Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Programme Office in Iraq (POIRQ), which is part of the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs and international crime. The organization operates in various countries across the globe, focusing on issues such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. UNODC aims to promote justice and the rule of law, and it employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation and providing technical assistance to countries in need, thereby enhancing their capacity to combat crime and promote justice.

Job Overview:
The Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of projects aimed at combating trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM). This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and judiciary members, to ensure effective service delivery and capacity building. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical assistance, designing training programs, and promoting international cooperation in judicial matters. The role also involves developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and institutional capacity development tools, as well as facilitating regional and international cooperation on legal assistance and joint investigations. The officer will contribute to legal and policy reforms and enhance inter-agency cooperation through assessments and advocacy. This position demands a strong commitment to gender equality and human rights, as well as the ability to analyze data and provide insights for decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer include: coordinating the implementation of actions related to capacity building and mentoring of criminal justice practitioners; providing technical assistance on addressing TIP and SOM; designing and delivering training programs focused on gender-responsive and victim-centered approaches; strengthening cooperation between Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; contributing to the development of SOPs and guidance notes; supporting capacity-building programs on intelligence gathering and analysis; facilitating regional and international cooperation in legal assistance; assisting in legal and policy reform; enhancing institutional frameworks through assessments and advocacy; developing partnerships with stakeholders; preparing reports and visibility content; supporting monitoring and evaluation activities; collecting and analyzing data for insights; and performing other work-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, with substantive knowledge of criminal investigation techniques and international cooperation. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to design and deliver training, possess strong drafting skills, and have knowledge of regional legal frameworks. A commitment to gender equality and human rights-based approaches is essential. The officer should be able to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and convey information effectively to management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, or related disciplines is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of criminal justice and the legal frameworks involved in combating TIP and SOM.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience at both national and international levels in criminal intelligence, law enforcement, and criminal justice system reform. Relevant experience in delivering and managing capacity-building programs on TIP and SOM for criminal justice and law enforcement practitioners is required. Additionally, experience providing advisory support on legislation, investigative techniques, and law enforcement strategies related to TIP/SOM is essential. The officer should also have experience fostering cooperation between law enforcement and judicial authorities, as well as developing and delivering technical training in criminal intelligence analysis methodologies and financial crime investigations. Experience working within the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable, as is familiarity with data analysis tools and investigation software.

Languages:
For this position, English is the required working language, as it is one of the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also recognized as a working language. Candidates should possess a minimum required level of proficiency in these languages according to the UN Language Framework, which can be consulted for specific details regarding language skills.

Additional Notes:
The job is based in Erbil, Iraq, and may involve working closely with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. The position may require travel within the region and potentially internationally, depending on the needs of the projects. The role is expected to be full-time, and the incumbent will be expected to adhere to the United Nations' standards of professionalism and accountability. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN policies and guidelines.