Associate Programme Officer - Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Programme Office in Côte d'Ivoire (POCIV) under the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates globally, with a focus on promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights. UNODC has a significant presence in various countries, including those in West and Central Africa, where it engages in numerous projects aimed at enhancing law enforcement and counter-terrorism efforts. The organization is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the context of peace and security. UNODC employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer will play a crucial role in integrating Women, Peace and Security (WPS) considerations into UNODC's activities in Côte d'Ivoire and the broader West and Central Africa region. The incumbent will work closely with the Law Enforcement and Counter Terrorism officer and the PSP III project coordinator to ensure that gender analysis is incorporated into ongoing programs and research initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach to supporting gender-sensitive data collection and analysis, engaging with local stakeholders, and contributing to the development of workshops and training sessions. The officer will also be responsible for drafting reports and summaries that highlight gender dynamics in border areas, thereby informing both internal and external stakeholders about the challenges and trends affecting women and girls in these contexts. The role demands a strong understanding of gender issues, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting survey and research activities by designing data collection tools, compiling responses, and assisting in basic analysis.
• Gathering and reviewing data on gender dynamics, particularly in border areas, and analyzing links to security, terrorism, violent extremism, and trafficking.
• Monitoring and analyzing social, economic, and political developments at national and regional levels, focusing on gender-related trends affecting women and girls.
• Contributing to programme assessments, reviews, and evaluations through data collection and stakeholder consultations.
• Engaging with local stakeholders, including civil society and women’s organizations, to support capacity-building activities in gender-sensitive data collection.
• Organizing and delivering workshops, seminars, and training sessions, including preparation of materials and presentations.
• Integrating WPS considerations into programme activities through research and analytical support.
• Drafting reports and summaries on gender dynamics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinating and communicating with UN/UNODC colleagues and partners to promote gender and WPS perspectives. 1
• Preparing written outputs, including background notes and donor reporting materials. 1
• Performing other work-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a client-oriented approach in all tasks. They should possess strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to collect, review, and interpret information effectively. The ability to produce clear and accurate written outputs and communicate effectively is essential. Candidates should also show persistence in problem-solving and remain calm under pressure. A commitment to incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is crucial. Teamwork is vital, as the candidate will need to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders in a multicultural environment, sharing information and supporting joint outputs. Planning and organizing skills are also necessary to develop clear goals, prioritize activities, and monitor progress.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in International Relations, Gender Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, international law, criminal law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience in project/programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience in security, criminal justice, or closely related issues, as well as experience in data collection and analysis. Report writing experience is also necessary. Desirable qualifications include experience in technical assistance activities, capacity building, justice and security sector reform, and governance, particularly in the context of West and Central Africa.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both English and French is required, with specific levels of proficiency outlined in the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The job is based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and is likely a full-time position. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been specified in the job posting. The role may involve international collaboration, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region as part of their duties.