Jobs - 35195- National Programme Officer

National Programme Officer

Location :

Dakar, SENEGAL

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2013

Application Deadline :

07-Feb-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

In response to its enhanced mandates in the area of technical assistance related to international cooperation against terrorism, UNODC/TPB has been implementing a reinforced programme of work for fulfilling effectively these expanded mandates. The focus is on the provision of assistance to Member States, upon request, for ratifying and implementing the international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism. The programme of work will thus also contribute to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). Its main elements are: (a) facilitation and/or provision of legislative assistance; (b) facilitation and/or provision of capacity-building assistance; (c) identification and dissemination of best practices; and (d) provision of specialized training for criminal justice officials.

The technical assistance activities are undertaken under the broad framework of a global project on “strengthening the legal regime against terrorism”. Under the project, technical assistance is provided to countries in various regions of the world and a several technical assistance tools are elaborated, such as implementation guides, model laws and training manuals.

In view of the need for assistance for the countries of the West and Central African region, TPB is seeking to expand its activities in the region. The important for this context is also close contact and coordination with the local donor communities and with regional intergovernmental organizations and processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Representative, for West and Central Africa, and the substantive guidance of the Program officer of the Terrorism Prevention Branch, based in Dakar.

The National Programme Officer will provide substantive, organizational and coordination support for implementing the mandate of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the area of terrorism prevention, especially for West and Central Africa. The main focus of work is the provision of assistance to States, upon request, in the legal and related aspects of counter-terrorism, especially for ratifying and implementing the universal legal instruments against terrorism and for strengthening the capacity of the national criminal justice entities to apply the provisions of these instruments in compliance with the principles of rule of law and human rights.

The National Programme Officer will carry out the following tasks:

Assist in formulating, planning, implementing and reporting on technical assistance activities at the national, sub-regional and regional level, in accordance with the UNODC/TPB overall programme strategy and as integral element of UNODC’s country specific and regional programmes;
Contribute to conducting legal research and analysis on terrorism, including international, regional and national instruments;
Prepare draft presentations on substantive matters and on the Programme;
Participate in and contribute to the conduct of technical assistance activities to requesting countries and undertake substantive, organizational and coordination arrangements for them;
Prepare and/or contribute to briefing notes, status reports, draft research and policy papers, technical reports/studies;
Prepare and/or contribute to draft funding proposals for donor countries and implementation reports;
Assist in preparing work plans, programme implementation reports and follow-up activities plans;
Assist in ensuring coordination of technical cooperation activities with relevant international, regional and national institutions and organizations active in the field; in this context contribute to maintaining close contacts with national counterparts and United Nations and entities;
Contribute to the promotion of networking between ROSEN countries, within the framework of the implementation of regional / strategy programmes and/or plans of cooperation.
Undertake any other tasks as required.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Client Orientation:

Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with all relevant stakeholders in West and Central Africa, identifies clearly their needs to develop and implement legal, policy and other responses, Ensures continuous dialogue with the stakeholders monitoring the relevant developments and undertaking the necessary adjustments; meets timeline for delivery of technical assistance and other services and products;

Teamwork:

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing new ideas and expertise; willingness to learn from others; place team agenda before personal agenda; support and act in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; share credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; ability to work with a small team of professional staff; flexible approach and willingness to assist with a variety of other tasks;

Planning and organising:

Ability to develops clear objectives in accordance with agreed upon strategies; to identify tasks and activities that have to be dealt with as a matter of priority; to adjust priorities if required; to allocate appropriate time and resources to completing tasks; to anticipate risks and to adopt corrective measures in the course of planning and executing activities; to use time in an effective manner.

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A first level degree in law, preferably with specialization in international law or criminal law;

Experience:

A minimum of four years of relevant work experience in legal and related area, preferably in counter-terrorism or crime prevention and criminal justice issues and related international cooperation. Experience in technical assistance programmes;
Good knowledge of terrorism and criminal justice issues;
Familiarity with regional dimensions pertaining to West and Central Africa;
Knowledge of the work of the United Nations Office on drugs and crime is desirable;
Knowledge of UN system and its Administration and Finance rules is also desirable;

Language:

Fluency in French, with excellent drafting skills, and a good knowledge of English.