Project Officer (Capacity Building) at UNODC - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Project Officer (Capacity Building) - Temporary, P4 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Opening number: 15-DRU-UNODC-44932-J-ABUJA (T)
Location: Abuja
Job Code Title: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer
Department/ Office: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Responsibilities
The Project Officer (Capacity Building) will be responsible for the implementation of activities pertaining to Outcome 2 of the project, aimed at enhancing training, research and operational capability of the justice sector in line with written guidelines and instructions developed by UNODC on project management cycle and project implementation. The Project Officer (Capacity Building) will also act as Deputy Project Coordinator.

Within delegated authority, and in line with provisions contained in the project document, the Project Officer (Capacity Building) will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Lead and manage project support to policy development for staff development and competency and skill improvement for the justice sector in Nigeria, including the review and analysis of skill gaps and other equivalent studies.
• Provide substantive backstopping to capacity building events and other meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants training providers, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Lead and/or participate in large-scale, complex justice sector capacity building activities, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
• Identify and link up government/non-government entities with external mentors for continuous support.
• Develop, implement and evaluate assigned project component; monitor and analyze project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up actions.
• Provide substantive technical and advisory services in guiding the project component and providing expert guidance to various beneficiary agencies and national stakeholders in improving the quality of training for staff of the justice sector at federal and state level.
• Provide support in enhancing the operational capacities of institutions in the justice sector.
• Prepare all necessary project progress reports and project implementation delivery rate reports, together with dedicated project personnel.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources.
• Generate survey initiatives; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.
• Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background paper, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications etc.
• Manage financial resources allocated to assigned projects component; monitor and/or certify expenditures and funds utilization.
• Coordinate activities related to budget funding for the component (substantive reports preparation and submission, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget etc.).
• Supervise, guide and mentor assigned project staff and experts; participate and/or oversee the recruitment of project personnel.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to capacity building for the criminal justice system; has knowledge of best practices in justice sector reform, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this area. Has practical experience in conducting large scale capacity building activities, programme/project management and administration.
• Has conceptual, analytical and evaluation skills, good research and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has knowledge in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is able to apply good judgment in the context of assignment given, is able to plan 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.
• 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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.
• Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
• Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Required Skills and Experience
Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, political or social science, criminal justice, international relations, public administration, management or related field.
• A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, implementing and monitoring criminal justice activities, especially in the area of capacity building.
• Specific experience including project and programme evaluation and budget and financial management is an asset.
• Experience in research, policy development and in technical advisory service is desirable.
• United Nations technical cooperation experience and experience in cooperation with the European Union desirable.
• Working or living experience in developing countries is an asset.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For this position, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.