National Project Officer (STRIVE Juvenile)

Background
This position is located in the Programme Office in Iraq (POIRQ) with duty station in Baghdad, under the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), Cairo, Egypt, Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will act under the overall guidance of the Senior Programme Coordinator heading the Programme Office in Iraq (POIRQ) and the STRIVE Juvenile Project Leader in the Justice Section (JS) at UNODC Headquarters Vienna, and the direct supervision of the STRIVE Juvenile Coordinator in Iraq. The incumbent will work in close coordination with the STRIVE Juvenile Team. 
 
Duties and Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the National Project Officer will assist in the implementation of the project "STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups" in Iraq. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Ensure effective coordination and management of the project within the UNODC Programme Office in Iraq (POIRQ). 
• Provide substantive and technical expertise throughout the implementation of the project, including through the collection and compilation of relevant background data and information, undertaking of desk research and related missions, providing input to work-plans and ensuring participation of relevant stakeholders at national level.
• Provide operational assistance to the different components of STRIVE Juvenile, in close partnership with the team, by fostering coordination with national counterparts, supporting organization of meetings and roundtables, providing input to reports and recommendations, researching and sharing background documentation. 
• Facilitate and provide training and other capacity-building assistance for national policy-makers and practitioners under output 1.3 of the project, including through the development of related technical material, the organization of workshops and seminars, the monitoring of training and assistance provided.
• Assist in the implementation of activities to support resilience of children and their environment in Iraq according to output 2.1 of the project.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation component of STRIVE Juvenile by, inter alia, collecting data and information, ensuring adequate follow-up to technical assistance, preparing periodic project progress reports, supporting the final independent evaluation.
• Attend and contribute to political and technical consultations with partner country and other actors on measures for preventing and responding to violence against children by terrorist and violent extremist groups.
• Assist in coordinating project implementation, for example, by arranging assistance delivery and procurement in line with UN rules and regulations.
• Prepare technical presentations on the project at related regional/international criminal justice and/or other events, as required.
• Participate in project communications activities by preparing content and inputs.
• Undertake outreach and dissemination activities, as required and promote cooperation and continuous sharing of information inside the team and with relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise with national counterparts, and develop and maintain relationships with partners, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with other intergovernmental organizations, other UN agencies, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations and institutions which are active in the provision of training on related issues at the regional or country level.
• Work on programme development with a view to ensuring the continuous expansion of the justice programme in Iraq with a focus on justice for children. 
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes 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; 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: 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience 
 
Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminal law, criminology, and/or related social science, international relations, political science, law, or public administration. A first-level university degree (Bachelors degree) with an additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year with advanced degree (master’s degree or equivalent) or 2 years with first-level university degree of progressively responsible experience in the areas of crime prevention and criminal justice at national level is required.
• Experience in project development and implementation is required.
• Knowledge of counter-terrorism, prevention of violent extremism and child rights related matters is required.
• Relevant experience within an international setting is required.
• Experience in working in the area of child rights in the context of counter-terrorism is an asset.
• Proven cultural and gender sensitivity are highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in Arabic and English with excellent drafting skills are required.

Skills:

Excellent drafting skills for routine correspondence and proficiency in related computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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