Senior Programme Officer (Head, Global Maritime Crime Programme)

Senior Programme Officer (Head, Global Maritime Crime Programme)

UN Offices

March 1, 2025March 21, 2025ColomboSri Lanka
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Job Description

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Senior Programme Officer (Head, Global Maritime Crime Programme)
Location: Colombo
Country: Sri Lanka
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), specifically in the Programme Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates globally, with a mission to promote justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights. UNODC has a significant presence in various countries, including those in South Asia, and focuses on enhancing the capacity of nations to combat crime and drug trafficking. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer (Head, GMCP) is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and implementation of the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP). This role involves strategic development, evaluation, and planning for the programme, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and UN policies. The officer will work closely with governments to enhance cooperation and capacity building among Member States. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying issues, proposing solutions, and ensuring effective programmatic and financial delivery. The officer will also provide policy advice to high-level authorities and manage relationships with donors and stakeholders, ensuring the programme's sustainability and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Officer will lead the strategy development for GMCP, manage the implementation of projects, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Responsibilities include conducting strategic reviews, preparing risk analyses, and proposing evaluation frameworks. The officer will oversee budget management, liaise with donors, and represent UNODC in various forums. Additional duties involve leading field missions, mentoring personnel, and ensuring the integration of human rights and gender perspectives in all activities. The officer will also be responsible for preparing written outputs, promoting outreach activities, and analyzing data to inform decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international maritime law, criminal justice, and crime prevention policies. The role requires demonstrated professional competence in managing complex projects and teams, as well as the ability to provide innovative technical leadership. Candidates should have excellent analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with a proven track record in problem-solving and decision-making. Strong communication skills are essential, as the officer will need to engage with various stakeholders and present information clearly and effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, or a relevant social or political area with a focus on international maritime law and criminal justice is required. 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 ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in military or naval service, law enforcement, or crime prevention is required. Candidates should have experience in project management related to maritime crime and familiarity with issues related to the law of the sea. Experience working in conflict and post-conflict countries, as well as in field-based project implementation, is essential. Desirable experience includes managing teams in a regional or global context and designing training programs in crime prevention and criminal justice.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This is a project post, and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year, subject to funding availability. The position is classified as a family duty station in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Candidates must adhere to the United Nations' commitment to diversity and inclusion, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process will not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.
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