Associate National Programme Officer (Prison Reform and Penal Reform) at United Nations

Org. Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in the Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with duty station in Maiduguri, Nigeria.
• The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the UNODC Country Representative of CONIG, the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (Prison Reform) in CONIG, Abuja, as first reporting officer and under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator in CONIG as second reporting officer.

Responsibilities

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

• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Document requirements and background information used for data analysis.
• Support substantive and organizational coordination and liaison with relevant authorities, national and international partners for project related activities focused on the Northeast Nigeria.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, and delivery of technical assistance activities in the areas of prison and penal reform in the Northeast of Nigeria, in accordance with the overall UNODC strategies and priorities, and in close collaboration with the local counterparts (government and civil society).
• Contribute to a visible and identifiable UNODC Prison and Penal Reform presence in the Northeast of Nigeria, including by representing UNODC at relevant local/national events.
• Provide high quality and timely results-oriented reports to include ad hoc reports, progress reports and other substantive reports, in line with the UNODC regulations and donor agreements.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UNODC mandates, in particular prison management and penal reform, including corresponding practical challenges.
• Is familiar with international standards and norms applicable to prison management and access to justice, in particular the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures (the Tokyo Rules).
• Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Has sound judgment and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues and to address sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner.
• Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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 & 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 or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, criminology, or other fields related to prison and penal reform and criminal justice is required A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in prison management and penal reform, or criminal justice-related work is required.
• Work experience in programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting for documentation of programme results and impact, is desirable.
• Work experience in implementing capacity-building activities is desirable.
• Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Work experience with the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

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