Background

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships

Posted in Accra, Ghana under the overall supervision of the UNODC Representative for West and Central Africa and under the substantive guidance of the Law Enforcement Expert (Head Organized Crime, Illicit Trafficking and Terrorism Section) and the UNODC National Programme Coordinator in Ghana, the National Project Officer will be responsible for the implementation of a national project in Ghana.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Project Officer will be responsible for the following duties:  

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.;
• Monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation;
• Reviews relevant documents and reports;
• Identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions;
• Liaises with relevant parties;
• Identifies and tracks follow-up actions;
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change;
• Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources;
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.;
• Undertakes survey initiatives;
• Reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions;
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.;
• Makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.;
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, programming and budgeting;
• Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources;
• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
• 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 and 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: 

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in social sciences, international relations, political sciences, law, business administration, management or a related field is required;
• A first-level university degree or equivalent academic education, professional training with certification from a recognized international/national police, customs or other staff training institution, with specialization in criminal justice, crime prevention, border management, drug law enforcement and/or criminal investigation, in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: 

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related field. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations;
• Knowledge of any financial and budget assessment system would be an asset;
• Technical knowledge in the fight against international crime is an asset;
• Sound knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations and working experience in developing countries is considered an advantage. Experience in leading and managing personnel is required.

Language: 

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.