National Programme Specialist (Border Management) - / UNODC

UNODC technical assistance activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are undertaken under the broad framework of the Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028). The Regional Framework articulates six focus areas for guiding UNODC-implemented programming at the regional and national levels: 1) A balanced approach to drug control; 2) Strengthening the response to organized crime; 3) Combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants; 4) Action against corruption and financial crime; 5) Preventing and countering terrorism and violence; and 6) Strengthening crime/violence prevention and criminal justice.

Under focus area 1 and 2, and based on a strong track record and within its mandate in the areas of border security, UNODC Programme Office in Jordan is implementing a multi-year project on integrated border management and is planning to expand its interventions when it comes to border security to support the Jordanian government in its efforts to respond and combat more effectively the multi-faceted transnational organized crime including the different forms of illicit trafficking and terrorism, in line with international norms and standards while ensuring full respect of international human rights principles and sharing international best practices.

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa and the ROMENA Programme Coordinator based in Cairo Egypt, the incumbent will be based in UNODC Programme Office in Jordan and will work under the direct supervision of the Country Programme Manager / Head of Jordan Programme Office, to ensure the implementation and expansion of the office portfolio.

External contacts: The work of the incumbent entails dealing with external contacts from different UN agencies and other counterparts inside and outside the duty station.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Within assigned authority, the National Programme Specialist (Transnational Organized Crime/Border Management) will assist in the implementation and the expansion of the Jordan Programme Office portfolio mainly under focus area 1 and 2: 1) A balanced approach to drug control mainly in relation to drug trafficking; and 2) Strengthening the response to organized crime.

This Will Include

Coordinate the planning and lead the implementation of the project activities under TOC and Border management portfolio; including the provision of substantive, technical and logistical support;

Work in close collaboration with National Counterparts, UNODC staff both in the Jordan country office, ROMENA and HQs to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach throughout the implementation of activities and a smooth exchange of information leading to a consistent service delivery;

Work on programme development with a view to ensure the continuous expansion of ROMENA portfolio.

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

Prepare detailed work plans and accompanying budgets and budget revisions for the timely and realistic achievement of the project objectives, and monitor expenditure as per funding agreement;

Plan, organize, and deliver technical assistance and normative and policy support pertaining to capacity building at the national level, in accordance with overall strategy and priorities, in collaboration with the national counterparts; through capacity-building activities, roundtables, workshops, study tours, official meetings, and other project-related activities, in close coordination with the national counterparts;

Coordinate with expert/project staff missions and meetings that will take place in Jordan, are in place, and oversee the logistical support as needed;

Ensure timely project review, revisions, monitoring and completion of related reporting obligations, including through preparing project and activity progress reports;

Prepare the projects' evaluations, including through identification of the evaluator, organization of evaluation interviews, and support the preparation of the final technical project report;

Draft correspondence with relevant authorities and prepare background papers, briefing notes, working papers, mission and meeting reports, ad-hoc reports, presentations, policy proposals and other documents, as needed;

Produce internal reports and newsletters to increase the visibility of UNODC/ROMENA work in Jordan and at the regional level, in close coordination with ROMENA Communications and Visibility Officer;

Collect and analyze to identify trends and patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts tables and reports, using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Liaise with relevant staff and personnel in charge of procurement – and suppliers as need- to ensure obtaining a satisfactory level of service/goods delivery and receive required documentation for payment, in close coordination with UNDP Jordan and ROMENA Operations team;

Set procurement plans of services, material, and equipment as per project activities and in line with UN procurement regulations and financial rules, in coordination with the ROMENA Operations team;

Initiate financial processes in UNODC management system (Umoja) such as procurement, travel, payments, funds commitments, budget revision, expenditures reports, and project costed-workplan;

Maintain and support smooth coordination with national counterparts, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure national ownership and their substantive contribution and participation in the development and implementation of UNODC activities;

Undertake needs assessment and consultations with the national authorities to identify their needs and priorities;

Keep abreast with latest developments and emerging trends in the areas of transnational organized crime and border control in Jordan;

Based on consultations with national counterparts and the trends in Jordan, identify and elaborate interventions, and draft concept notes, project proposals, and related budget to ensure continuity and expansion of the assistance provided by UNODC Programme Office in Jordan;

Identify potential partnership and funding opportunities with development partners and discuss the funding of new areas of interventions and ensure regular consultations to know partners' priorities;

Contribute to UN relevant thematic groups and ensure the visibility of UNODC within UNCT, including the development of joint proposals with sister UN agencies;

When relevant, ensure proper coordination with other UNODC projects and programme implemented in Jordan and in the region and other UNODC regional/country offices;Perform other duties as required.

Draft the TORs of national and international consultants/experts, oversee their recruitment, coordinate their work, and oversee the quality of their deliverables;

Support and guide other project staff, ensure knowledge sharing and working in close collaboration with office team to ensure consistent service delivery;

When relevant, ensure proper coordination with other UNODC projects and programme implemented in Jordan and in the region and other UNODC regional/country offices;

Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates commitment to UNODC mission, vision and values.

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of policies and practices and general understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant in crime prevention and combating organized crime, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues sound judgment and is politically sensitive. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Has experience in project administration/management and knowledge of the operational modalities of UNODC.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Good inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Ability to plan own work, manage conflicting priorities and to use time efficiently. Ability to organize and implement activities and outputs. Ability to maintain focus and pay attention to necessary details.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Recruitment Qualifications:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, Business administration, economics, and applied sciences.

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the formulation, implementation and management of technical cooperation projects at national and international level

Proven technical experience in the field of border management, preventing and countering transnational organized crimes.

Experience in working with international organizations and the United Nations is an advantage.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Other Desirable Skills

Excellent computer skills and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc)

Excellent reporting and drafting skills for routine correspondence and proficiency in related computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Language Requirements

Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic, both spoken and written

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Full time