Programme Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Programme Office in Mozambique (POMOZ), Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Maputo, Mozambique, The incumbent works under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Head of the Programme Office) and the overall guidance of the Representative of ROSAF, and the substantive guidance of the Chief of Implementation Support Section (ISS) II of the Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) at UNODC headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Responsibilities

• Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for undertaking the following specific duties:

  Provide specialized support for designing and implementing training activities in Mozambique and neighbouring countries focusing several areas of UNODC intervention in the country, with a particular focus on transnational organized crime and terrorism prevention.

• Assess capacity building needs of concerned national entities; conceptualize, design and carry out training workshops and other relevant initiatives for prosecutorial/adjudicator capacity building and enhancing collaborative investigation, prosecution and adjudication.
• Provide substantive support and expertise for and participate in conceptualization, design, implementation and evaluation of overall programme initiatives aimed at strengthening criminal justice responses in Mozambique and neighbouring countries.
• Undertake missions and prepare and participate in national expert workshops, subregional/ regional workshops and conduct training activities, as determined.
• Provide support and inputs for the preparation of technical assistance tools, substantive publications and training materials pertaining to rule of law-based criminal justice responses.
• Contribute to and participate in programme development and funds mobilization and its on-going refinement, coordination and management; contribute to programme implementation reporting; contribute to programme partnership building.
• Prepare/draft a variety of written substantive outputs, such as background papers, correspondence with governments, working papers, analyses, briefings, presentations, policy proposals and documents, regular and ad hoc reports, summary reports etc.
• Contribute to the preparation/drafting of a variety of programme or project documents and reports at the Unit and Office level, such as progress reports, work plans, programme budget, programme performance reports, etc.
• Provide support to monitoring financial resources allocated to assigned project component; monitor expenditures and funds utilization.
• Liaise with national authorities, donors, international and regional organizations to ensure coordination and fundraising.
• Assist in the recruitment of personnel for the Unit by coordinating/conducting panel interviews, by evaluating candidates’ applications and qualifications, by drafting/finalizing substantive recommendations and reports for submission to the Human Resources Management Service (HRMS) and/or Central Review bodies, by drafting terms of reference/job descriptions, etc.
• Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.; undertake outreach activities, and communication material for various audiences; conduct training workshops and seminars; make presentations on implementation and progress of the projects as well as other related topics/activities.
• Keep abreast of social, economic and political development in the ROSAF region, particularly those relevant to UNODC mandates and the implementation of programmes/projects.
• Perform other work-related duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches, policies and practices in terrorism prevention and criminal justice. Has broad knowledge of overall crime prevention and criminal justice issues. Has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and of the major initiatives of the international community in terrorism prevention. Has demonstrated expertise for planning and implementing technical assistance activities and related project management. Has sound analytical skills and ability to identify problems and contributes to problem-solving. Has good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Has ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignment given. 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.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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 criminal law, international law, political science, international relations or any related area is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in criminal justice matters and/or project management in the same areas is required.
• Work experience in the area of technical assistance in counter terrorism or transnational organized crime is required.
• Work experience in resource mobilization is desirable.
• Work experience in a field environment is desirable.
• Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.
• Work experience in organizing meetings, conferences, seminars, including their substantive, logistic, financial and administrative aspects, is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
• Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
• At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.