Background

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It provides specialized assistance to Governments for addressing the legal, criminal justice and rule of law aspects of drugs and health, criminal justice, anti-corruption, and counterterrorism. It operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.

The UNODC Programme Office in the Philippines seeks to recruit a National Programme Officer (NPO) who will support the implementation of activities in the Philippines in the area of criminal justice, with a focus on prison management and health services in line with international standards, as well as on related issues as prisons, policing, prosecution, courts, legal aid, non-custodial measures, and criminal procedure in line with international standards.

Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Country Manager in the Philippines, the incumbent will perform his/her duty under the direct supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer based in Manila as his/her first reporting officer, and the guidance of the Country Manager in the UNODC Programme Office in the Philippines (UNODC-POPHL), as his/her second reporting officer. The NPO will also receive and act on requests for assistance from other UNODC initiatives having activities in the Philippines.

The National Programme Officer collaborates closely with staff in UNODC’s relevant country office(s), Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and HQ as required, to provide substantive expertise, achieve programme coordination, and organize activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will fulfill the functions of National Project Officer (Criminal Justice) for UNODC activities in the Philippines and provide support, as needed, to other initiatives implemented in that country. Specifically, the incumbent will fulfill the following tasks:

1. Support UNODC Management in liaising with and mobilizing the relevant local authorities to maintain and expand the partnerships with UNODC and to ensure their contribution/engagement towards projects.

2. Contribute to the planning, implementation, management and delivery of technical assistance and capacity building activities in the areas of crime prevention and criminal justice, in accordance with the overall UNODC strategies and priorities, and in close collaboration with the local counterparts (government and civil society);

3. Develop and formulate detailed implementation plans, procurement and human resources, communication and risk management plans for the project/s assigned;

4. Coordinate and ensure timely updates of all planning instruments in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders;

5. Support the conduct of regular dialogues and discussions with the local authorities and direct beneficiaries of projects to integrate feedback into future UNODC activities and to identify new possible areas of collaboration;

6. Participate in needs assessment missions and in substantive discussions with the local authorities, and contribute to the drafting of mission reports as well as to the development of technical assistance proposals, especially in the areas of prisons, policing, prosecution, courts, legal aid, non-custodial measures, and criminal procedure in line with international standards;

7. Keep abreast with latest national and local developments in the Philippines in relation to crime prevention and criminal justice, prison reform and community-based drug treatment, care and support services;

8. Contribute to a visible and identifiable UNODC presence in the Philippines, including by representing UNODC at relevant local/national events, and posting relevant social media content on UNODC-approved platforms;

9. Organize conferences, meetings, seminars, training and workshops and travel to the events’ location if needed;

10. Prepare terms of reference/requirements for sub-contractors and vendors to ensure qualitative and objective procurement of services, and support the identification of suppliers and their contracting;

11. Initiate and finalize budget revisions, work plans, inventory lists, notes to the file, etc. to facilitate implementation and monitoring of activities;

12. Provide support to UNODC initiatives on aspects related to expenditures and preparing payment requests in UNODC administrative systems;

13. Developing a filing system for the project, and maintain filing accordingly;

14. Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

CORE

Integrity

Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them.

Professionalism

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others.

Respect for Diversity

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others.

TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL

Partnerships

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Project Management

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Capacity Development

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Doctor degree holder in criminal justice, criminology, social sciences, international relations, development studies, law, psychology, social work, security studies, peace studies or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree in similar fields in combination with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the doctor degree.
• Specialization in human rights, legal, and related aspects of drug-related issues and criminal justice responses is desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years (with a doctor’s degree) or 10 years (Master’s degree holder) of progressively responsible experience in criminal justice-related work at the national and/or international level is required;
• Experience in implementing technical assistance projects that focus on security, public health, crime prevention, prison management, justice actors is required.
• Direct and hands-on experience with project beneficiaries and local government authorities is required, as is experience in programme monitoring and reporting.
• Extensive knowledge of the political and related dynamics of the Philippines, including the role and functioning of relevant, national, sub-regional and regional entities is desirable.
• Knowledge of government procedures linked to technical assistance is desirable.
• Knowledge of data analytics as well as qualitative and quantitative methods are desirable.
• Experience in training and facilitation is a distinct advantage; • Experience in liaising with mid- to high-level government officials is desirable.
• Previous work experience with the United Nations or similar international organization is also desirable.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in spoken and written English and Tagalog is required.
• Knowledge of other Philippine languages/dialects is desirable.

Other Requirements:

• Experience in using computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Teams etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages is required.

Note

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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