The Global Programme on Criminal Network Disruption (GPCD) is implemented as part of the Border Management Branch (BMB) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Global Programme seeks to strengthen transnational investigations, criminal justice actions and international cooperation in criminal matters along illicit trafficking routes in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Central Asia and Southern Caucasus with a view of disrupting organized crime networks.

One way that GPCD supports the strengthening of central authorities to engage in international cooperation in criminal matters is through establishing and strengthening regional “judicial cooperation networks of contact points” as tools to facilitate direct contacts and the sharing of information to overcome obstacles to cooperation. UNODC supports several judicial cooperation networks, including the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC).

CASC is one of the vehicles of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia which was singed by all member states at the high political level. It fosters international judicial cooperation within and beyond the region. CASC is an international judicial cooperation network aimed at strengthening inter-regional cooperation to combat transnational organized and serious crime. This cooperation is achieved by facilitating contacts between competent international judicial cooperation authorities from the CASC countries with countries outside the region, while also promoting coordination with other judicial cooperation networks. While acting as the Secretariat to the CASC, UNODC also supports specialized capacity building, equipping training facilities of the central authorities and provides its Member States with tools for continuous training to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of international cooperation in criminal matters.

The CASC network and its complementary training activities is crucial for fostering international cooperation in criminal matters as it provides a shared understanding of legal frameworks, enhances practical skills for handling transnational crimes, and promotes a culture of trust and collaboration among all actors. Standardized training contributes to harmonized investigative practices, ensuring that legal professionals in law enforcement, prosecution authorities and the judiciary are well-equipped to address the complexities of cross-border criminal activities in more sustainable manner. One of the important topics of the training is devoted to asset recovery in international cooperation, as a key and mandatory element of fruitful and efficient collaboration related to transnational financial crimes.

National Programme Officer will be based in the UNODC’s Regional Office for Central Asia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The incumbent will provide policy, programme, and technical support to the implementation of activities.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

• Support implementation of all activities related to the programme delivery of the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and the Southern Caucasus (CASC Network) and related components/projects under this initiative in line with UNODC guidelines and standards;
• Support implementation of other programmes/projects related activities within the framework of the Global Programme on Criminal Network Disruption;
• Provide substantive and technical expertise for the implementation of networking, mentoring, advisory and training activities, including the collection and compilation of relevant background data and information, monitoring and evaluation;
• Attend and contribute to technical consultations with participating countries, donors, and other actors on measures for more effective international cooperation in criminal matters;
• Monitor the programme budget (ROCA segment), draft annual budget proposals, review and revise the budget when necessary;
• Prepare documentation and analyses and collate papers/reports, including background materials, analytical and substantive documents and reports, documentation on training courses and meetings, briefing notes, working papers;
• Prepare periodic project progress and donor reports and contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of activities, IPMR and UNinfo;
• Maintain constant liaison with the Network Focal Points, all beneficiary agencies, internal and external partners to ensure timely delivery of operational support, activities and provision of guidance to the executing agencies on routine implementation of projects activities;
• Develop and implement an advocacy plan; draft and disseminate CASC network newsletters and a website;
• Identify consultancy needs, develop terms of reference for the proposed consultancies and assist in the identification, selection and recruitment of consultants;
• Coordinate activities within the project with related UNODC projects as well as with the activities implemented by other bi- and multilateral partners in the region;
• Contribute to fundraising by preparing draft proposals and funding requests for donor meetings and missions, liaise with national authorities and international organizations; national partners, non-governmental and civil society organizations;
• Attend technical and coordination meetings with the UN agencies, national counterparts and civil society organizations when required;
• Collect and examine data/information on legal matters and related activities in the area of international cooperation;
• Support assessment missions and legislative reviews;
• Perform other related duties as required in the scope of current position.

Competencies

Core values:

Professionalism: Has demonstrated sensitivity to geo-political issues and adaptability to complex political environments; ensures adequate preparation of reports and papers on technical issues. Possesses up-to-date knowledge and practical experience of UN programme policies, guidelines and procedures. Has proven professional knowledge in area of expertise.

Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations, including impartiality, fairness, honesty and trustfulness, in daily activities and behavior.  Resists undue political pressure in decision-making. Stands by decision that are in the Organization‘s interests even if they are unpopular.

Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats men and women equally. Does not discriminate against any individual or group.
Core Competencies:

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. Has highly developed communication skills (spoken, written, public speaking and presentation) including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions and prepare reports on short notice.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs in line with agreed schedules, budgets and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures.

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.

Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify the priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foreseen risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master) or equivalent in law, political or social sciences, international relations, or another relevant field.

Experience:

A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in rule of law, criminal justice and crime prevention, including designing, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of development projects focused on awareness-raising, capacity building, strategy and policy development, and/or international cooperation is required.
Experience in working with national authorities, civil society, and international organizations and donors is required.
Experience in working with the issues related to combating transnational organized crime is desirable. Experience in practical aspects of international cooperation in criminal matters is advantage.
Experience in international development cooperation, especially in/with the United Nations System, is highly desirable.
Experience in carrying out analytical work, preparing briefs, reporting and contributing to reports and legal documents is desirable.
Language Requirements:

• Fluency in verbal and written English, Russian with excellent drafting skills is required. Knowledge of other languages of Central Asian region is an asset. Proven ability to draft, edit, and produce written proposals in English and results-focused reports.

Computer skills

• Excellent drafting skills for routine correspondence and proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Others:

Knowledge of various administrative procedures of the United Nations system would be desirable.