Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Regional Office for the Andean Region and Southern Cone (ROCOL) with duty station in Bogotá, Colombia, Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Programme Officer (Alternative Development) will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer and the overall guidance of the Regional Representative of ROCOL.

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

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer (Alternative Development) will analyze political, social and economic trends and lead formulation, management and evaluation of programme activities within the area of alternative development. The incumbent will provide policy advice services in ROCOL and will perform a variety of programme and project duties being responsible but not limited to guide the identification, design, formulation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes/ projects, ensuring that they are properly implemented as well guaranteeing UNODC´s core principles of transparency, efficiency and quality in general. The incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

• Provide expertise in programme strategies that will enable, advise, consolidate, facilitate, plan and monitor the implementation of activities and their effectiveness, i.e. project strategy, management arrangements, results, etc.
• Provide advice, technical assistance, mentoring and generate different training tools in alternative development projects for the region, strengthening communications and relationships with the different counterparts.
• Coordinate and plan the management of human and financial resources, ensuring effective utilization, monitoring in development with programme goals.
• Evaluate and monitor the outcome of the planned activities and their progress towards the achievement of the project’s objective together with the counterparts’ objectives, monitoring progress and its impact.
• Compare the effectiveness across projects or programmes in contributing to sustainable improvements in livelihoods of farmers and addressing the issues of food insecurity.
• Analyze and identify different learning and training opportunities for staff and implementing partners in relation to alternative development.
• Coordinate, direct and supervise programmatic, administrative and technical tasks required for the operation of the programme/projects and teams, including planning and preparation of budgets, benchmarks and performance indicators, policy and operational objectives, budget and programme performance reporting, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, etc.; ensure the preparation of related documents/reports (work programme, programme budget, etc.) in a timely and efficient manner.
• Plan, develop and implement a resource mobilization strategy as marked in the programme; motivate the creation of alliances that promote long-term participation through financial, in-kind and resource support from donors, public and private sector to support the programme.
• Design, lead and structure programme planning and conduct assessments/situation analysis to develop an alternative development strategy for short, medium and long term interventions within the framework of UNODC programmes in coca growing areas in the region.
• Evaluate and facilitate communication, exchange of ideas, information and reporting to enhance mutual learning and programme impact. Keep abreast of national and global alternative development best practices and policy issues.
• Coordinate, supervise and analyze the development and execution of programmes/projects.
• Support, organize and participate in advocacy meetings, round-tables, training workshops and other meetings.
• Lead the development and management of databases with information on various aspects of alternative development and sustainable livelihood at national level, with the aim of monitoring and analysing developments and trends in alternative development and sustainable livelihood at the national levels.
• Liaise on substantive issues with counterparts, both in the Bogota and in the suboffices, officials of other organizations and specialized agencies.
• 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.
• Ensure that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the delivery of technical assistance in post-conflict settings. Has knowledge of the relevant mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and very good research and analytical skills. Has in-depth knowledge about the structural causes of poverty in the country as well as the challenges in the sustainable development area. Has knowledge of pro poor public policies, employment generation and other policies related to extreme poverty in the country, in particular vulnerable groups as indigenous, afro-descendants, displaced, women and others. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has good analytical, planning, and organizational skills. 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.

Planning and 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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or related field 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 seven (7) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in the design, development, monitoring and evaluation of projects is required.

Experience in alternative development or agricultural development is required.

Work experience in providing management advisory services is required.

Work experience in leading multicultural teams is required.

Work experience in a multidisciplinary environment 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 this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required. 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

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located.

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.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

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.

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.