Programme Officer (Global Maritime Crime Programme, Atlantic Ocean), P3 at United Nations

Job Opening Number: 21-Drug Control and Crime Prevent-UNODC-154071-R-Abuja (E)
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Job Code Title: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer
Department / Office: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Organization Setting and Reporting

• The post is located in the Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG), Abuja, under the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), Justice Section (JS), Division for Operations (DO).
• The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the CONIG Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator of the Global Maritime Crime Programme (Atlantic Ocean) as well as in coordination with the Senior Programme Officer heading the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP). For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

• Within assigned authority the Programme Officer (GMCP, Atlantic Ocean) will be responsible for the following duties:
• Organize and implement a variety of programme activities aimed at enhancing the institutional knowledge and understanding of the Governments, civil society and UN agencies of the nature and extent of UNODC mandate on maritime crime and at improving national, governmental and inter-governmental maritime drug control, crime and terrorism prevention policies, strategies, plans and cooperation.
• Support the management, implementation, coordination and monitoring of programme activities under the EU funded SWAIMS programme (Support to the West Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy), according to the approved EU agreement, project document/revisions, valid policies and financial rules and regulations, and costed work plan/s; identify bottlenecks, propose and take corrective actions in consultation with senior management.
• Provide backstopping and guidance on technical, substantive and administrative issues within the assigned technical assistance activities, programmes and projects.
• Ensure the timely achievement of all project results stipulated in the Description of the Action.
• Support the management, implementation, coordination and monitoring of grants funded by US and Denmark in West Africa, which represent the UNODC contribution to SWAIMS as a multi-donor EU/UNODC agreement, and which are included in UNODC project GLOX99.
• Supervise the daily work of administrative personnel based in the several field offices involved in implementing SWAIMS as a multi-donor agreement and report all needed actions to the Programme Coordinator for the Atlantic Ocean Team of UNODC GMCP and Field offices.
• Coordinate the work related to budget and funding (programming of cash instalments, progress reports, financial reports, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (costed workplan, programme budget, etc.), related to Grants included in UNODC projects GLOW63 and GLOX99.
• Liaise with Government officials, donors and counterparts in the field for the implementation of the project.
• Liaise with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Maritime Cell, ECOWAS MMCCs (Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre) zone E, F, G, providing capacity building initiates in favour of West African institutions.
• Support national and regional institutions in drafting international agreements, national legislation and interagency regulation related to maritime security, including counter maritime piracy and drug trafficking by sea in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
• Increase cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and other UN agencies on countering maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
• Participate in needs assessment, programming and other technical missions, where necessary, to evaluate and elaborate technical assistance proposals with cooperating governments, international funding institutions (IFIs), UN agencies, non-governmental and/or civil society organizations (NGOs/CSOs).
• Develop the project’s work plan to strengthen the capacity of coastal states to successfully pursue maritime crime in consultation with project stakeholders.
• Ensure timely reporting to donors and UNODC headquarters and provide regular updates of the project and necessary documentation.
• Monitor on an ongoing basis all project expenditures and utilization of funds related to activities under GLOW63 and GLOX99 and ensure compliance with United Nations (UN) financial rules and regulations, initiate project and/or budget revisions when required.
• Prepare and disseminate costed workplans, terms of reference and other related project documentation, as and when required, in consultation with the Programme Coordinator for the Atlantic Ocean, Global Maritime Crime Programme, and in close collaboration with relevant headquarters’ focal points. Maintain close working relationships with relevant administrative and project counterparts in order to facilitate meeting of work plan, travel plan and procurement plan deadlines for delivery. Identify procurement needs (goods and services) and support the full procurement cycle of the various options.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources, relevant for project implementation related to the fight against maritime crime. Prepare various written outputs, e.g. briefing notes for senior management, sections of UN/UNODC reports such as UNODC Annual Report, ensure quality inputs to publications, websites and other reports. Prepare and submit for approval substantive and financial reports, semi-annual and annual project progress reports, and other reports to the European Union as per the agreement.
• Assist the Programme Coordinator for the Atlantic Ocean, Global Maritime Crime Programme, in identifying and implementing maximum strategic visibility for project counterparts, donors/partners and UNODC, in particular as regards European Union visibility in line with respective rules and guidelines. Support UNODC, through its GMCP, in the effective liaison with donors, development partners and other stakeholders; make project achievements known and identify areas of new assistance.
• Provide support in drafting new project concepts and documents in relation to the Office’s Global Maritime Crime Programme, specifically for West and Central Africa, in order to diversify its portfolio (in line with the Regional Programmes, UNODC Menu of Services and UNODC strategic frameworks) for circulation with potential partners/donors.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

 Professionalism:

• Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime issues, in particular to countering drug trafficking and other forms of maritime crime. Has knowledge of maritime policies and practices in international crime prevention, in particular organized crime and illicit trafficking, maritime crime, as well as the other 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 maritime crime; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results while implementing assigned projects; 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, social sciences, or other relevant social or political area with adequate focus on international maritime affairs, international relations, international security policy, criminal justice and/or law enforcement issues 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 project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Experience in maritime law, maritime law enforcement or naval operations is desirable.
• Work experience in planning, training, conducting, and assessing maritime legislation and maritime law enforcement operations is desirable.
• Working experience in Africa is desirable.
• Experience in working with conflict and post conflict countries is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations 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.
• Abuja is classified in the C category (family duty station).