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.

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

• Thorough one-week missions will be deployed in at least 11 countries. The focus of the missions will be on infrastructure and disciplines of forensic services available, equipment and training needs, etc. A list of priority forensic disciplines may be established as well if it is felt that the project would need to go beyond drug-related forensic analysis;
• Identification of areas for support and interventions within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned.

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:

• Feasibility of forensic examinations assessed and advocacy measures implemented to ensure quality, access and plurality of forensic services;
• Number of study tours successfully organized and number of international experts participating to events organized in West Africa.

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

• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to programme country policy goals;
• Support to development of policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on programme issues.

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.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the success of country programme within specific areas of cooperation. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities and creation of strategic partnerships.

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.          

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in forensic sciences or a related subject area;
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (4 years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in government or private sector positions related to forensics, preferably including at least two years at the international level, or the equivalent combination of relevant education and experience preferably in areas related to drug control and crime prevention;
• Proven ability to work independently in a multi-cultural environment;
• knowledge and practical experience of UN programme policies, guidelines and procedures an advantage;
• Previous experience in a UN field mission and/or in West Africa is desirable.

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.