This position is for a Senior Programme Specialist (Trafficking in Persons) in the UNODC Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region (OGCCR) in Abu Dhabi.

The Senior Programme Specialist (Trafficking in Persons) will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the anti-trafficking in persons (TiP) programme portfolio of the office within the broader framework of UNODC’s Strategic Partnership with the GCC Countries. S/he will plan, design, coordinate, lead and provide substantive technical assistance and capacity-building, expertise and advice in the field of combating and preventing TiP, in close collaboration with national committees for combating TiP and other relevant partners across the six GCC countries.

The Senior Programme Specialist (Trafficking in Persons) will work under the direct supervision of the OGCCR Programme Management Management Officer and the overall guidance of the OGCCR Representative. S/he will also work in close coordination with the Programme, Project and Operations teams in OGCCR as well as relevant thematic branches and sections in Headquarters (HQ) and/or other Field Offices (FOs).

Summary of key functions:

1. Analytical, advisory and mentoring services
2. Technical assistance and capacity-building
3. Management of the anti-TiP programme portfolio
4. Liaison and partnerships
5. Knowledge building and sharing
6. Other related tasks

Provide analytical, advisory and mentoring services, with focus on achieving the following results:

• Keep abreast of substantive and operational developments in the field of TiP at national, regional and international levels.
• Plan and coordinate research into TiP-related developments in the GCC region; review, analyse and present studies, assessments and case digests.
• Advise national/GCC counterparts on the formulation of recommendations for the development and/or revision of evidence-informed policies and strategies on combating TiP.
• Advise and mentor national/GCC counterparts on the identification and development of action plans for the implementation of policies and strategies on combating TiP.
• Advise and mentor national/GCC counterparts on the alignment and integration of policies, strategies and action plans with international and regional instruments as well as best practices applicable to the prevention and fight against TiP.
• Advise and mentor national/GCC counterparts on the development/revision/update of monitoring and evaluation frameworks for policies and strategies on combating TiP.
• Advise and mentor national/GCC counterparts on the analysis and reporting of TiP-related data through national as well as international mandatory data reporting mechanisms.

Provide technical assistance and capacity-building, with focus on achieving the following results:

• Map and review existing technical capacity of multi-sector stakeholders in the six GCC countries in the field of preventing and combating TiP, lead and participate in complex technical-level missions to identify technical assistance and capacity-building needs; recommend actions to meet these needs and elaborate technical assistance proposals.
• Conceptualize, develop, revise and/or update training modules and materials on TiP, adapted to distinct target groups, skill levels and delivery modality (e.g., in person or online), tailored to identified capacity-building needs and aligned with international conventions, standards, norms and best practices, and coordinate substantive and technical inputs by UNODC and other experts.
• Develop, organize and lead the delivery of a broad range of capacity-building activities to targeted groups, including on the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution and adjudication of TiP crimes as well as victims’ protection and referral for assistance.
• Train and mentor core teams of trainers in the field of preventing and combating TiP at national/GCC level.
• Coordinate the selection and guide trainers/experts, personnel and consultants in the implementation of capacity-building activities.
• Ensure the dissemination of knowledge-based instruments, tools and publications on TiP.
• Provide expert advice and inputs to the development of guidelines, standard operating procedures and other evidence-based materials to promote and support victim-centered approaches to the fight against TiP.
• Provide expertise and technical support in the implementation of policies and strategies for combating and preventing TiP.
• Participate in international, regional and/or national meetings, workshops, conferences and other relevant activities on TiP-related matters and advocate for policy reforms.
• Facilitate regional and international cooperation and information exchange among GCC and other countries, including in operational, investigative, prosecutorial, judicial and repatriation matters in the field of combating and preventing TiP.
• Coordinate, participate in and carry out periodic assessments of the impact of anti-TiP technical assistance and capacity-building provided by OGCCR.
• Document good practices on preventing and combating TiP across GCC countries.

Oversee the management of the anti-TiP programme portfolio, with focus on achieving the following results:

• Formulate, develop, provide inputs and/or review concept notes, project proposals and project documents for technical cooperation with GCC countries in the field of preventing and combating TiP, in line with UNODC’s mandate and relevant strategies.
• Formulate, develop, provide inputs and/or review project workplans, budget segments as well as progress, performance and completion reports.
• Ensure timely and efficient project management, including project monitoring, reporting and evaluation, project and budget revisions as appropriate etc., applying quality management standards and a result-based approach.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of project staff and other personnel (i.e., national/international consultants/experts) on the anti-TiP programme portfolio of OGCCR.
• Ensure regular communication with all programme/project donors and ensure that both narrative and financial reporting obligations towards donors are fulfilled in a timely manner.
• Ensure coordination of project evaluations with the Independent Evaluation Section.
• Build synergies and ensure coordination of the anti-TiP programme portfolio in OGCCR with other relevant global, regional and national programmes and initiatives.
• Draft reports and position papers related to operational activities, and as necessary/required, provide inputs to OGCCR management to support decision-making.

