Programme Officer (Penal and Prison Reform), P3 at United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

The Programme Officer (Penal and Prison Reform) will work under the overall guidance of the respective UNODC Regional -, Country Representative or Head of Programme Office and the direct supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer in CPCJS or field-based criminal justice leads in the respective Regional, Country or Programme Office. The Inter-regional Advisor and Team Leader for Penal and Prison Reform in CPCJS will provide substantive guidance and will serve as additional reporting officer. The incumbent will closely collaborate with relevant Regional Sections, other substantive units at UNODC headquarters as well as other relevant field offices.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the coordination and implementation of UNODC projects or project activities in the field of penal and prison reform. S/he will also generate synergies with other penal and prison reform related technical assistance in the region. The incumbent will perform the following specific tasks:

• Participate in the formulation, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of project activities, including by supporting needs assessment, programming and other technical missions.
• Organize a variety of technical assistance activities aimed at reducing the resort to imprisonment, strengthening prison management and improving prison conditions and at enhancing the social reintegration prospect of offenders in line with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures (the Tokyo Rules).
• Prepare and maintain country-specific and tailored work and monitoring plans, draft related reports on project achievements at the levels of activities, outputs, outcomes and objectives in line with UNODC and donor-related reporting requirements, and prepare other written outputs, such as official correspondence, briefings and presentations.
• Provide substantive support to the development of relevant technical and training materials, tools and capacity-building packages, participate in national workshops, seminars and training courses for prison or probation officers and other relevant stakeholders, and deliver presentations, as required, in line with UNODC’s technical guidance material on penal and prison reform.
• Prepare budgets, monitor and report on the expenditures and the utilization of financial resources under the project and draft or contribute to financial progress reports, ensuring compliance with United Nations financial rules and regulations as well as applicable reporting requirements.
• Provide substantive support to the recruitment and supervision of international and national consultants and/or other project personnel, the provision of grants to civil society organizations and the implementation of activities related to procurement and infrastructure support in full compliance with relevant United Nations rules and regulations.
• Establish an effective and transparent partnership with relevant parties at national level, in particular prison and probation services, as appliable, and other national stakeholders that are engaged in the field of penal and prison reform. Identify and track follow-up actions.
• 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.
• 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. Undertake survey initiatives, contribute to the design of data collection tools, review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.
• Provide substantive inputs and/or contribute to the preparation of substantive and programmatic reports to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the General Assembly (GA) and other legislative and technical bodies as well as their subsidiary bodies.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UNODC mandates, in particular prison and penal reform, including corresponding practical challenges. Is familiar with international standards and norms applicable to prison management, in particular the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas related to the above thematic areas with very good research and analytical skills. Has proven project management skills and expertise in the implementation of technical assistance projects, preferably in the context of the United Nations or other international organizations, as well as knowledge of management processes, including but not limited to the preparation of narrative and financial project documents. Has sound judgment and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues and to address sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner. Has a broad understanding of the situation in developing, transitional or post-conflict countries. Has good training skills, including the delivery and/or organization of workshops or training courses. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Is able to analyse expeditiously extensive substantive documentation and prepare 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, economics, international relations, law, 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 five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice is required.
• Work experience at the national or international level in the field of penal or prison reform is required.
• Work experience in project management and implementation is required.
• Experience in fostering the practical application of the United Nations standards and norms related to prison and offender management is desirable.
• Work experience in the United Nations system and/or in an international organization is desirable.
• Work experience in delivering workshops/training courses for criminal justice officials, including prison and/or probation officers, is desirable.