Place of work: Bogotá, Colombia

Employment rate: 100%

Start date: As soon as possible or 1 July 2025

Contract type: 1 year with possibility of extension

Other: Must be eligible to work in Colombia

About

The Basel Institute on Governance is a hands-on centre of competence dedicated to promoting good governance and countering corruption for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. Established in 2003 in Basel, Switzerland, the Institute works with partners worldwide to advance knowledge, practice and policy on anti-corruption, asset recovery and business integrity. With field operations worldwide, it has some 150 staff covering 32 nationalities. The Basel Institute is an Associated Institute of the University of Basel.

The International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) is a specialised centre at the Basel Institute that works together with partner countries to strengthen their capacities to recover illicit assets. We place particular emphasis on hands-on mentoring on investigation methods and confiscation and prosecution strategies, as well as international cooperation. The aim is two-fold: to build capacity and effectively progress cases to the stage of recovery. We also develop and deliver tailor-made training; support legislative and institutional reform processes; and work with other international organisations to advance innovation and global policy dialogue on asset recovery.

Job description

We are looking to hire a Senior Specialist, Asset Recovery, to provide expert technical and operational support to the Attorney General’s Office in Bogota, Colombia, with the opportunity to assist Specialised Prosecutors in other Colombian cities and other Latin American countries engaged in complex investigations of anti-corruption and money laundering offences.

The Senior Specialist will contribute to developing and implementing effective case strategies, including the identification, seizure and recovery of illicit assets; design and implement policies to strengthen investigative and asset recovery capabilities within law enforcement and financial intelligence units; and facilitate regional information exchange and cooperation to combat transnational financial crime.

The Senior Specialist will be based in Bogota, Colombia. The position reports to and is supervised by the Head, Latin America ICAR based in Peru.

Key responsibilities

The Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:

• Case Support: assist Specialised Prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of anti-corruption and money laundering cases, with a particular focus on asset recovery strategies.
• Information Management: collect, organise and analyse information related to key investigations, creating comprehensive investigation folders.
• Legal research and analysis: conduct in-depth legal research, including doctrinal and jurisprudential analysis, specifically related to asset recovery and confiscation procedures (including Extinción de dominio).
• Financial analysis and data development: contribute to the design and implementation of financial analysis, and support the development of data repositories to enhance investigative capabilities.
• Documentation and reporting: Draft legal documents, reports, and contribute to the preparation of presentations.
• International judicial cooperation: formulate and contribute to strategies for international judicial cooperation.
• Collaboration: participate in working groups with Specialised Prosecutors and relevant stakeholders, including FIUs and specialised police units.
• Policy and training: contribute to the formulation and implementation of institutional policies aimed at strengthening investigative and money-tracking approaches, and support the design and delivery of training programmes and peer-learning opportunities.
• Other tasks might apply, as directed by the Head, Latin America ICAR.

Qualifications and skills

• University degree or equivalent in law. A Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of practical, academic or equivalent experience directly related to the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes, particularly focusing on anti-corruption and money laundering offences.
• Demonstrated understanding of criminal confiscation (including Extinción de dominio), asset recovery procedures, and international standards relevant to financial crime, anti-money laundering and asset recovery – with specific knowledge of GAFILAT and related specialised organisations – potentially gained through relevant experience in public institutions such as the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Judiciary or Attorney General’s Offices.
• Knowledge and/or practical experience in international judicial cooperation in criminal matters.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with proven ability for financial analysis and international judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Relevant experience in analysing jurisprudence and legal doctrine is an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and research methodologies.
• Languages: excellent written and verbal communication skills in Spanish (native or near native) and proficient in English.
• Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach, with a strategic mindset.
• Willing to travel if required.

Offer

We offer an interesting and rewarding working environment with a proactive, dynamic and international team spirit. The work is both routine and varied, and offers scope for initiative and innovation. The salary is competitive.

How to Apply:

Application

Please submit your application at your earliest convenience, but no later than 6 June 2025, using the following link: https://intranet.basel.institute/job/apply/51

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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Equal opportunity employer

The Basel Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.