Associate Project Officer - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

This position is located in the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Accra, (Ghana), operating under the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of UNODC in Dakar, Senegal and the Justice Section (JS), Division for Operations (DO) of UNODC in Vienna. The Associate Project Officer (GMCP) will work under the overall guidance of the Senior Programme Officer heading Programme as well as the Representative, ROSEN and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, GMCP Atlantic Ocean (AO). The work will be carried out in close coordination with ROSEN and the Justice Section and relevant Regional Sections and substantive units at headquarters as well as relevant field offices.

For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Associate Project Officer (GMCP) will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Support the implementation, coordination and monitoring of the projects in West and Central Africa under the Global Maritime Crime Programme, according to approved project document/revisions, valid donor funding agreements, valid policies and financial rules and regulations, and costed work plan/s; identify bottlenecks, propose and take corrective actions in consultation with senior management.

• Monitor on an ongoing basis all project expenditures and utilization of funds related to the projects in West and Central Africa under the Global Maritime Crime Programme and ensure compliance with United Nations (UN) financial rules and regulations, initiate project and/or budget revisions when required.
• Prepare and disseminate costed workplans, terms of reference and other related project documentation, as and when required, in consultation with the Programme Coordinator for the Atlantic Ocean, Global Maritime Crime Programme, and in close collaboration with relevant Headquarters focal points. Maintain close working relationships with relevant administrative and project counterparts in order to facilitate meeting of work plan, travel plan and procurement plan deadlines for delivery. Identify procurement needs (goods and services) and support the full procurement cycle of the various options.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources, relevant for project implementation related to the fight against maritime crime. Prepare various written outputs, e.g. briefing notes for senior management, sections of UN/UNODC reports such as UNODC Annual Report, ensure quality inputs to publications, websites and other reports. Prepare and submit for approval substantive and financial reports, semi-annual and annual project progress reports, inputs to Quarterly Field Reports (QFRs), annual reports to donors.
• Provide substantive support to meetings, training, conferences and workshops, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing of documents and presentations, etc.
• Participate in or support field missions (e.g. Monitoring & Evaluation missions), including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and draft mission reports, and ensure follow-up action.
• Assist the Programme Coordinator for the Atlantic Ocean, Global Maritime Crime Programme, in identifying and implementing maximum strategic visibility for project counterparts, donors/partners and UNODC. Support UNODC and GMCP in the effective liaison with donors, development partners and other stakeholders; make project achievements known and identify areas of new assistance.
• Provide support in drafting new project concepts and documents in relation to the Office’s Global Maritime Crime Programme, specifically for the Atlantic Ocean, in order to diversify its portfolio (in line with the Regional Programmes, UNODC Menu of Services and UNODC strategic frameworks) for circulation with potential partners/donors.
• Participate actively for UNODC in relevant local United Nations Country Team (UNCT) administrative/financial/operations networks if assigned to. Guide and coordinate the work of local administrative and support staff if applicable; support the recruitment process of international and local staff as required.
• Perform any other work related duties as required/assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to combating crime and in particular countering maritime crime. Has knowledge of the mandates of UNODC as well as specific technical knowledge relevant to law enforcement and related areas. Has ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in justice, law, criminology, conflict resolution or other relevant social or political area is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in project/programme management or administration within the area of rule of law and criminal justice at the international level OR successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.
  
• Experience working in maritime law enforcement is desirable.
  
• Experience in post-conflict, peace-building countries is desirable
  
• Working experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is desirable.
  
• Working experience in areas related to the fight against international crime is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview