Associate Project Officer (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the UNODC Programme Office in Mali (POMLI), which operates 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 and international crime. The organization focuses on various issues, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling, and aims to promote justice and the rule of law. UNODC operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing support and expertise to combat transnational organized crime and enhance global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in promoting UNODC's initiatives against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in West and Central Africa. This position requires the incumbent to work closely with the Programme Coordinator and the Sahel Project Coordinator, ensuring that the objectives of the PROMIS project are met. The officer will be responsible for implementing the Regional Strategy against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, mobilizing resources, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including national counterparts and civil society organizations. The role involves significant travel (up to 25%) to engage with partners and monitor project activities. The officer will also conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports and training materials to support the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of specific duties, including: assisting in the promotion of UNODC's work against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants; supporting the implementation of the Regional Strategy; acting as the main focal point for actions in Mali under the PROMIS project; participating in the development and evaluation of project activities; liaising with national counterparts and other organizations; conducting consulting assignments and facilitating workshops; providing technical expertise for project activities; researching and analyzing information on trafficking and smuggling; preparing written outputs such as reports and background papers; supporting consultative meetings and conferences; conducting outreach activities and training workshops; representing UNODC in various meetings; and documenting requirements for data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and specialization in human trafficking and migrant smuggling. They should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to interpret data for decision-making. The ideal candidate will show professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Teamwork is essential, as the officer will need to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. Planning and organizing skills are also crucial, as the incumbent will need to develop clear goals, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, social science, international relations, political science, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in a similar field combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience in criminal justice, human rights, law, or a related field is required. Candidates should have progressively responsible experience dealing with trafficking in persons and/or smuggling of migrants. Familiarity with project formulation, implementation, and monitoring, as well as exposure to international development cooperation, is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or similar international organizations is also preferred, along with experience in data analytics or related areas.

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

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is full-time. The role may involve international recruitment, given the nature of UNODC's operations. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.