Project Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in combating illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through the merger of the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world with a vast network of field offices. The organization's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and justice for all, making the world safer from drugs, crime, and terrorism. UNODC is committed to addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism, and works collaboratively with member states to develop effective strategies and responses to these issues.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position is located within the Programme Office Bangladesh (POBGD) of UNODC, specifically under the Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA). This role is integral to the initiative titled 'Preventing and Addressing Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants in South Asia', which is a three-year project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNODC. The project aims to support Bangladesh and other participating countries—Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—in developing and implementing comprehensive national responses to counter-trafficking and counter-smuggling. The Project Associate will focus on the national context in Bangladesh, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and deadlines while fostering collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing the capacity of local authorities to address these critical issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the implementation of project activities in Bangladesh. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the execution of the Bangladesh activities and the country workplan by identifying opportunities for implementation, liaising with stakeholders, and organizing meetings and events.
• Monitoring project activities to ensure that goals outlined in the country workplan are achieved and deadlines are met.
• Drafting and contributing to various written outputs, including concept notes, communication materials, analytical papers, briefing notes, and official correspondence.
• Conducting targeted desk research to aid in the development of technical materials, presentations, and strategic documents.
• Compiling inputs from stakeholders and partners to prepare comprehensive periodic project progress reports for both internal and external audiences.
• Providing administrative and logistical support for project events, including meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Assisting in monitoring project expenditures against the approved budget and supporting the preparation of financial reports.
• Supporting procurement processes for goods and services by drafting terms of reference (TORs), liaising with vendors, and ensuring compliance with organizational rules.
• Traveling as necessary to assist in project implementation. 1
• Performing any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The expected outputs include timely and high-quality support to UNODC and its beneficiaries, significant improvements in service delivery, effective monitoring of trafficking and smuggling developments, and the integration of an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective in all activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Project Associate position should possess a strong set of qualifications that include a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as experience in working with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with issues related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should exhibit strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, law, or a related field is required for the Project Associate position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas relevant to the role, such as human rights, development studies, or public policy, will be considered an asset. Candidates should also have a strong academic background that demonstrates their ability to engage with complex issues related to crime prevention and justice.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in project management, research, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of UN agencies or similar entities, is highly advantageous. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully supporting project implementation and demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in Bengali is mandatory, as it is the official language of Bangladesh. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is the working language of UN agencies. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the region would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Project Associate position is a full-time role based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The contract duration is aligned with the project timeline, which runs from 2024 to 202

• The position may involve travel within Bangladesh and potentially to other countries in the region as required for project implementation. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN Volunteer Conditions of Service, which can be reviewed at the provided links. The living conditions in Dhaka are conducive for international staff, with access to good medical, dental, and educational services.