Associate Project Officer (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in 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). The UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs and international crime. The organization aims to promote justice and the rule of law, and it operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various issues including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime. The UNODC has a significant presence in West and Central Africa, working collaboratively with local governments and organizations to address these pressing issues. The office in Mali is part of a broader initiative to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the region, reflecting the UNODC's commitment to enhancing international cooperation and capacity building in these areas.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in promoting the UNODC's work against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in West and Central Africa. This position requires the individual to work closely with the Programme Coordinator and the Sahel Project Coordinator, ensuring that the UNODC's Regional Strategy is effectively implemented in Mali. The officer will be responsible for mobilizing resources, developing and evaluating project initiatives, and acting as the main focal point for actions related to the PROMIS project. The role involves significant travel (approximately 25%) and requires a proactive approach to liaising with national counterparts, civil society, and other organizations. The officer will also be tasked with conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing various written outputs to support the UNODC's mission in Mali.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include: assisting in promoting UNODC's work against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants; supporting the implementation of the Regional Strategy; participating in the development and evaluation of the PROMIS project; liaising with relevant parties and tracking follow-up actions; conducting consulting assignments and facilitating workshops; providing technical expertise and logistical support; researching and analyzing information on trafficking and smuggling; preparing training materials; supporting consultative meetings and conferences; conducting outreach activities; and documenting requirements for data analysis. The officer will also be responsible for contributing to data collection and analysis, identifying trends, and preparing reports and presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, social science, international relations, political science, public administration, or a related field. 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. The position requires a strong understanding of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and strong planning and organizing skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, criminology, social science, international relations, political science, or public administration. A first-level university degree in a similar field, along with two additional years of qualifying experience, may also be acceptable. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as the legal and social frameworks surrounding these issues.

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 work experience specifically dealing with trafficking in persons and/or smuggling of migrants. Experience in criminal justice matters, project formulation, implementation, and monitoring, as well as exposure to international development cooperation, is desirable. Additionally, work experience with the United Nations or similar international organizations is advantageous, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in both languages. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position available for a period of three months, subject to funding availability. The actual filling of this position and the duration of the assignment depend on the availability of resources. The position is classified as a non-family duty station in Bamako, which is categorized as a D category location. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and those with a history of violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses will not be considered for employment.