Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Legal Officer - Violence against Children), P3 at United Nations

Org. Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in various duty stations under the Global Programme to End Violence Against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (GP to END VAC), in the Justice Section (JS), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer who heads the GP to END VAC.

Responsibilities
Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

• Contribute to enhanced management and delivery of relevant technical assistance initiatives within the framework of the GP to END VAC.
• Provide substantive guidance and technical support to UNODC Field Offices in programme/project development, implementation and fund-raising in the areas of violence against children (VAC) in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children.
• Provide legal advisory services to requesting countries aimed to strengthen the capacities of the justice system in preventing and responding to VAC in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children.
• Facilitate the development of regional and national legal and policy frameworks related to VAC in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children.
• Participate in needs assessment and other technical missions to evaluate and elaborate technical assistance proposals, projects and activities within the framework of the GP to END VAC.
• Contribute to the development and promotion of standards, policies, normative instruments and practical tools related to rule of law, crime prevention and criminal justice, with specific focus on VAC in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children.
• Draft policy guidelines, practical tools and research papers on VAC in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, including on the protection of children recruited and exploited by terrorist and violent extremist groups.
• Deliver presentations to external audiences and participate at inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences on substantive issues related to VAC in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children.
• Assist in the organization and provide substantive servicing of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, ECOSOC, General Assembly and other legislative and technical bodies as well as their subsidiary bodies, Workshops, Meetings and Conferences on topics related to VAC in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children.
• Provide guidance to more junior staff.
• Support the Coordinator of the GP to END VAC in the daily management of the programme and perform ad hoc tasks as required.
• Perform other work related duties as may be required.

Requirements
Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law with adequate focus on international law, human rights or criminal justice 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 work experience in legal affairs, including work experience in the areas of child protection and justice for children is required.
• Working experience in delivering technical assistance aimed to support governments in preventing and responding to violence against children in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice is required.
• Experience in developing training tools and delivering training activities in the area of violence against children in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice is required.
• Work experience in providing legal advisory services to countries aimed to protect children from recruitment and exploitation by terrorist and violent extremist groups is desirable.
• Working experience with the United Nations system or similar international organization in the area of violence against children in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic, French, Russian or Spanish is an advantage.

Assessment:

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

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime issues, in particular legal, judicial and social aspects relating to violence against children in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as justice for children. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international crime prevention, as well as the relevant mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Has knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement with very good research and analytical skills.
• Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has good analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• 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.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.