Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Country Office in Mexico (COMEX), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Associate Programme Officer will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Programme Officer and the overall guidance of the Representative. For more information on UNODC, please visit the following website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Associate Programme Officer is responsible for providing assistance to the effective management of UNODC programmes in COMEX. S/he will assist in analyzing political, social and security trends and support the formulation, management and evaluation of programmes of UNODC’s portfolio. The incumbent will assist with policy guidance, identify new areas of programmes opportunities and support fundraising efforts for UNODC Mexico. The Associate Programme Officer will supervise and guide local programme support staff and work in close collaboration with the Operations and Coordination units, UNODC Headquarters’ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNODC programme implementation. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • In close cooperation with the Programme Officer support the development of the UNODC Mexico’s programmatic vision, based on thematic and financial priorities. • Assist with the planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes in accordance with the UNODC strategy and priorities. • Ensure alignment of programmes with the overall objectives of the organization. • Collaborate in the efficient allocation and management of resources, including personnel. • Contribute to the implementation of resource management policies and processes. • As member of a team assist in designing evaluation strategies to monitor programme management and determine the need for improvement in COMEX. • Assist in providing guidance on challenges that may arise during programme implementation. • Facilitate effective communication between the programmes and other COMEX areas. • Ensure compliance with relevant internal and external policies. • Ensure programmes meet ethical and administrative standards. • Supporting the draft of an outreach strategy in the country. • Provide assistance in creating partnerships with government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, and the civil society in the specific thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNODC, country needs and donors’ priorities. • Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, contributing to the overall office effort in resource mobilization. • Ensure identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to UNODC and the country’s goals. • Contribute to developing recommendations that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners. • Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice. • Contribute to facilitating the implementation of organizational changes related to programmes. • Provide support in ensuring effective implementation of programmes. • Assist in ensuring quality control from formulation to implementation of each of the programmes by: a) Ensuring effective application of RBM tools, support the establishment of management targets and the monitoring achievement of results. b) Participating in the administration of the implementation of the workplans of the programmes ensuring an effective and transparent use of funding. c) Monitoring the project cycle and follow-up on its internal approvals, finalization of contribution agreements; assisting with the coordination of budget exercises; assisting in the administration of Independent Evaluation Processes and closure of projects. d) Contributing to financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of the projects, identifying operational and financial challenges and developing solution proposals. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Document requirements and background information used for data analysis. • Perform other work-related duties, as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UNODC mandates. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control, crime and terrorism prevention as well as the mandates of UNODC. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has ability to conduct 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. 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; 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. • Planning & 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, international relations, law, political science, public administration or related area, 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 two years of progressively responsible professional experience in project/programme management, administration or related area, is required. Experience at the international level, in project or programme management and administration in one or more of UNODC’s thematic areas, is required. Experience in a field environment is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required. 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

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. 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.

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.