Facilitate liaison and partnerships, with focus on achieving the following results:

• Map existing partnerships in the field of preventing and combating TiP across the GCC countries and with external (non-GCC) parties.
• Maintain regular working contacts and foster cooperation with existing partners.
• Identify new partnership opportunities, lead the development of a partnership-building strategy and engage in fundraising to further support the implementation and growth of the anti-TiP programme portfolio of the office.
• Review the development of partnership agreements and coordinate clearance processes.
• Liaise and coordinate with UNODC’s regional and global programmes and other partner entities to facilitate the exchange of good practices and networking.
• Supervise the development and implementation of a tailored communication and outreach strategy to promote the work of the office in the field of combating TiP across the region and beyond.

Facilitate knowledge building and sharing among UNODC staff and other personnel, with focus on achieving the following results:

• Participate in training courses and modules to keep abreast of new developments relating to the key functions of the Senior Programme Specialist (TiP).
• Capture and document lessons learnt during programme/project implementation.
• Contribute to the regular exchange of information, results and good practices with other project teams (in OGCCR, HQ and other FOs).
• Participate in networks and communities of practice to facilitate cross-learning.Perform other related tasks, with focus on achieving the following results:

Perform other related tasks, with focus on achieving the following results:

• Prepare a variety of written outputs, working papers, reports, background papers, analysis, presentations, proposals and documents, briefings, training materials, manuals, guides, toolkits, etc.
• Attend policy-making and expert group meetings to monitor, analyse and advise on substantive issues related to trafficking in persons.
• Provide regular reports to UNODC and relevant stakeholders on advancement of work, project implementation status and results.
• Ensure and improve cooperation and coordination with other UN agencies and partner entities, as well as integration and reporting of the country-level projects and activities within the relevant UN sustainable development cooperation frameworks (UNSDCFs) between the UN and the GCC governments.
• Participate in relevant UN Country Teams as requested by and on behalf of the UNODC Representative for the GCC Region.
• Perform other duties as required by the UNODC Representative for the GCC Region.

Key results include:

• Organizes and delivers specialized capacity-building and technical assistance for national and regional stakeholders.
• Effectively disseminates best practices and methodologies.
• Provides well researched and sound analysis and advice on TiP-related developments.
• Ensures that the programme outputs meet high-quality standards, that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data.
• Ensures efficient use of resources.
• Serves as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and forms strong partnerships with relevant parties.
• Effectively enhances Member States’ capacities to prevent, suppress and punish TiP in accordance with applicable international legal instruments and best practices.

The key results have an impact on the overall performance of UNODC OGCCR and the successful implementation of the anti-TiP programme portfolio of the office within the broader framework of UNODC’s Strategic Partnership with the GCC Countries.

• Demonstrate commitment to UNODC’s mission, vision and values.
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, policies and sound practices relevant to combating trafficking in persons as well as related issues such as crime prevention and criminal justice reform.
• Ability to conduct data collection using various methods and has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct needs assessment in the relevant fields.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, to plan own work and to manage conflicting priorities.
• Proven ability to contribute to complex technical assistance programmes, to provide expert advice in the subject matter, deliver presentations and training and mobilize external partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of United Nations policies, rules and regulations, guidelines and procedures.
• 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; 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

• Demonstrates strong coordination and organizational skills.
• 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.

Communication and Outreach

• Good communication skills both in writing and oral including networking and interpersonal skills and information-sharing: 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.
• Proven ability to persuade and influence others to cooperate.

Client Orientation and Partnership

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and establishes and sustains productive and effective partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.
• Identifies clients’ needs and researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion.
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems.
• Proven ability to build strong relations with partners, clients for positive feedback.
• Ability to undertake and apply gender analysis to ensure gender equitable solutions.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and 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.

Judgment/Decision-making 

• Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, analyzes and participates in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Gathers relevant information before making a decision.
• Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them.
• Proposes a course of action based on all available information.
• Checks assumptions against facts.