National Programme Officer - Investigation at UNODC - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Job ID: 40565
Location: Abuja
Grade: SB5
Practice Area - Job Family: Management - Investigation
Vacancy Type: Service Contract (SC)
Posting Type: Common System
Bureau: Africa
Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension

Background

• This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Abuja, Nigeria (CONIG).
• Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the National Programme Officer– Investigation (NPO) will:
  • Provide substantive inputs for the planning, preparation, organization and implementation of project activities related to the investigation of terrorism offences in Northeast Nigeria
  • Carry out substantive and organizational liaison especially with the project’s national stakeholders based in the assigned region of Nigeria.; and
  • Serve as an expert law enforcement trainer and mentor; and
  • Provide support for the project’s overall management and coordination.
• S/he will work in close teaming with other colleagues of the project, in CONIG and in the Terrorism Prevention Branch of UNODC, to create synergy and achieve full coordination of project activities and effective project partnerships, especially with the project’s Nigerian stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

• Provide substantive input on criminal justice, terrorism prevention and rule of law aspects for the planning, preparation, organization and implementation of project activities related to the investigation of terrorism offences in Northeast and Middle Belt States of Nigeria.  This will entail preparing substantive papers, draft concept notes, draft agendas and working documents for project activities;   contribute to the  substantive delivery of project activities, including elaboration and delivery of presentations
• Serve as an expert law enforcement trainer and mentor for law enforcement officers in Nigeria to support project capacity building activities.
• Carry out substantive and organizational liaison especially with the project’s national stakeholders based in the region of  Nigeria.
• Coordinate and liaise regularly on project activities planning and implementation with relevant national partners (including designated focal points and other senior professionals), and international partners present in in the region.
• Facilitate the smooth and effective flow of communication with national entities, by maintaining regular contact, providing required information, etc.
• Support the Project Manager and Project Staff in following-up communication with beneficiary institutions, including official letters, request for technical assistance, and the process of identifying participants and national experts, including trainers, for activities under the project.
• Advise the Project Manager and Project Staff of local considerations and realities in the region in Nigeria for proper and effective project implementation, as well as on ways to strengthen partnerships with beneficiary institutions.
• Provide support for the project’s overall management and coordination.
• Contribute to the preparation of project reports. technical briefings, background papers, briefing notes, and speeches related to the project.
• Carry out programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the achievement of expected results of the project.
• Provide the necessary substantive and administrative support to project activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Demonstrated professional competence in  crime prevention and criminal justice, crime investigations and rule of law matters, as well as, knowledge of related policies and practices at the national, regional and international levels; ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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:

• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, including ability to prepare reports and make presentations in a variety of fora; ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information as well as making and defending recommendations. Possesses excellent drafting and communication skills

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Planning & Organizing:

• Able to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands; able to work on tight deadlines; knowledge on how to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies.
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and projects as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Law, International Law, Criminology, Criminal Investigations, Police Studies or related fields is required.
• A combination of a first-level University Degree in the aforementioned field together with formal qualifications and/or certifications in investigations (police or intelligence agencies) and two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Formal qualifications and/or certifications in Investigations (pursuant to a course of study, training and examinations of a state/national law enforcement institution, a national military academy or a federal/national intelligence service training institution, supplemented with professional development courses and/or certifications involving study, training and examinations in investigatory work) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the first-level University Degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive responsible experience in criminal investigations, legal, criminal justice, crime prevention or closely related rule of law work.
• Work experience in substantive liaison and coordination in these areas would be an asset. Work experience in implementing capacity-building activities for law enforcement and criminal justice entities in Nigeria is highly desirable.
• Experience in project management and implementation is highly desirable. Knowledge of UNODC work and work experience in the United Nations System would be an asset.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.