Associate Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL) 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, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights. UNODC has a significant presence in various countries, focusing on issues such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with numerous international and regional partners to implement its programs effectively.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in managing and implementing technical cooperation activities aimed at combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Latin America and the Caribbean. This position involves working on the project titled 'Promoting Action and Cooperation among countries at global level against Trafficking in Human Beings and the Smuggling of Migrants' (PACTS), which is part of the broader UNODC Action Against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and other UN agencies, to ensure the effective execution of project activities. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across different countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Project Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing, implementing, and evaluating project activities; providing technical assistance and support to relevant authorities; monitoring project progress and identifying issues; coordinating communication with counterparts in Colombia and other Latin American countries; preparing funding requests and project reports; managing budget-related activities; liaising with inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations; conducting training sessions and workshops; participating in field missions; guiding local personnel; and supporting the visibility of UNODC's work in the region. The incumbent will also be expected to assist in data collection and analysis, as well as contribute to the development of educational materials and presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human trafficking and migrant smuggling issues, as well as relevant policies and practices in crime prevention and criminal justice. The role requires excellent problem-solving skills, research and analytical abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure while meeting deadlines. The incumbent should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to gender equality in all aspects of work. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, sociology, 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. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues addressed by the UNODC and for effectively contributing to the organization's mission.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national or international level in coordinating programs or projects is required. Candidates should have proven experience in designing and delivering technical assistance projects, particularly those related to transnational organized crime. Experience in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants is desirable, as is familiarity with the workings of the United Nations system or similar international organizations. Experience in data analytics or related fields is also considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bogota, Colombia, and may involve frequent travel to project beneficiary countries. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.