Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Gambia (POGMB) with duty station in Banjul, and operates under the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) in Dakar, Senegal, Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Regional Representative for ROSEN and the direct supervision of the Senior Law Enforcement Expert at ROSEN. The incumbent will work in close cooperation with the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer of the Justice team and the Regional Advisor, Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) at ROSEN as well as relevant Sections at UNODC headquarters. The Network of West African Central Authorities and Prosecutors against Organized Crime, hereinafter referred to as WACAP, is an informal network of central authorities and prosecutors that has as an objective to foster regional and international cooperation to fight organized crime. Through regular meetings and training programmes, the Network provides for opportunities among its members to facilitate such cooperation. UNODC provides coordination and technical direction to the Network.

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

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

• Provide substantive and technical expertise for the development and implementation of activities aiming to support the criminal justice and prison reform process in The Gambia and strengthen law enforcement and judicial mechanisms for the prevention of serious crimes and money laundering and any other relevant activities.

• Support the planning, implementation, management, and monitoring of project activities; coordinate and liaise with The Gambian law enforcement and justice sector institutions including the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Finance; the Judiciary; Prison authorities and officials; prosecutors and judges; the Police, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); other UN agencies; donors and other stakeholders.

• Contribute to planning, coordinating and solving of operational issues; prepare budget revisions and prepare reports on programme implementation for the UNODC ROSEN Regional Representative and officers, UNODC HQ and the donor(s).

• Identify technical assistance needs for capacity building for criminal justice officers and the law enforcement sector.

• Guide and orient the efforts and contributions of consultants, programme personnel, donors, institutions and the Gambian Government towards the achievement of the project’s objectives.

• Prepare and disseminate work-plans, terms of reference, and other project-related documentation.

• Prepare terms of references for national and international consultants/experts and propose possible candidates and coordinate the work of the national/international consultants/experts in the country.

• Ensure that operations, finance management, procurements, logistics, liaison and communication activities assigned to the project are conducted according to UNODC standards and procedures.

• Organize and implement training courses, seminars, working groups, workshops and study tours, ensure timely selection of candidates and submission for reports from participants upon completion of the related activities.

• Monitor progress of project implementation and prepare related reports.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including resident donor agencies and UNCT, also on the identification and follow-up on funding opportunities.

• Enhance the collaboration with other international, bi-lateral and non-governmental organizations active in the area of criminal justice and prison reform.

• Promote the use of UNODC manuals, handbooks, guides and criminal justice related standards and norms.

• Support the programming and delivery of technical assistance activities of the WACAP at the national, sub-regional and regional level.

• Assist in the design of proposals for funding of the network.

• Draft reports on the activities and finances of the Network.

• Contribute to the development of policies and institutions that will address the country level problems and needs in collaboration with the Government(s) and other strategic partners.

• Support the capacity building process for national governmental and non-governmental institutions in the criminal justice area.

• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

• Perform other work-related tasks as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to criminal justice, judicial reform, law enforcement and/or related fields. Has substantive knowledge of the work and mandates of UNODC. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international crime prevention and criminal justice. Has very good research, evaluative and analytical skills. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues and has good coordination skills. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

• 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

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminal justice, criminology, law, political science, international relations or other relevant discipline 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional, progressively responsible experience in programme management, criminal justice, judicial reform, law enforcement, contract management and/or partnership networking is required.

Work experience in programme development in the area of criminal justice, judicial reform and/or law enforcement is desirable.

Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.

Work experience with counterparts in the field 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 post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This temporary position is available for four 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 from 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.

Banjul is classified in the B 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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

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 follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.