Associate Project Officer (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Programme Office in Mauritania (POMRT) 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 aims to promote justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights, and operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on various issues including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime. UNODC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to these missions, and it emphasizes the importance of collaboration with national and international partners.

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 other stakeholders to implement the Regional Strategy against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. The officer will be responsible for mobilizing resources, monitoring project development, and addressing challenges that arise during project implementation. The role involves significant travel (up to 25%) and requires a proactive approach to liaising with national counterparts and civil society organizations. The officer will also be tasked with conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing various written outputs to support the organization's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of specific duties, including promoting UNODC's work against trafficking and smuggling, supporting the implementation of the Regional Strategy, and acting as the main focal point for the PROMIS project in Mauritania. Responsibilities include planning and facilitating workshops, developing draft laws and action plans, providing technical knowledge and logistical support, conducting research and analysis, preparing training materials, and representing UNODC in various meetings and events. The officer will also be involved in outreach activities, data collection, and analysis, and will document requirements for data analysis. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and specialization in human trafficking and migrant smuggling, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is essential, as is the capacity to plan and organize effectively. The position requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills are critical competencies for this role.

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 similar fields 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 experience in criminal justice, human rights, law, or a related field is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in dealing with trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility. 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 advantageous, along with experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position available for a period of three months, subject to funding availability. The position is classified as a D and family duty station, and candidates should be aware that the selection process may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.