEACE will assist with relocation to Costa Rica.Important application informationRead the full job description at https://bit.ly/4AL3jAS and email your CV and cover letter, both in English, to jobshr@upeace.org.Clicking “Apply” on LinkedIn does not complete your application. Your application is complete only when both documents have been submitted by email.Your responsibilitiesAcademic leadership and teaching: Develop, coordinate and teach postgraduate and professional courses in English and Spanish as required. Contribute to curriculum and programme development, supervise theses, capstones, internships and field research where applicable, and provide student advising and mentoring.Research and publications: Lead research aligned with UPEACE’s mandate and the Chair’s priorities. Produce and coordinate peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, reports and other research outputs. Develop research collaborations, help secure funding and uphold research ethics and academic integrity.Strategic partnerships and international engagement: Build relationships with universities, research institutions, international organizations, governments, diplomatic missions, civil society and the private sector. Develop opportunities for joint research, training and academic exchanges, and represent the Chair and, when designated, UPEACE in international forums.Executive and institutional support: Advise university leadership and faculty on international security, peace, illicit economies, organized crime and related policy issues. Prepare substantive briefing materials and contribute to strategic planning, programme development and international cooperation.Events and knowledge exchange: Coordinate conferences, workshops, seminars and executive education. Connect academic research with policy and professional communities, support outreach and strengthen the Chair’s international networks.Resource mobilization and sustainability: Identify funding and partnership opportunities, develop project proposals and mobilize support for the Chair’s academic and institutional activities.The balance of teaching, research, fundraising and institutional support will be explained during the application process.Qualifications and experienceA PhD or equivalent doctorate in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, Criminology, Development Studies or another relevant social science discipline.At least five years of relevant higher education experience combining academic, policy and institutional engagement with international organizations, government, international cooperation and public policy.Demonstrated university teaching and curriculum development experience in the Chair’s thematic areas or related fields.The ability to conduct, coordinate and publish high-quality academic and policy research, including peer-reviewed publications.Experience developing strategic partnerships and professional networks, and designing, coordinating and implementing academic, research, capacity-building or international cooperation projects.Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish.Knowledge and professional skillsThe role requires expertise in peace and security, transnational organized crime, illicit economies and related policy issues, including Latin American political, social and security dynamics and the role of the United Nations.Candidates should bring strong research and teaching skills, excellent academic and professional writing, and the ability to communicate with academic, policy and non-specialist audiences. Partnership development, project management, resource mobilization and effective collaboration in multicultural settings are central to the role.UPEACE seeks a colleague committed to academic integrity, ethical research, confidentiality, sound judgment, diversity, inclusion and international cooperation.Portuguese-language skills, experience with multi-institutional or international projects, and comparative international knowledge are desirable.How to applyReview the full job description: https://bit.ly/4AL3jASPrepare your CV in English, maximum five pages, and a cover letter in English outlining your interest, suitability and availability.Email both documents to jobshr@upeace.org by 25 October 2026, referencing Position #8600 in the subject line.Applications must be submitted by email. Clicking “Apply” or submitting a LinkedIn profile alone does not constitute a complete application.Only applicants proceeding to the next stage will be contacted, before 1 November 2026.The University for Peace is committed to diversity and inclusion across gender, ethnic and cultural identity, beliefs, disabilities and age.