Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Firearms Trafficking Section (FTS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and technical guidance of the designated Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section.

For more information on UNODC, please visit the website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

The focus of this position is to provide support to the work of the Firearms Trafficking Section and its Global Firearms Programme (GFP), aimed at countering the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, and related forms of transnational organized crime, through the ratification and implementation of the Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components, and Ammunition (Firearms Protocol) supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (Organized Crime Convention), with a specific focus on the Section´s intergovernmental, normative and legislative work. Within assigned authority, the Associate Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer will be responsible for the following specific tasks:
• Contribute to the Section’s participation in intergovernmental and normative process-es, using multilingualism in French and Spanish speaking countries, including by providing administrative and substantive support, preparing technical and program-matic reports, annotated agendas, background documents and other parliamentary documents, briefing materials and other outcome-documents and servicing to the Conference of Parties to the Organized Crime Convention and its Working Group on Firearms, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the Commission on Crime Pre-vention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), General Assembly (GA), Security Council (SC) and other legislative and technical bodies and their subsidiary bodies, and support related reporting obligations.
• Provide substantive inputs on matters related to the ratification and implementation of the Firearms Protocol, monitor and promote governments’ accession to, implementa-tion of and compliance with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Or-ganized Crime (UNTOC) and the Firearms Protocol. Compile background information and documentation on the accession and implementation of UNTOC and the Firearms Protocol and related international treaties and conventions and related resolutions.
• Contribute to the drafts and/or coordinate timely preparation and submission of rele-vant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and pro-pose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties, counterparts and stakeholders; identify and track follow-up actions.
• Provide substantive support to the UNTOC Review mechanism: Carry out research and studies on legal matters pertaining to the implementation of the Firearms Protocol; Study and analyse the responses to the self-assessment questionnaires of UNTOC and the Firearms Protocol and relevant legislation; closely follow and assist States parties, upon request, in the information gathering process through the self-assessment ques-tionnaires and in the conduct of the review process with particular focus on the Fire-arms Protocol, for example, preparing a general report on trends and patterns of the implementation of the Firearms Protocol.. Organize and prepare written outputs of country reviews, i.e., support to State parties in the preparation of their lists of obser-vations and preparation of summaries to be considered in the framework of the Work-ing Group on Firearms of the Conference.
• Support the legislative assistance work of the Section: Contribute to the review of rel-evant national legislation, as well as other relevant legal documents, instruments or material, support the preparation of legislative assessment and gap analysis reports, identify important issues, similarities and inconsistencies between national firearms legislations and international norms and standards, and provide legal advice on related leal matters, support the section in the delivery of legislative advisory services and le-gal drafting support to countries; assist in the organization and/or delivery of a variety of other specialized services for governments to support the formulation and drafting of national strategies, action plans, laws and regulations to fully implement and com-ply with the international legal regime on organized crime and arms control, in particu-lar, UNTOC and the Firearms Protocol.
• Support the GFP “Community of Practitioners” to promote effective cooperation and sharing of information and good practices among communities of firearms and orga-nized crime practitioners, by ensuring the regular maintenance and running of its online platform, drafting newsletters, contributing to and participating in webinars, online and in-person meetings and other practical initiatives. Support the finalization and launch of the UNODC Digest of Illustrative Firearms Cases, and related follow-up actions, such as ongoing case collection and analysis and supporting the periodic updating of the Digest.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using da-ta visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Contribute to the Section’s reporting obligations, in particular, those related to policy and interagency work, and to the preparation of a variety of written outputs, such as background papers, correspondence with governments, working papers, mission re-ports, technical analysis, briefings, presentations, policy and project proposals and documents, regular and ad hoc reports, studies, summary reports, technical manuals, guides, etc. Support advocacy and information sharing activities inter alia through regular contributions to webpage and other information sharing tools of the Global Firearms Programme (GFP).
• Support Section’s efforts in conceptualizing and mainstreaming human rights consid-erations in the context of firearms and support the mainstreaming of the gender com-ponent of the Global Firearms Programme activities.
• Undertake advocacy and outreach activities; participate and assist in the development, organization, coordination and preparation of awareness raising activities, workshops, seminars, training courses and special events; participate in and make presentations on assigned topics/activities. Contribute to the development of relevant legal, technical and training materials, tools and capacity building packages. Explain and clarify UNODC’s work on firearms to governments, civil society organizations, academia, UN agencies, their officials and representatives as well as to the public in general.
• Perform other work-related duties as may be required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject mat-ter; has knowledge of policies and practices in international crime prevention, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in particular has substantive knowledge of UNTOC, the Firearms Protocol and related conventional arms control instruments; has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches particularly relevant to firearms control, crime prevention and combating transnational organized crime; is aware of cross-cutting themes such as human rights, peace and development, and gender inter alia. Has proven legal research and analytical skills; Has a very good understanding of the problems related to firearms trafficking and its links to transnational organized crime and terrorism, inter alia, including new trends and modalities in this field, and of related criminal justice responses; has a solid knowledge of criminal justice systems and criminal procedures in different countries and regions; Is able to interpret, develop and present results and formulate conclu-sions, recommendations and opinions clearly and concisely. Is able to evaluate, identi-fy and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various re-search methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intra-net and other databases. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of deci-sion-making and convey resulting information to management; shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observ-ing 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strate-gies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allo-cates 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

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P). Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience at the international level, related to crime prevention and criminal justice, legal affairs, international relations, including relevant experience in supporting the servicing of intergovernmental meetings dealing with organized crime and crime prevention and criminal justice matters, including the drafting of pre- or in-session reports and documents OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination/ the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.

Experience in supporting legislative assistance and advisory services in the field of firearms control related criminal law matters is desirable.

Experience in conducting assessments of firearms and ammunition control regimes with a focus on criminal justice responses, and in supporting the development of national or regional action plans in this field is desirable.

Experience as criminal justice practitioner, such as prosecutor, investigator, legal counsel or magistrate, is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Experience in conceptualizing, implementing or contributing to the development and maintenance of digital knowledge management portals is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language (preferably French or Spanish) is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview.

Special Notice

This temporary position is currently available for a period of six months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary
job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Vienna is classified as a H and family duty station.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.