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 direct supervision of  the Programme Officer, GMCP Headquarters and close coordination with the Programme Officer  in the Regional Office for West and Central Africa  UNODC National Programme Coordinator in Ghana will be responsible for coordinating and supporting the overall UNODC activities in Ghana and more specifically the GMCP activities in Ghana and other Gulf of Guinean countries as they apply.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

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

  • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned UNODC programmes/projects, etc., and specifically the GMCP; monitors and analyzes UNODC 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;
  • Researches, analyzes 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; supports training workshops, seminars, etc.;.
  • Participates in 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.).
  • Provides substantive support in the implement of project activities in line with the project document and the annual project work plan, in line with UN financial rules and regulations;
  • Monitors and keeps abreast of the Maritime crime trends in the West and Central Africa region with special focus on the Gulf of Guinea, and maintain an evidence based knowledge on the issues;
  • Contributes to the assessment of the needs of relevant Government entities and proposes recommendations on how to strengthen their capacities with the objective to address the issues of Maritime crime and support to legal reform in West Africa;
  • Provides support to the preparation of annual costed project work plans;
  • Provides inputs to the drafts of TORs, assists in the planning of consultancies and supports the consultants as required;
  • Supports the administrative and procurement components of the project
  • Assists in the coordination of project activities;
  • Liaises and ensures maximum collaboration with all concerned Government entities;
  • Assists in the preparation of financial reports and budget revisions in line with UNODC requirements;
  • Serve as leading person of UNODC field office in Ghana;
  •  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; 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.

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 or related field;
  • A minimum of five 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.

Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in national and/or international finance and administration, project management, or related area;
  • 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.

Language:

  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat;
  • For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.