Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. Throughout West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, transnational trafficking has permeated stable governance and the rule of law, leading to high levels of violence, intimidation and homicides. Regional countries have become key points of transit, and even of destination, for drug trafficking routes with organized crime groups capitalizing on weak governance and prevalent corruption. The global and evolving nature of transnational organised crime groups presents a major challenge to law enforcement and judicial agencies worldwide. Their capacity to circumvent law enforcement and infiltrate state institutions renders their dismantlement and the prevention of their activities immensely complex, impeding police operations and criminal investigations as well as subverting criminal justice systems. To address these threats, UNODC, in collaboration with INTERPOL is implementing the Global Programme CRIMJUST “Strengthening criminal investigation and criminal justice cooperation along drug trafficking routes”, funded by the European Union and the United States. CRIMJUST seeks to combat the flow of illicit drugs by enhancing law enforcement and judicial counter-narcotic strategies beyond interdiction activities and by fostering transnational responses targeting each stage of the drug supply chain.

Context

The UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa covers 22 countries (15 in West Africa and 7 in Central Africa), where French, English, Portuguese and Spanish are spoken. The Office responds to the challenges presented by the region, and to the call for support from ECOWAS. It does so by designing a crosscutting and multilateral strategy based on the principle of shared responsibility, where peace‐building, security sector reform, national institution building, and capacity building efforts are implemented in the most effective manner with a view to contribute to the creation of an environment prone to socioeconomic development to the benefit of the people in West and Central Africa. UNODC is represented in the region by the Regional Office for West Africa located in Dakar, a Country Office in Nigeria, as well as a network of Programme and Project Offices in other countries in the region. This UNODC presence in the region ensures that sufficient expertise and capacity is in place to drive forward the Regional Programme and respond to national priorities throughout West and Central Africa. The overall objective of the Regional Programme is to contribute to and support the efforts of West and Central African States, as well as those of regional organizations and the civil society, to respond to evolving human security threats and to promote the rule of law and good governance. The position is located within the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Dakar, Senegal. The national UN Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) Regional Coordinator. The Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) implemented by UNODC in partnership with Interpol and WCO, aims at rooting a culture of intelligence gathering and information sharing in regular working practices of law enforcement agencies present at international airports, ports and land borders and at building their capacities to detect (through targeting and profiling) and interdict drugs, illicit goods and high-risk passengers. PCCP is implemented around 3 pillars: 1. PCCP supports inter-agency cooperation through the establishment and operationalization of inter-agency Passenger and Cargo Control Units (PCCUs), bringing together law enforcement agencies operating at airports, seaports and land borders (for example police, customs, immigration, airport authority, National Security, drug enforcement, etc.). 2. PCCP facilitates secure real-time transmission and sharing of information between law enforcement services at national, regional and international levels, including through connection to INTERPOL I-24/7 databases, and the CENcomm and ContainerComm systems of WCO. 3. PCCP promotes an intelligence-led approach by providing PCCUs with basic and specialized training and mentoring on a wide range of issues covering targeting, intelligence, frontline, forgery and forensics. PCCUs also participate in exchange programmes and study visits and are engaged on a regular basis in international joint operations during which controls are heightened at selected airports, seaports and land borders.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will: • Provide technical support to the Regional Coordination team, implementing and expanding the programme in West and Central Africa and coordinating with other regions where PCCP is implemented. • Assist in the coordination of programme/activities planning and preparation work for the programme initiatives, monitor status of activities’ implementation and support in developing workplans. • Compile, summarize, and present basic information and/or data on PCCP, including preparing and updating country fact sheets, the posting and management of information on UNODC Website and PCCP X account. • Monitor, in coordination with the PCCP Team, the recording of seizures of PCCUs in close collaboration with the World Customs Organization. • Support substantive reporting in line with the donors’ requirements. • Assist in the regular evaluation of the progress of activities. • Provide general programme support and event planning assistance (including participating in field missions, workshops and other related activities); respond to complex information requests and inquiries; review, log and route incoming correspondence; set up and maintains files/records; organize meetings, workshops; handle routine administrative tasks, including maintaining attendance records, preparing travel forecasts, assisting in the development of office administrative systems and procedures,. • Provide substantive input and assistance to drafting and preparing several written documents (funding proposals, speeches, speaking points, media releases, publicity information, website postings, Newsletter stories); and contribute to the drafting and translation of relevant documents such as newsletters, progress reports, training reports, project proposals, etc. • Provide substantive and logistical support to the delivery of technical assistance activities (for example trainings, study visits or mentorships) including e-learning activities. General duties include, but are not limited to: Support the creation, collection and formatting of training and conference presentation materials, preparing collecting and analyzing evaluation forms, draft the final reports. • Assist in the implementation of PCCP gender strategy in planning and preparing the “virtual round tables of Women of PCCP” as well as other initiatives on gender mainstreaming (including regional trainings, social media dissemination etc.). • Performs other duties as assigned. Results/expected outputs • As an active UNODC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNODC and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Effectively support UNODC’s work against organized crime and terrorism in West and Central Africa; o Effectively support AIRCOP’s development, coordination and implementation, project management and fundraising; o Interact effectively and in a timely manner with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally; o Support the delivery of substantive and technical assistance to AIRCOP counterparts, including among others organizing and delivering training and conducting research. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: 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 situation • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • 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: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

The assignment will take place in the country’s capital, Abidjan, a family duty station (difficulty classification A). Living conditions in Abidjan are good and the social climate is calm. Côte d’Ivoire is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the proper functioning of state institutions. Côte d’Ivoire also has a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads), but water and electricity distribution can sometimes be volatile in Abidjan and other cities across the country, forcing many officials to use generators. Côte d’Ivoire is also a popular tourist destination. The welcome and spontaneous hospitality of the Côte d’Ivoireese are part of the characteristic features of this West African country. The country is at Security Level 2, which corresponds to “Low”, with the exception of the natural region of Casamance (administrative regions of Kolda, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor) where acts of banditry are often reported but also the presence of elements of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) and unexploded ordnance (UXO). All United Nations personnel must scrupulously respect the procedures and recommendations of the UNDSS during their assignment in Côte d’Ivoire. Thefts and burglaries are the main incidents against United Nations personnel. There is no right to R&R in Côte d’Ivoire. Access to health services in Abidjan is good. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory and vaccination cards must be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis A and B are also recommended. Basic medicines are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific medicines on prescription. The currency used in Côte d’Ivoire is the CFA Franc (XOF). On November 2024, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 621.59 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and large companies in Côte d’Ivoire accept major international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw money from ATMs found in all major cities. Accommodation options are generally good and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent furnished and unfurnished accommodation from 450 to 2000 USD. UNVs can also rent and share private accommodation, which must meet minimum residential security standards (MORSS). Transport into town can be easily arranged by local taxis. To enter Côte d’Ivoire, a valid passport is required. Nationals of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) do not need an entry visa. Nationals of other countries may need an entry visa or a long-stay visa. They must contact the nearest Côte d’Ivoireese representation. Côte d’Ivoireese embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas prior to travel.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements