Jobs - 96166- National Programme Officer (Prison Reform)

National Programme Officer (Prison Reform)

Location :

Baghdad, IRAQ

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

19-Jan-21 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-10

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year (renewable upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds)

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Within the Regional Programme for the Arab States to Prevent and Combat Crime, Terrorism and Health Threats, and to Strengthen Criminal Justice Systems, in Line with International Human Rights Standards (2016-2021), and under the overall guidance of the Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) and the substantive guidance of the Justice Section of UNODC HQ, the Programme Office in Iraq is delivering technical assistance related to furthering criminal justice reform, including prison reform, at the national level. The 2030 Agenda helps UNODC to locate and communicate what it does in the larger context of national and global priorities on sustainable development. UNODC, therefore, provides meaningful support in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the application of a results-based approach in programme management.

The incumbent of this position will assist in the implementation of technical assistance activities focusing on promoting the practical application of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). This technical assistance will be administered under the Global Prison Challenges Programme (GLOZ85). The incumbent will report to the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (P-3), UNODC Programme Office in Iraq and the Head of UNODC Programme Office in Iraq and under the overall supervisor of the Regional representative and deputy regional representative of ROMENA. UNODC HQ staff will further provide substantive guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific tasks to be performed by the National Programme Officer:

Within delegated authority, support the implementation of UNODC technical assistance aimed at promoting prison reform in Iraq:

Assist in reviewing, monitoring and analyzing, on an ongoing basis, social, economic and/or political developments and trends which are relevant to prison management in general, and to preventing and countering violent extremism in prisons, in particular;
Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of activities in the country, including by supporting needs assessment, programming and other technical missions to the country and by organizing a variety of technical assistance activities aimed at promoting prison reform and preventing radicalization to violence in prisons;
Assist in ensuring close coordination and partnerships with national stakeholders and donors, including by attending policy-making and technical meetings, as required; clarify UNODC’s work in the field of prison reform and of addressing violent extremism in prisons to (non-)governmental counterparts, as requested;
Prepare and maintain a country-specific and tailored work and monitoring plan, draft related reports on project achievements at the levels of activities, outputs and objectives in line with UNODC and donor-related reporting requirements, and prepare other written outputs, such as official correspondence, briefings and presentations;
Assist the Program Coordinator in preparing budgets, monitor and report on the expenditures and the utilization of financial resources and make required amendments in the delivery of technical assistance;
Provide substantive support for the development of relevant technical and training materials, tools and capacity-building packages, participate in national workshops, seminars and training courses for prison staff and other relevant stakeholders, and deliver presentations, as required;
Contribute to drafting and presentation of new project proposals, concept notes and positively contribute to UNODC fundraising efforts, as required;
Assist in preparing terms of reference, for sub-contractors to ensure qualitative and objective procurement of services;
Assist in overseeing all financial and administrative processes to ensure timely completion and compliance with UN rules and regulations;
Carry out any other assignments as required.

Note: This post is of a regional nature and requires frequent travel, including to conflict and post-conflict countries.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Sound knowledge of project management, including financial management, strategic planning, monitoring and reporting. Good knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to criminal justice in general and prison reform in particular. Good knowledge of the mandates, priorities and operational modalities of UNODC’s crime prevention and criminal justice efforts. Good analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues; sound judgment and political sensibility.

Communication:

Effective communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills. Ability to prepare, consolidate inputs and finalize programmatic reports, project documents and other relevant materials.

Planning and organizing:

Ability to plan own work, manage conflicting priorities and to use time efficiently. Ability to organize and implement activities and outputs. Ability to maintain focus and pay attention to the necessary details.

Accountability:

Reliability and a high level of commitment to timely delivery of a heavy volume of high-quality outputs and to achieving organizational goals. Strong sense of responsibility and result orientation.

Client orientation:

Ability to identify clients’ needs and develop appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnership with clients.

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Experience:

Advanced University degree in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Criminology or relevant social or political areas 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, criminal investigation, law enforcement, border management, border working techniques and/or other related areas, in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
Five years of relevant professional work experience in project management is required;
Familiarity with the modalities of cooperation with civil society and NGOs is required;
Experience in the field of criminal justice and/or prison reform is required;
Relevant working experience in providing technical assistance to governments in the Arab region is desirable;
Work experience with the United Nations or similar international organisations is desirable;
Work experience with ERP financial management system is desirable.

Other desirable skills:

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages; experience in handling web-based management systems is required.

Language Requirements:

Excellent written and oral English, and Arabic language skills are required.

Note:

- Open for Iraqi Nationals only.
- The shortlisted candidates only will be informed of the next steps of the recruitment process.