Programme Management Officer at United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Responsibilities

The main focus of this position is to support the regional Representative in his/her overall representation functions and related resources as well as in political, policy, programme management, coordination, planning, implementation, strategic communication, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation of projects, activities and initiatives implemented under the Strategic Vision for Africa. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Coordinate and advise the regional Representative on political, policy, managerial, operational and programmatic matters in relation to both human and financial resources, as well for the development and implementation of all projects, activities and initiative implemented in the region.
• Provide, as assigned by the regional Representative, guidance and substantive and management support to thematic leads, streamline cross-UNODC implementation and stimulate synergies between projects, activities and initiatives.
• Provide and convey guidance on project development and management, technical advice to project coordinators and activity leads, in line with policies and decision taken by the regional Representative.
• Oversee the production of financial and substantive, reports, management instructions and act as quality assurance focal point for the Regional Office, including the development of standardized reporting templates and management indicators to inform the Regional Representative for the policy and decision-making processes.
• Monitor and oversee contribution and funding agreements and liaise, as needed, with the UNODC Co-financing and Partnership Section and relevant donors/stakeholders.
• Participate and represent UNODC, as delegated, to joint UN coordination mechanisms, national coordination platform or events and diplomatic community coordination fora.
• Keep abreast of national, regional and continental political development, policy shift, trends and emerging issues pertaining to UNODC's mandate and brief the regional Representative as relevance and need arises.
• Stimulate, support and structure all communication and advocacy efforts across substantive pillars and those of the Office of the regional Representative to ensure quality assurance and content alignment.
• Undertake field missions, as required, in the region and globally to support implementation, evaluation, resource mobilization and advocacy efforts of the Regional Office, including attendance to Sessions of UNODC Governing Bodies (Missions will include Somalia where the incumbent will be required to undertake "Safer and Secure Access to Field Environment (SSAFE)" training).
• Support the regional Representative's meetings and missions: i. Coordinate the preparation of extensive briefing materials and mission files, ensuring the materials from pillars are submitted in a timely manner and are of high quality. ii. Finalize all addresses and statements to be delivered. iii. Guide the regional Representative's administrative team on all logistical preparations for mission travel, in cooperation with relevant substantive colleagues iv. Assist in follow-up actions arising from meetings and missions.
• Support the regional Representative in keeping close contacts with governments, delegations, senior UN officials of the UN system organizations, Civil Society Organization and regional private sector stakeholders.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of all meeting and mission materials, including supporting documents such as briefing notes, office portfolio snapshots, etc..
• Support the recruitment of staff and supervise staff assigned in the Office of the Regional Representative.
• Perform any other work-related duties as assigned by the Regional Representative.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime, drug and/or terrorism prevention related issues. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as the mandates, major developments and challenges in functional and substantive areas covered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Is able to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Is able to apply good judgment in the context of the assignments given. Has basic knowledge of the institutions of the United Nations system. Has good presentation, programme coordination and diplomatic skills. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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 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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international relations, law, political science, public administration 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 of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience including political affairs, strategic communication and programme management is required.
• Work experience in crime prevention, drug control or a related field is required.
• Work experience in political affairs, strategic communications is required.
• Work experience in technical assistance, strategic programme/project management and administration is required.
• Proven experience to negotiate and build partnerships for technical cooperation is desirable.
• Experience in field-based programme implementation is desirable.
• Work experience in the African context and with counterparts is desirable.
• Work experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.