Background The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is the main UN agency in the fight against illicit drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism in virtue of the UN Conventions and Universal Instruments. The UNODC Regional Office for South Asia (UNODC ROSA), located in New Delhi (India), covers six countries of the region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Under its Regional Programme for South Asia for 2024-2028, UNODC is delivering technical assistance to South Asia under the following five sub-programmes: (1) addressing and countering the world drug problem; (2) preventing and countering organized crime; (3) preventing and countering corruption and economic crime; (4) preventing and countering terrorism; and (5) crime prevention and criminal justice.
In order to expand programming in the Sub-Programmes 1, 2 and 5, UNODC ROSA seeks to hire the services of a Programme Officer (Maritime Crime), as part of activities planned under UNODC’s Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) Indian Ocean East (IOE).
Job Purpose and Organizational Context The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the UNODC GMCP Regional Programme Coordinator, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and close coordination with the UNODC Deputy Representative of ROSA. Furthermore, the incumbent will work under the overall supervision/guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia.
Duties and Responsibilities • Coordinate and take forward key initiatives under the Sub-programmes outlined above under the UNODC ROSA Regional Programme, with emphasis on the implementation of UNODC’s initiatives and projects related to disrupting and countering maritime crime in South Asia;
• Participate in strategic planning, development, management and implementation of UNODC South Asia’s work related to criminal justice and crime prevention at sea;
• Plan, organize, coordinate and provide backstopping to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of relevant UNODC activities aimed at strengthening criminal justice response to maritime crime in South Asia;
• Maintain regular contact, foster cooperation and work in close coordination with national and international drug, crime, criminal justice and terrorism authorities and other relevant counterparts, in relation to efforts associated with prevention and response to maritime crime in South Asia;
• Develop funding proposals and contribute to fundraising and visibility efforts of UNODC GMCP in India; in close coordination with UNODC ROSA;
• Represent UNODC GMCP in relevant national and international fora, as instructed by UNODC GMCP Regional Programme Coordinator, and in close coordination with UNODC ROSA senior management staff;
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with stakeholders, including regional and international partners with an interest and/or mandate on prevention of and response to maritime crime in the Eastern Indian Ocean region;
• Provide substantive and technical support and input to internal and external communication of the UNODC GMCP in terms of presenting communication on delivered activities, liaising with relevant partners on implementation of activities;
• Establish and maintain partnerships with government institutions and other national counterparts/stakeholders for effective and sustainable project design, planning, implementation and evaluation;
• Support the establishment of partnerships with IFC-IOR, as well as other regional entities involved in maritime security in the Indian Ocean such as IORA, CSC, BIMSTEC, IONS, to align UNODC GMCP’s technical assistance to various regional initiatives;
• Prepare briefs and/or concept notes on possible areas of cooperation and follow up with India-based counterparts on their implementation.
• Conduct and/or coordinate the conducting of and operational studies and analyses related to maritime security and law enforcement in the Eastern Indian Ocean;
• Arrange and conduct meetings with relevant stakeholders to discuss, design and produce strategic alliances in areas of common interest in tackling maritime crime between UNODC GMCP and India-based counterparts;
• Coordinate the development of project workplans, project and budget revisions, terms of references and other project documentation; lead the timely preparation and submission of project progress reports;
• Monitor all aspects of project implementation, identify challenges and propose feasible and timely actions;
• Perform other duties as required.
Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime, organized crime, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, money laundering, security sector reform, victim assistance and witness protection, as well as UNODC mandates. Has good knowledge of major international challenges, policies and practices related to the prevention and countering of illicit drug trafficking, organized crime, money laundering, trafficking in persons etc. Demonstrates good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has excellent drafting and communications skills. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the 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.
Communication: Proven and sustained communication (oral and written) skills, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely conveying the maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations. 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.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Teamwork: Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Required Skills and Experience Education:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, management, political or social science, international relations or related fields of criminal justice, crime prevention and/or law enforcement 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.
Experience:
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in national and/or international project management, administration or related area, preferably in crime prevention, maritime crime prevention, law enforcement, prosecution, criminal justice, international relations or related area, is required.
- Working experience conducting or leading research initiatives or operational analyses on criminal justice, law enforcement and/or maritime security is required.
- Work experience communicating, liaising and/or dealing with government institutions to plan, organize and/or coordinate capacity building initiatives (workshops, training programmes, conferences, etc.) is required.
- Work experience and/or meaningful interaction with South Asian countries for project/programme implementation is desirable.
- Knowledge and excellent command of Microsoft 365 software packages (Outlook, SharePoint/OneDrive, Office, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Understanding of concepts and culture relevant to law enforcement, judiciary and prosecution authorities as well as in other specialized field related to UNODC mandate.
- Familiar with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources.
- Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignment given as well as to plan work and manage priorities.
- Good communication skills, including ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style.
- Sound knowledge and skills with regard to use of computers and technology.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with the sensitivity and respect of diversity including gender balance.
- Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.
Language:
- For this position, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Proficiency in Hindi is required.
The vacancy announcement has been posted on behalf of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The position is open to Indian Nationals only.
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