JOB DESCRIPTION

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG), Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the supervision of the UNODC Representative for Afghanistan, as first reporting officer, under the technical guidance of the Chief of the Firearms Trafficking Section (FTS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), as second reporting officer, and of the Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA) as additional reporting officer. The Criminal Justice Advisor will be responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the UNODC Global Firearms Programme work with a focus on Afghanistan and work in close cooperation with the Joint Analysis and Research Section (JARS) of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and as appropriate and requested, with the office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan (SRSG) of UNAMA, the UN Country Teams and the UNODC Representatives in the respective target countries, with a focus on matters related to illicit firearms and related safety and security threats, pursuant to paragraph 5.(j) of the Security Council Resolution, SC 2626 (2022). For more information on UNODC, please visit the website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

• Serve as Advisor of the Firearms Trafficking Section and its Global Firearms Pro-gramme on issues related to illicit firearms trafficking and its links to transnational organized crime and terrorism, and provide accurate and well-informed advisory services to governments, UN and other stakeholders as required.
• Keep informed about security related activities in Afghanistan and the region, to im-prove situational awareness and analysis, and prepare well drafted and substantiated analytical briefs and situation / risk analysis, to brief senior leadership in UNODC and UNAMA, as appropriate, in order to support informed decision-making.
• Support, in close cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghani-stan (UNAMA), efforts at the national, regional and international level to prevent and counter the risks of diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of firearms and related mate-rial, and participate, as appropriate, in UNAMA led activities related to small arms and light weapons.
• Engage and share information with the Joint Analysis and Reporting Unit of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the UN Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1526 (2004) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da”esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities.
• Assess and monitor risks of firearms diversion, trafficking and related threats at the national, regional and/or international level, with a focus on Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries, including risks of diversion from Taliban de facto authorities (DFA) stocks, and related safety and security threats in Afghanistan, as well as assessment of Taliban DFA registration, governance efforts, and legal frameworks on firearms and related material, and produce respective analytical assessment reports.
• Collect and analyse relevant data and relevant information on cases on incidents of di-version, trafficking and misuse of illicit firearms, and keep abreast of relevant developments, trends or patterns (including gender related analysis), and related security and safety threats in Afghanistan and the region, and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Coordinate and oversee a local assessment survey on the firearms situation in the border area between Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
• Organize and participate, as appropriate, in joint assessment visits and engagement with national and provincial stakeholders within Afghanistan and where possible in the region, and establish and maintain cooperation lines with internal and external stakeholders to develop synergies and operational partnerships, and enhance efforts to prevent and counter illicit firearms flows and related threats.
• Coordinate the development and maintenance of a Firearms Monitoring Platform of the Global Firearms Programme for Afghanistan and the region developed in close coordination and cooperation with UNODC’s Research and Analysis Branch (RAB) and its UNODC Regional Information Centre in Tashkent, and UNAMA’s Joint Analysis and Research Section (JARS) and other units.
• Provide analytical, programming and programme management support on firearms: Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate technical cooperation programmes/projects, under the Global Firearms Programme, with a particular focus on Afghanistan and neighbouring countries aimed at preventing and countering diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of firearms and related material by organized crime and terrorism groups.
• Promote and facilitate regional and international cooperation, information exchange and knowledge sharing among practitioners, including through UNODC’s Global Community of Practitioners against Firearms Trafficking and Organized Crime, aimed at strengthening the criminal justice response to firearms trafficking and fostering effective cooperation with regional and international partners including INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization), EUROPOL (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation), EMPACT Firearms (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats), FRONTEX (European Border and Coast Guard Agency), NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), relevant other UN entities and other projects and programmes active in the region.
• Represent UNODC and participate as resource person in regional and international events, technical working groups, inter-agency task forces, advocacy meetings, roundtables, and other meetings related to the project, conduct presentations and pro-vide expert advice and analysis on assigned topics / activities;
• Prepare and contribute to a variety of written outputs including briefings, situation / risk analysis, analytical reports and other knowledge products, reports to governing bodies, background papers, correspondence with counterparts, working documents, mission re-ports, policy and analytical reports, risk and threat analysis, presentations, as well as pol-icy proposals, inputs to specialized reports and studies, policy recommendations.
• Ensure effective gender mainstreaming in the programme and promote initiative to advance the Women Peace and Security and the Youth Peace and Security agenda. Supervise and guide staff, consultants and interns, ensuring effective support and guidance for project activities. and participates in the recruitment of personnel.
• Engage in fundraising activities, building support for the project and identifying additional funding sources.
• Performs other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has proven knowledge on the prevention and combat of illicit firearms trafficking and its links to transnational organized crime, and related forms of crime, dis-armament and related fields. Has knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches rele-vant to the prevention and countering illicit firearms trafficking, transnational organized crime, terrorism control of crime, and sound understanding of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and of existing international legal instruments, in par-ticular, the UNTOC and its supplementary Protocol against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition, and their links to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Is aware of cross-cutting aspects such as human rights, gender, as well as rule of law, peace, security and development. Has very good research and analytical skills and ability to identify issues, formulate concepts and options and make conclusions and recommendations. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Is able to provide sound advice on security related matters. Is able to produce high quality work with limited supervision. Has very good drafting skills and is able to analyse extensive substantive documentation and to prepare comprehensive reports, summaries and policy briefs. Is committed to the achieving highest quality outputs, timeliness, conscientious-ness, attention to detail and ability to bring matters to closure. Has professional compe-tence and mastery of subject matter. Is efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is motivated by professional ra-ther 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.
• 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 for-mat to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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.
• Judgement and decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the organization; Pro-poses a course of action or makes a recommendation based on available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law (international or criminal law), international relations, security studies, military or defence studies, political sciences. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in peace and security, law enforcement, criminal justice, defense, research, social or political affairs, with a strong focus on organized crime, terrorism, firearms trafficking, or international security, is required. Of the minimum years of experience, at least three years must be in a relevant field at the international level, is required. Relevant work experience in areas related to arms control, such as weapons registration and management, practical disarmament measures, weapons and ammunition management, and monitoring or preventing the diversion and illicit trafficking of firearms linked to organized crime or terrorist activities, is required. Proven practical experience in monitoring, data analysis, and strategic threat assessment related to peace and security, as well as the diversion, trafficking, and misuse of firearms and associated organized crime or terrorism, is required. Experience with monitoring arms embargoes and assessing related threats from terrorism or organized crime is desirable. Work experience working with counterparts and stakeholders in conflict or post-conflict environments, particularly in Afghanistan, on issues related to arms control, terrorism prevention, criminal justice and rule of law issues is desirable. Work experience in programme and project management within the United Nations Common System or another international setting 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 job opening, English is required. Either Dari or Pashto is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Desirable Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingDariUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IPashtoUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for a period of 6 months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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.  Kabul is classified in the E category (non-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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.