Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within 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, crime, and terrorism. The organization focuses on promoting justice and the rule of law, and it operates in various countries across the globe, providing support in areas such as drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice. UNODC aims to foster international cooperation and develop effective responses to the challenges posed by organized crime, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its mission, which is to make the world safer from drugs and crime.

Job Overview:
The Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer will play a crucial role in implementing and directing UNODC projects and initiatives focused on human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Regional Representative and the Deputy Representative, directly supervised by the Regional Programme Coordinator. The position requires a proactive approach to coordinating and monitoring the Regional Programme aimed at preventing and countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in the MENA region. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that all activities align with professional investigative and judicial standards, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of the programme. The role also involves organizing capacity-building initiatives and providing technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, focusing on modern investigative tools and technology. Additionally, the officer will be expected to conduct training needs assessments, monitor programme implementation, and prepare various written outputs to support the visibility of UNODC’s work in this area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the coordination and monitoring of the Regional Programme on trafficking and smuggling; organizing and conducting capacity-building and technical assistance initiatives; coordinating international and regional workshops and conferences; drafting operational guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); conducting training needs assessments for law enforcement agencies; monitoring programme implementation and budgets; preparing written outputs such as background papers and evaluation reports; analyzing data to identify trends and patterns; and performing other work-related duties as required. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with UNODC’s standards and that donor recognition is maintained in all public communications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in programme development and management, particularly in the fields of criminal justice and organized crime. A thorough understanding of issues related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling is essential. The officer should demonstrate excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and contribute to solutions for complex problems. Knowledge of various research methodologies and data analysis techniques is also required, along with the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in criminology, law, criminal law, human rights, international criminal law, cyber law, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security studies, information technology, forensic science, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in a similar field combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of crime prevention and criminal justice.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in technical assistance and programme management. This includes experience in investigating various types of crimes, particularly organized and technology-based crimes. Experience in delivering capacity-building training and providing advisory services to national and regional criminal justice and law enforcement organizations is also required. Work experience within the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable, particularly in law enforcement-related operations. Additionally, experience in data analytics or related fields is considered an asset.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, while French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication and reporting. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it may facilitate communication within the region and enhance the officer's ability to engage with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The job is based in Cairo, Egypt, and the specific contract duration and seniority level have not been detailed in the job posting. The position is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited nationally or internationally, depending on their qualifications and experience. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UN standards, and further details may be provided during the recruitment process.