Background

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar (ROSEN). The National Project Officer (forensics) will be contribute to the implementation of the forensic-related activities that will be undertaken by the project “Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on illicit drug trafficking, organized crime related to it and drug abuse in West Africa”. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and overall guidance of the UNODC Representative.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures implementation of  programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Through assessment of the prevention and treatment situation in the region Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned;
  • Identification and support innovative and pilot prevention and/or treatment initiatives in ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania through a grants programme;
  • Support drug prevention and/or treatment networks and services ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania;
  • Study tour in the region of West Africa.

Ensures effective management of the programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned  focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of the country programme achieving the  following results:

  • Number of persons seeking treatment for addiction to drugs in WA and Mauritania;
  • Number of evidence-based drug prevention services in place in beneficiary countries;
  • Number of training sessions delivered in drug prevention approaches (incl. ratio male/female and kind of topics addressed)

Ensures provision of top quality advisory services and  facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • The prevention and treatment situation in the region assessed;
  • Innovative and pilot prevention initiatives and/or treatment services in ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania identified
  • Drug prevention and/or treatment networks and services ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania supported
  • Technical assistance to support ECOWAS Commission advocacy efforts to develop drug dependence treatment protocols and to integrate them into University curricula provided.

Duties:

  • When required, provide advice to the ECOWAS Drug Unit with regards to project/programme development, monitoring and evaluation in the area of forensic technical assistance and service delivery;
  • Follow-up on activities related to project implementation conducted in collaboration with headquarters sections/units and relevant UNODC country offices, e.g. follow-up to the implementation of proficiency tests / collaborative exercises;
  • Provide technical and administrative guidance to forensic activities in West Africa;
  • Develop and maintain a substantive dialogue with and between national counterpart governments on project activities and expected outcomes;
  • Organize and facilitate national and regional training workshops, study tours, etc.;
  • Provide technical assistance to forensic science service providers and their counterparts;
  • Ensure that forensic data and information are shared regularly and disseminated for use at the national, regional and international level;
  • Coordinate and guide consultants in the region as required;
  • Conduct regular reporting according to the requirements of the project, including reporting to UNODC HQ and Field Office management, UNDP administration and finance and respective national counterparts;
  • Participate in the recruitment of personnel required for the implantation of the project by participating to panel interviews, by evaluating candidates' applications and qualifications, by drafting/finalizing substantive recommendations and reports for submission to HRMS and/or Central Review bodies, by drafting terms of reference/job descriptions, etc.;
  • Complete other related UNODC tasks and duties in consultation with the UNODC Representative and the Chief, LSS.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;  
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
  • Self-development, initiative-taking;
  • Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Creating synergies through self-control;
  • Managing conflict; 
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
  • Informed and transparent decision making. 

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism

  • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to scientific areas of drug control and crime prevention;
  • Knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; Knowledge of UNODC activities in the forensic field is desirable;
  • 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.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in health, human or social sciences (public health, psychology, medicine, social work, education) or related studies in combination with qualifying experience.

Experience:

  • Essential: Experience in public health or prevention and/or treatment of drug dependence. Minimum of 2 years of professional work.
  • Desirable: Work in the field of drug treatment or drug demand reduction policy, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, health system data collection, programme management experience will be an asset;
  • Previous work experience or collaboration with UN environment would be an asset;
  • Experience and knowledge of the West African context would be an advantage.

Language Requirements:

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

Note:

  • Open Only to senegalese Nationals or residents with working permit.