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 information on UNODC, visit www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Firearms Expert – Forensic and Ballistics) will provide input and support to the Global Firearms Pro-gramme (GFP) in the formulation, development, implementation, coordination, backstopping and evaluation of assigned technical cooperation programmes/projects and activities, in particular those related to providing expertise in the field of firearms investigations, collection and use of firearms evidence, forensic analysis and forensic ballistics, as well as the development, management and maintenance of firearms and ballistic databases and record keeping systems. The incumbent will also monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation in assigned countries and regions (in particular Africa, MENA, Latin America and the Caribbean); review, prepare and/or ensure timely preparation and submission of relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties, counterparts and stakeholders; and identify and track follow-up actions. The incumbent will perform the following specific tasks: • Provide advice on the implementation of the Organized Crime Convention and its Fire-arms Protocol, in particular in the areas of ballistics and forensics, record keeping, marking, tracing, collection, management, and destruction of firearms, as well as criminalization, investigation and prosecution of organized crime and related firearms criminality. • Provide substantive support in the development/ adaptation of relevant technical assistance and training tools and materials, including on firearms and ammunition identification, ex-amination, evidence and forensic analysis tools, and related technical publications. • Provide advice and support to the final development, management and deployment of specialised firearms record keeping systems and software applications, such as the UNODC integrated firearms registry goIFAR, and their adaptation as appropriate, and continually monitor and assess emerging innovative solutions in relation to tools against firearms trafficking. • Act as focal point to liaise with UNODC’s IT department and with relevant other external partner organizations and institutions to ensure regular maintenance and update of the software and develop strategic partnerships. Participate in technical needs assessment missions to support the adaptation, rolling out and deployment of the goIFAR software application to requesting countries. • Organize and participate in workshops, seminars and training courses and conduct presentations as required, identify experts, provide advice on assigned topics/activities, in particular on the identification and examination of firearms, use of forensics and ballistics to support firearms investigation. • Promote and facilitate effective cooperation and sharing of information, good practices and activities at national, regional, and international level in the field of firearms control and organized crime and support regional and global networks of firearms and organized crime experts, such as through, inter alia, the GFP “Community of Practitioners” including where appropriate, through regular meetings and other forms of information exchange; • Design and undertake technical assistance and training needs assessments of criminal justice systems relating to all aspects of collection, preservation, analysis of firearms examination and evidence and crime scene investigation; and support the design and development of training curricula on all aspects of firearms forensic analysis; • Provide, prepare and draft reports, standard operating procedures (SoPs), guidelines and analysis on firearms evidence, forensic analysis and forensic ballistics. • Support national, regional and global data collection efforts and analysis on illicit trafficking in firearms, with a view to strengthening national capacities and producing periodic reports on illicit firearms trafficking and support the implementation and monitoring of Target 16.4 of the 2030 Development Agenda. • Review, monitor and analyze social, economic and political developments and trends in the assigned areas at the national, regional and/or global levels, on an ongoing basis. Collect and analyze data on firearms and organized crime, provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting; keep abreast of legislative and technological developments in this field. • Assist in the establishment of effective relationships and work collaboratively with national stakeholders and regional/international partners, in particular with National Commissions and Firearms Focal Points for firearms, Parliamentary committees, relevant ministries and entities, investigation and prosecution services, judiciary and customs services, as well as with civil society and private sector organizations. • Participate in the formulation, development, implementation, coordination, backstopping and evaluation of assigned technical cooperation programmes/projects and activities; monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation; review, prepare and/or ensure timely preparation and submission of relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties, counterparts and stakeholders; identify and track follow-up actions. • Prepare/draft a variety of written outputs, such as background and working papers, correspondence with governments, technical assessment and mission reports, analyses, briefings, presentations, policy proposals and documents, regular and ad hoc reports, studies, summary reports, manuals, guides, etc. and support advocacy and information sharing activities of the programme inter alia through regular contributions to the webpage and other in-formation sharing tools of the Global Firearms Programme (GFP). • Monitor financial resources, budgets, the expenditures and utilization of funds in the assigned areas of responsibility including programme/project segments; draft parts of or contribute to the preparation of the necessary programme, project and budget documents and reports, such as progress reports, work plans, programme budget, programme performance reports, etc., ensuring compliance with UN financial rules and regulations and reporting requirements. • Contribute to fund-raising in relation to assigned projects and programmes by preparing materials and supporting the organization of donor meetings and fund-raising missions; • Explain and clarify UNODC programme of work, policies and strategies in the assigned substantive/functional areas and/or regions to governments, civil society organizations, UN agencies, their officials and representatives as well as to the public in general. As requested, attend policy-making and technical meetings to liaise with counterparts and to monitor and analyze events and discussions. • Guide, mentor and support the work of the national programme officer(s), expert(s) and consultant(s), as well as junior staff members, UNVs and interns; liaise as appropriate with other field offices and relevant units at UNODC headquarters, relevant international and regional actors, national and non-governmental actors in order to facilitate project implementation and create synergies; guide. Support the mainstreaming of the gender component of the Global Firearms Programme activities. • Perform other work-related duties as may be required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of policies and practices in international crime prevention, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Knows and understands theories, concepts and approaches particularly relevant to crime prevention and combating transnational organized crime. Has knowledge of the areas on the prevention and combat of illicit firearms trafficking and its links to transnational organized crime, terrorism and related forms of crime, disarmament and related fields. Is aware of cross-cutting themes such as human rights, peace and development, and gender, inter alia. Has proven research and analytical skills. Demonstrates sound knowledge of different firearms and ammunition, their identification and examination, as well as related forensic and ballistic evidence acquisition, analysis and exploitation. Knows and understands the situation of illicit firearms trafficking and its criminal use, and its linkages to transnational organized crime, drugs trafficking, terrorism and other security threats. Has knowledge and understanding of the legislative and substantive aspects of preventing and combating transnational organized crime and the existing international legal regime on, in particular, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary Protocol against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition. Has knowledge of other relevant global and regional instruments, international standards, guidelines and best practices in firearms control. Knows concepts relevant to technical cooperation assistance and programme management. Has very good analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Has sound judgment skills. Analyses expeditiously substantive technical documentation and prepares comprehensive reports, summaries and policy briefs. 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 inter-prets 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: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropri-ate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contin-gencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time effi-ciently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law enforcement, criminal justice, natural or forensic sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics or related fields, crime scene technology, criminology or related disciplines 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.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience, in the field of law enforcement, crime scene investigation or related fields in a national law enforcement institution is required. Relevant experience in areas related to the firearms examination, collection and use of firearms evidence, forensic analysis and forensic ballistics, is required. Practical working experience in the implementation of preventive measures against illicit firearms manufacturing and trafficking, including in conceptualizing, implementing and contributing to the development of digital recordkeeping systems for firearms and ammunition and related tools and applications to support criminal investigations on illicit firearms is desirable. Practical experience in the design and delivery of technical assistance and/or policy support to other countries and law enforcement institutions, particularly in areas related to firearms control, forensics and ballistic examination and related informatic registries and tools, is desirable. Work experience in conducting field-based assessments of firearms and ammunition management, with a focus on preventive firearms control measures as well as criminal justice responses, including firearms forensic and ballistic examinations, and in supporting the development of national or regional action plans in this field is desirable. Experience in working with or implementing activities in developing countries in the field of firearms trafficking and related fields is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area 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 United Nations official language (preferably French, Spanish, or Arabic) is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for a period of 11 months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will 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. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Vienna is classified in the H category (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.