Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) Office in Brussels, Belgium. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer (Asset Recovery). For more information on UNICRI, please visit www.unicri.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Programme Officer (Asset Recovery) will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of key substantive project activities and report in coordination with the Senior Legal Officer (Asset Recovery), by submitting relevant progress and financial reports as per donor’s requirements, and in accordance with UNICRI procedures and in a timely and accurate manner. • Elaborate detailed work plans and accompanying budgets for all project activities in cooperation with the Senior Legal Officer (Asset Recovery) and other project staff. • Provide substantive support in elaborating on useful and practical guides including training particularly on issues related to effective methods for the seizure and confiscation of illicitly-acquired assets, and/or effective methods for achieving tangible resolution of cross-border cases involving illicitly-acquired assets. • Responsible for deepening the training to project beneficiaries and relevant stakeholders on the use of link analysis software to enable client States to incorporate procedures for meta-analysis of data of individuals suspected of criminal activity; and to demonstrate to Member States that visualization of links between suspects and their illicitly-acquired assets can be a valuable tool in facilitating the seizure and confiscation of such assets (as well as the resolution of cases). • Liaise and maintain positive working relationships with international bodies dealing with anti-money laundering, anti-corruption and asset recovery programmes and activities. Collaborate with international institutions, regional and international organizations drawing on both country-specific work and knowledge products on the repatriation of stolen assets and related issues, as well as modalities for engendering results-oriented relationships (at both the inter-institutional and cross-border levels). Develop close dialogue with other organizations including international standard setting bodies. • Significantly contribute to the drafting of periodic progress reports, ensuring that all content is accurate, concise, useful and up to date; contribute to the drafting of concept notes / proposals to be submitted to potential donors on issues of relevance under UNICRI’s mandate. • Collect and analyze data, including evidence, to identify trends or patterns and provide insights to enable data- or evidence-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as may be required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, forensic financial crime analysis, link analysis software, effective mutual legal and other cross-border assistance, penal and non-penal forms of seizure and confiscation of illicitly-acquired assets or other related specialized field. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is detail oriented; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminal justice, political science, forensic financial analysis, economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, asset recovery or related criminal justice matters, including in technical assistance and in capacity building, is required. Work experience in elaboration and advocacy of strategies to seize and confiscate illicitly-acquired assets (either through penal or non-penal means) is desirable. Work experience in project/programme implementation including budgeting and reporting is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is desirable. Work experience with the European Union OPSYS operational project monitoring system is desirable. Experience in the analysis of data or evidence or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year and will be limited to service with UNICRI. Any extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. In view of the nature of the funding of the present position, should a UN Secretariat staff member apply and be selected for this position with the Institute, such selection will be implemented on a temporary basis. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Brussels is classified in the H category (family duty station).

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.