Assistant Programme Officer (Temporary)

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Position Title: Assistant Programme Officer (Temporary)
Location: Banjul
Country: Gambia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Programme Office in The Gambia (POGMB), which is part of 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, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates globally, with a mission to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support countries in their efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. UNODC has a significant presence in various countries, working with numerous partners to implement programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and development. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation and providing technical assistance to countries in need, thereby contributing to global peace and security.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Programme Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the UNODC Programme Coordinator in the implementation and monitoring of various activities related to crime control and international development cooperation. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and assisting in the execution of UNODC's initiatives in The Gambia, ensuring that all activities align with the strategic objectives of the organization. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with national counterparts and stakeholders. The Assistant Programme Officer will also be involved in drafting reports, preparing background materials for meetings, and providing technical assistance to partners, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of UNODC's programs in the region. The role demands a strong understanding of the challenges faced in crime prevention and drug control, as well as the ability to analyze data and trends to inform decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the coordination and implementation of UNODC activities; supporting the Programme Coordinator by reviewing and analyzing key documentation; organizing and preparing materials for reports, speeches, and presentations; planning and organizing visits; drafting correspondence and notes; liaising with national counterparts; preparing annual work plans and activity reports; contributing to the implementation of planned activities; assisting in the development of Terms of Reference for procurement; organizing training sessions; drafting project progress reports; following up on activity and financial reports; participating in relevant meetings; and contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of UNODC activities. The role also involves data collection and analysis, as well as documenting requirements for data analysis, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including knowledge of theories and concepts relevant to crime, drug control, and prevention issues. A solid understanding of international drug control policies and practices is essential, along with specialization in substantive and functional areas related to crime prevention. The ability to conduct research and analyze data is crucial, as is the capacity to identify and contribute to solutions for complex problems. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills, ensuring that they can meet commitments and deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, project management, political sciences, international relations, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the context in which UNODC operates.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively relevant experience in the field of crime control and international development cooperation is required for candidates with a first-level university degree. For those with an advanced university degree, the minimum years of work experience is reduced to zero. Experience in combating transnational organized crime and related issues is desirable, as is experience servicing intergovernmental bodies. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas will be considered an advantage, as the role involves significant data analysis and reporting responsibilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official language of the UN, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role. Proficiency in additional languages can be beneficial in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates selected from the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of The Gambia. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment, free from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.