Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and serves as the global leader in the fight for global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, human rights, and development. Its mission is to make the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism by collaborating with Member States to promote justice and the rule of law, ultimately building resilient societies. UNODC has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, and operates in 150 countries and territories worldwide, with a physical presence in 111 countries through a network of 11 Regional Offices, 7 Country Offices, and liaison offices in New York and Brussels. The organization employs a total of 3,276 personnel globally, with 77 percent based in the field. UNODC works closely with governments and civil society to enhance security and justice for all. The UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) covers 18 countries, including Syria, and has a Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028) that outlines its mission to contribute to peace, security, human rights, and development in the region. This framework sets a roadmap for UNODC programming and aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing pressing challenges faced by these countries.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Project Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the expansion of UNODC's initiatives in Syria. This position involves establishing strategic partnerships, facilitating coordination with government and UN partners, and contributing to the identification and development of new programmatic areas that align with the organization's mandate and the priorities of the host government. The Project Officer will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with key national counterparts, including ministries, law enforcement, and judicial authorities, ensuring effective communication and coordination between UNODC and various stakeholders. The role also includes promoting the organization's mandate and expertise at national and UN system levels, identifying priority areas for technical assistance, and contributing to the formulation of project proposals and donor briefs. The Project Officer will engage with donors and international partners to explore collaboration opportunities and support resource mobilization efforts, including organizing donor briefings and preparing funding proposals. Additionally, the Project Officer will coordinate administrative and logistical arrangements for establishing the office and prepare regular updates and reports for the regional office and headquarters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer Project Officer include:

• Establishing and maintaining regular contact with key national counterparts, including relevant ministries, law enforcement, and judicial authorities, as well as other government institutions.
• Representing UNODC at UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings, thematic working groups, and inter-agency coordination forums.
• Ensuring effective communication and coordination between UNODC and UN partners, international organizations, and civil society actors.
• Promoting UNODC's mandate, expertise, and global frameworks at national and UN system levels.
• Identifying priority areas for technical assistance and capacity-building in line with national priorities and UNODC's mandate.
• Contributing to the formulation of concept notes, project proposals, and donor briefs in coordination with relevant technical sections at regional and global levels.
• Providing technical input and background research to inform strategic planning, donor engagement, and reporting.
• Engaging with donors, international partners, and development agencies to present UNODC's mandate and explore areas for collaboration.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts, including organizing donor briefings and preparing funding proposals. 1
• Mapping existing and potential partners operating in relevant thematic areas. 1
• Coordinating administrative, logistical, and operational arrangements required for the establishment of the office. 1
• Preparing regular situation updates, mission reports, and briefing notes for the regional office and headquarters. 1
• Identifying any support and advice required for the management, planning, and control of the SRH programme in the office's area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the UN Volunteer Project Officer position include a strong understanding of the UN system and its operations, particularly in relation to drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners. A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to adapt to changing circumstances is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of project management principles and experience in resource mobilization and donor engagement. Strong analytical and research skills are also required to inform strategic planning and reporting.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer Project Officer position should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in social sciences, international relations, law, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas related to drug control, crime prevention, or human rights would be advantageous. A strong academic record and relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position are important.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in project management, international development, or a related field. Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, or civil society organizations in the Middle East and North Africa region is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing projects, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to policy development and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNODC. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the position in Syria. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Damascus, Syria. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The contract duration is subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal living expenses. The benefits package includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, as well as a one-time entry lump sum payment and a monthly VLA. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.