Project Officer (Capacity Building), P4 at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Officer (Capacity Building), P4

Job Opening Number: 15-PGM-UNODC-39708-R-ABUJA (E)
Location: Abuja
Job Code Title: Programme Management Office
Level: P4

Special Notice
This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG), Integrated Programme and Oversight Branch (IPB), Division for Operations (DO). The Project Coordinator (Justice) will work under the direct supervision and overall guidance of the Country Representative, who will be supported by the Programme Management Officer/Head of Programme Support Team. S/he will maintain close consultation with UNODC HQ, in particular with the Regional Section for Africa and the Middle East (RSAME), Integrated Programming and Oversight Branch (IPB) and with relevant substantive sections. For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities
Within assigned authority, and in line with provisions contained in the project document, the Project Officer is responsible for the following tasks:

• Lead and manage project support to policy development for staff development and competency and skill improvement for the justice sector in Nigeria, including the review and analysis of skill gaps and other equivalent studies;
• Provide substantive backstopping to capacity building events and other meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants training providers, preparation of documents and presentations;
• Lead and/or participate in large-scale, complex justice sector capacity building activities, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
• Identify and link up government/non-government entities with external mentors for continuous support;
• Develop, implement and evaluate assigned project component; monitor and analyze project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up actions;
• Provide substantive technical and advisory services in guiding the project component and providing expert guidance to various beneficiary agencies and national stakeholders in improving the quality of training for staff of the justice sector at federal and state level;
• Provide support in enhancing the operational capacities of institutions in the justice sector;
• Prepare all necessary project progress reports and project implementation delivery rate reports, together with dedicated project personnel;
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources;
• Generate survey initiatives; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions;
• Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background paper, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications etc;
• Manage financial resources allocated  to assigned projects component; monitor and/or certify expenditures and funds utilization;
• Lead and manage activities related to budget funding for the component (substantive reports preparation and submission, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget etc.);
• Supervise, guide and mentor assigned project staff and experts; participate and/or oversee the recruitment of project personnel;
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to capacity building for the criminal justice system; knowledge of best practices in justice sector reform, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this area.
• Practical experience in conducting large scale capacity building activities, programme/project management and administration; Conceptual, analytical and evaluation skills, good research and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignment given, ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities.
• 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.

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.

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.

Empowering Others:

• Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work.
• Encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise.
• Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Political or Social Science, Criminal Justice, International Relations, 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:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, implementing and monitoring criminal justice activities, especially in the area of capacity building.
• Specific experience including project and programme evaluation and budget and financial management are assets.
• Experience in research, policy development and a technical advisory service is desirable.  United Nations technical cooperation experience and experience in cooperation with the European Union desirable.
• Working or living experience in developing countries is an asset.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. 
• Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an asset.

Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Application Closing Date
12th February, 2015

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online