Background

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, including terrorism. It is a leading provider of specialized assistance to Governments for addressing the legal, criminal justice and rule of law aspects of counter narcotics, crime prevention and counter-terrorism. It operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.

The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, based in Bangkok, seeks to recruit a National Programme Officer (NPO), based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, who will support the implementation of activities in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in the area of countering transnational organized crime.

Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, the incumbent will perform his/her duty under the direct supervision of Law Enforcement Adviser in Suva, as his/her first reporting officer, and the guidance of the Officer in Charge of the UNODC Programme Office in Fiji as his/her second reporting officer. The NPO will also receive and act on requests for assistance from other UNODC initiatives having activities in wider Micronesia and the whole Pacific region as well.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will fulfill the functions of National Project Officer (Organized Crime) for UNODC activities in Micronesia and the wider Pacific region and provide support, as needed, to other initiatives implemented in other Pacific Islands. More specifically, the incumbent will fulfill the following tasks:

• Support UNODC Management liaising with, and mobilizing, the relevant local authorities in Micronesia and other Pacific Islands to maintain and expand the partnerships with UNODC and to ensure their contribution/engagement towards related projects;
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, management and delivery of research and technical assistance activities in the areas of transnational organized crime in line with the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols, and in close collaboration with the local counterparts (government, private sector and civil society);
• Support the conducting of regular dialogues and discussions with the local authorities and direct beneficiaries of projects to integrate feedback into future UNODC activities and to identify new possible areas of collaboration;
• Participate in needs assessment missions and in substantive discussions with the local authorities, and contribute to the drafting of mission reports, as well as the development of technical assistance proposals;
• Keep abreast with latest national and local developments in Pacific Islands in relation to transnational organized crime;
• Contribute to a visible and identifiable UNODC presence in Micronesia, including by representing UNODC at relevant local/national events;
• Organize conferences, meetings, seminars, training and workshops primarily in Pohnpei, but also elsewhere in the Pacific region, and travel to the events' location if needed;
• Prepare terms of reference/requirements for sub-contractors and vendors to ensure qualitative and objective procurement of services, and support the identification of suppliers and their contracting;
• Assist in initiating and finalizing budget revisions, work plans, inventory lists, notes to the file, etc. to facilitate implementation and monitoring of activities;
• Provide support to UNODC initiatives on aspects related to expenditures and the preparation of payment requests in UNODC administrative systems;
• Contribute to developing a filing system for the project, and maintain filing accordingly;
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches of different manifestations of transnational organized crime. Has knowledge of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, and the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has good research and analytical skills. Is able to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Is able to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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 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.

Planning, organizing and managing performance: 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