Programme Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a prominent global entity established in 1997, dedicated to combating illicit drugs and international crime. With a workforce of approximately 2,200 staff members, UNODC operates from its headquarters in Vienna and maintains 18 field offices along with liaison offices in New York and Brussels. The organization primarily relies on voluntary contributions from governments, which account for 90% of its budget. UNODC's mission is to implement operational priorities through an integrated approach to counter drugs, crime, and terrorism. In the Middle East and Northern Africa region, UNODC has initiated a Regional Programme aimed at preventing and combating crime, terrorism, and health threats while strengthening criminal justice systems in accordance with international human rights standards. This program is designed to support government actions in response to evolving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security threats posed by drugs and crime, with a project portfolio that is actively implemented under this framework.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Officer will play a crucial role in the UNODC's project aimed at enhancing forensic science capacity within the State of Palestine. This position is pivotal in establishing a robust, evidence-based forensic system that adheres to international standards, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and integrity of the criminal justice system. The officer will focus on strengthening and expanding the expertise of forensic specialists across various disciplines within the laboratory. Key responsibilities include enhancing DNA trace evidence analysis, improving disaster victim identification capabilities, establishing firearms and DNA databases, and modernizing the outdated fingerprint database. The project also aims to enhance governance structures, improve quality management systems, and strengthen policy-making processes. Furthermore, the officer will foster inter-agency cooperation and deepen the understanding of forensic services among key stakeholders through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives. Ultimately, this role contributes to the establishment of a criminal justice system that ensures fair and impartial justice for all individuals, including men, women, and children, by providing reliable forensic evidence and improving institutional capacity to govern forensic services effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Support Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Strategic Planning & Project Oversight: Advising on and developing operational policies and strategies for effective project implementation and management; leading the planning, review, and monitoring of annual and quarterly workplans, budgets, and detailed implementation plans; monitoring the operating environment and assessing risks; identifying implementation challenges and proposing corrective actions.
• Implementation Management & Monitoring: Overseeing day-to-day project implementation to ensure activities are executed efficiently; tracking progress against outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators; ensuring the effective functioning of monitoring, compliance, and internal control systems; maintaining oversight of project performance.
• Financial Management & Compliance: Ensuring sound financial management of project resources, including budgeting and expenditure tracking; monitoring financial delivery against approved workplans; ensuring compliance with UN/UNODC rules and regulations; establishing internal control systems for financial accountability.
• Reporting & Documentation: Preparing and submitting accurate narrative and financial reports; drafting and reviewing analytical reports and updates; maintaining proper documentation of project activities and expenditures; supporting the preparation of project revisions and donor reporting.
• Programme Support & Coordination: Ensuring alignment of project activities with broader programme objectives; coordinating with project teams, experts, partners, and stakeholders; supporting the development of project proposals and budgets; organizing field missions and expert consultations.
• Capacity Building & Knowledge Development: Supporting the design and delivery of training programmes for stakeholders; facilitating workshops on key thematic areas; staying informed of policy developments and sharing knowledge with project staff.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring effective communication with stakeholders; fostering strong relationships with internal teams, partners, and donors.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Promoting a collaborative team environment; supporting knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Programme Support Officer position should possess a comprehensive set of qualifications, including strong analytical and strategic planning skills, excellent communication abilities, and a solid understanding of project management principles. The candidate should demonstrate a high level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a team-oriented environment. Additionally, the candidate should have a proven track record of managing complex projects, particularly in the context of international development or criminal justice.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in fields such as criminal justice, forensic science, public administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in project management or forensic science would be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, ideally with several years of professional experience in project management, particularly within the context of international organizations or development agencies. Experience in the field of forensic science, criminal justice, or related areas is highly desirable. The candidate should also have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the UNODC. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the project in Palestine, and proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The initial contract duration is for 6 months, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) provided is ILS 9,422.23 per month, intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal living expenses. Additionally, the position includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, with health coverage extended to up to three dependents, as well as an exit allowance for satisfactory service.