Representative, P5 at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

The Representative will head the Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA). Within delegated authority, the Representative is responsible for the effective implementation of UNODC programmes and activities in the designated region in supporting Member States’ capacities to deal effectively with issues related to drug control, crime prevention, countering corruption and terrorism prevention, i.e. UNODC’s core mandated areas. The incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the efficient management of all human and financial resources allocated to the programmes and the office, as well as for ensuring outputs of a high-quality standard.

The incumbent is also a member of the relevant United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) in the region, under the strategic guidance and coordination of the Regional UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRCs), and member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) Regional Team wherever applicable, and as such will work closely with them.

As member of the local Security Management Team (SMT) the incumbent supports and advises the local Designated Official (DO) in all security management related matters.

In particular, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

• Advocacy
• Effectively lead and manage the UNODC Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA). Ensure effective implementation of UNODC Programmes and activities in the region in supporting Member States´ capacities to deal effectively with issues related to drug control, crime prevention, countering corruption and terrorism prevention.
• Oversee the successful implementation of UNODC programming in the region in close consultation with the Programme Coordinators, assure the effective functioning of the programmes and take the responsibility of operational oversight for the coordination of activities.
• Provide advice to governments in the assigned region on the development of national long term capacity-building in drug control and crime prevention, in order to promote adherence to and ensure consistency with the terms of the United Nations conventions, drug control treaties, the Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and Corruption (UNCAC) and the international instruments to counter terrorism, as well as with the goals and objectives of the 20th Special Session of the General Assembly.
• Represent UNODC’s position and interests in the assigned region in several fora, and promote solid partnerships with government authorities, institutions, civil society, regional and international aid agencies and financial institutions, parliamentarians and the media.
• Assist the governments in the assessment of planning, design and management of response policy measures, in particular developing and proposing national as well as regional cooperation strategies.
• Promote a better understanding of the importance of drug and crime related matters, encourage increased priority attention to all aspects of preventing and combatting drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. and advocate the inclusion of these issues in government planning documents as well as in relevant programmes of other bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental organizations.
• Advise DO management on dynamics in the region related to or resulting from the UN Development System Reform and 2030 Agenda based on close interaction with other UNODC Field Offices, and HQ divisions.
• Programme development & Resource Mobilization
• Contribute towards UN-wide strategic planning and cooperation in the field, in particular with the UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) and the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). Ensure that drugs/crime related issues are embedded in key UN programmatic instruments such as the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Formulate programmes of technical assistance for the region, in order to ensure effective technical cooperation facilitated by improved planning.
• Explore opportunities to grow the ROEA programme portfolio (and respective components) in line with UNODC strategy and governments’ requests, increase programme of work, develop proposals and oversee their implementation.
• Support the DO senior management, in the development of new partnerships for field-based services to Member States and the joint resource mobilization for new activities.
• Ensure that a resource mobilization strategy remains in place that promotes long-term involvement and financial and in-kind support and resources by government, international, public and private sector donors to the work of UNODC for the core infrastructure and technical assistance programme of UNODC in the region; At the same time engage in joint resource mobilization efforts with the UNCT and in line with the UNDSDF budget.
• Maintain regular consultations with counterparts and ensure that donor funding agreements are honoured in a timely manner.
• Programme implementation
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate the overall progress of ongoing activities in the region in order to ensure the effective project/progamme delivery and use of funds as well as consistency, substantively, technically and financially with the objectives set forth in the programming tools.
• In the project cycle management, approve directly project documents in conformity with respective UNODC Management Instructions (MI), intervene when difficulties arise, take remedial actions as required and identify appropriate solutions.
• Manage corresponding budget and programme resources.
• Lead the Regional Office’s work in relation to Enterprise Risk Management.
• Ensure integrity and timely substantive and financial reporting.
• Ensure integration of human rights and gender system-wide policies in planning and delivery of assistance.
• Keep UNODC headquarters informed of the progress being made.
• Ensure the effective communication of UNODC's work and its impact in the region.
• Office management
  • In accordance with established policies and delegated authority, manage the financial and human resources assigned to the Regional Office and sub-offices (Programme Offices) under the incumbent’s supervision, ensuring appropriate coverage, guidance and supervision of staff and efficient and effective use of such resources.
  • Manage, lead, guide and mentor staff under her/his responsibility. This includes promoting their professional development and creating a work environment which fosters civility and respect among staff.
  • As member of the local Security Management Team (SMT), and as outlined in the "Handbook for United Nations Designated Officials for Security", support and advise the local Designated Official in all security management related matters. The UNODC Representative is accountable to the Secretary General through the UNODC Executive Director.
  • Be responsible for the implementation of local security management decisions taken by the Designated Official and SMT and appropriate security and safety measures and arrangements for UNODC staff, personnel, eligible family members, as well as for all UNODC premises and operations in the region, in coordination with the local UNDSS security officials, and with advice from the UNODC Focal Point for Field Security at Headquarters Vienna, as appropriate.
• Perform other work-related duties as may be required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the control and prevention of crime, corruption, drug and/or terrorism related issues. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as of the mandates, major developments and challenges in functional and substantive areas covered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has professional competence in technical assistance issues, programme development and execution. Has knowledge of UN rules and regulations and proven ability of administrative/financial and human resources management. Has demonstrated ability to provide effective specialized advice in a broad range of development assistance issues and to negotiate and resolve politically sensitive issues/problems with governments and cooperating institutions. Has excellent networking, resource mobilization and coordination skills. Has sensitivity to political issues and adaptability to the local environment, hardship and emergency/security situations. Has ability to ensure adequate preparation of reports and papers on technical issues as well as rationale with respect to key technical assistance decisions. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law, public administration, political or social sciences, international relations or similar field of study related to the UNODC mandates 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 ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience in a development-related area with increasing responsibilities and excellent performance record in programme management and international relations is required.
• Experience in international technical assistance programme management in one or several of the following areas of UNODC’s mandates is required: drug control, crime prevention, criminal justice, countering corruption, drug prevention and health matters such as the prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation of drug use disorders, the prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS health or drug use/HIV prevention and treatment and/or terrorism prevention related issues.
• Several years of direct, hands-on experience in coordinating and leading the implementation of programmes and projects at the field level is required.
• Experience in ensuring and in being accountable for the correct application of rules and regulations in a large international organization or governmental institution, non-governmental organization/civil-based organization or similar is required.
• Proven experience in managing administrative/financial and human resources is required.
• Work experience with the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large and diverse teams operating at different locations, covering a wide range of substantive, programmatic and programme support functions is desirable.
• Experience with demonstrated results in negotiation and resource mobilization of development cooperation programmes is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment

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