Jobs - 109692- UNDOC National Project Officer

UNDOC National Project Officer

Location :

Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

27-Oct-22 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

8 months with possibility of extension

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

The Global Programme against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism (GPML) encourages anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism policy development, raises public awareness about the cross-cutting aspects of money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, contributes to the strengthening of governance measures and anti-corruption policies, and acts as a centre of expertise of anti-money laundering and, jointly with the Terrorism Prevention Branch, countering the financing of terrorism related matters.

The Programme is pivotal to UNODC’s mandate to prevent drug offences and other crimes in that it offers specialized services and tools to help Governments deal with an important component of action against crime with a view to removing the profits of such crime and providing a disincentive for committing them. The project adds to financial integrity and transparency with a view to contributing to the development of sound economic and financial environments in UN Member States, a prerequisite for generating long-term sustainable development and investment (SDG 16.4).

As a result of funding received to deliver projects on a range of threat finance issues in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania and North Macedonia, GPML anticipates a significant increase in workload in project management, back-stopping activities and reporting to the donors. These projects are to be delivered as part of the wider Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and respective Country Programmes. GPML and other substantive experts at HQ will provide support, advice and coordination of the projects. Support is required to delivery these AML/CFT projects including training material development and delivery, project management, and analysis of illicit financial flows, money laundering and financing of terrorism trends in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Serious Organised Crime Advisor/Head of UNODC Skopje Programme Office of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, UNODC GPML, and in coordination with the designated UNODC staff, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

Support the delivery of the CFT Training programmes in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania and North Macedonia, including coordination with the OSCE.
Support the development of training and scenario materials by GPML international expert trainers and local national ‘trained’ trainers.
Manage the deployment of experts on projects including cash smuggling, terrorist abuse of Virtual Assets, abuse of MVTS, AML/CFT case management and prosecution.
Support on going analysis of AML/CFT issues in the region including the abuse of MVTS and cross border cash flows.
Manage the delivery Support advocacy actions for a policy, educational, legal and community framework relating to AML/CFT; Draft media briefings, press releases, news events, inputs for the webpage;
Maintain constant liaison with all beneficiary agencies to ensure timely delivery of activities and provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects activities, tracking the use of financial resources;
Identify and establish linkages with key national counterparts, stakeholders and resource persons, as well as with bilateral and multilateral partners involved AML/CFT issues as are applicable;
Assist with coordination, monitoring and expedition of project activities including liaison with all stakeholder agencies to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, and highlight issues related to project implementation;
Support drafting of funding proposals for future AML/CFT projects.;
Draft presentations of information/data on specific project and related topics; highlight noteworthy issues/trends for stakeholders and HQ consideration;
Contribute to procurement of goods, services and other project inputs, preparing ToRs for experts, consultants, concept notes for meetings, training programmes, workshops, and other needed documents;
Collaborate closely with relevant Sections and Branches at UNODC;
Establish links with relevant UNODC projects, as well as with relevant external partners in those areas, including civil society organizations and non-UN organizations.

Participates in effective management of GPML’s projects in North Macedonia focusing on quality control from formulation to implementation of project activities, achieving the following results:

Deliver agreed outputs as per current and future extra budgetary grants.
Provide inputs to quarterly, semi-annual and annual narrative and financial reports for applicable grants;
Effective support to various planning instruments such as internal work plans; assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensuring completeness and accuracy of data submitted;
Effective implementation of the UNODC SOPs, effective monitoring of the project/s performance and timely production of result-oriented draft progress reports, and provision of regular inputs for donor reporting;
Prepare and analyse of project budget proposals including budget revisions, monitoring checklists, and coordination of submissions of work proposals and budget estimates;
Prepare contributions for implementing the Regional Programme and Country Offices’ communication and visibility plans.

Provides quality support services to the nationally implemented projects:

Initiate and maintain partnerships with development partners, government institutions, private sector, civil society and other stakeholders to contribute to the achievement of project results;
Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, prepare correspondence and communications related to all aspects of project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other implementation related issues with all stakeholders;
Encourage stakeholder buy-in and ownership in implementation of project activities through in-kind contribution.

Facilitation of knowledge building and management, producing and disseminating lesson learnt from designated projects and support to the promotion of cross-project, cross-unit knowledge fertilization:

Contributes to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Contribute to development of knowledge products under the project.

Ensure overall coordination of their work within the UNODC

Contribute to the work and team activities of the UNODC Regional and Country/Programme Offices and work in close cooperation with the staff thereof as well as designated Vienna HQ staff;
In all of the above, the Project Officer will support the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and will contribute to the relevant areas of its work, including in terms of provision of inputs for reporting, communication, advocacy, coordination and partnership.
Perform other tasks and assignments as necessary.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of project management/development, especially in the area of fighting organized crime, criminal justice, law enforcement, customs and rule of law. Has ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake research and gather information from standard sources. Has ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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; 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibit interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the 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; 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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, criminal justice, criminology, or related areas, is required.
A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

At least 2 years of relevant experience working with law enforcement, prosecution or judiciary in the field of financial investigation, combatting organised crime and/or terrorism is required.
Experience with relevant authorities focused on awareness-raising, capacity building, strategy and policy development, legislative assistance, international cooperation is desirable;
Experience in project management, delivery, and donor reporting is a desirable;
Experience in supporting the delivery of design, development of training activity, tools, materials, manuals or curricula with a focus on combatting organised crime and/or terrorism is desirable;
Work experience within an international organisation is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Macedonian, with excellent drafting and presentation skills.
Knowledge of local languages will be an asset.

Technical skills:

Excellent computer skills (especially Microsoft Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.
Possess a valid driving license and ability to operate/maintain motor vehicles.