Organization Mission

UNODC”s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. This Strategy for the next five years will equip UNODC to deliver effectively, efficiently and with accountability, elevating our support to Member States to build just, inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind.

Context

The UNODC Programme Office in the Philippines (POPHL) coordinates and implements UNODC activities in the Philippines in line with the UNODC Regional programme and with the 2023-2028 UN-Philippines Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Key thematic areas include drug policy, corruption and economic crimes, terrorism prevention, crime (including organized crime, cybercrime and maritime crime), as well as criminal justice reform (including prison reform).

Under the direct supervision of the Philippines Country Manager/Programme Coordinator, the Programme Support Expert will be responsible for providing a range of administrative and programmatic tasks to support the UNODC Philippines Programme office. The activities to be supported will cover the full spectrum of UNODC mandate areas and POPHL activities, with a particular focus on criminal justice reform (including prison reform).

The programme support expert will support the Country Manager/Programme Coordinator in a number of coordination functions of the office (covering all thematic areas), as well as the Criminal Justice team, in the implementation of specific projects in this area.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the Country Manager/Programme Coordinator in overall coordination of administrative and programme functions (30%)
• Help coordinate the work of other team members and project assistants with regards to finances, common services and office operations, to ensure effective workflow and task distribution
• Support with internal and external communication for the office.
• Contribute to programme-related tasks, including reporting and monitoring.
• Support HR-related coordination, including recruitment processes and staff onboarding.
• Support other tasks, as requested and appropriate.Support Criminal Justice Team (70%)
• Provide logistical and administrative support for project implementation under the Criminal Justice portfolio.
• Help organize activities and events, including workshops, trainings, and meetings.
• Manage travel arrangements for participants and staff.
• Handle procurement processes in line with organizational rules.
• Draft and manage correspondence related to project activities.
• Perform other project-related tasks as required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced higher degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant area, e.g. Public Administration, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields of study; a first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;
• At least 7 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the area of public administration, development cooperation and international organization, or other relevant programmes; experience in the area of crime prevention and criminal justice is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and teambuilding skis are required; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of UNODC development programmes in the Philippines is an asset.
• Solid experience in leading a team to support programme administration is an asset.
• Strong knowledge and solid experience in programme management support are essential as well as ability to draft correspondence on budget-related issues, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc;
• Full time availability for programme management support duties is essential; and
• Solid knowledge on with Government and UN/UNDP/UNOPS/UNODC procedures is asset

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

Manila, Philippines offers a lively and culturally rich environment with a wide range of modern amenities. The city provides good accommodation options, reliable utilities, diverse food choices, and convenient access to supermarkets, medical facilities, banking, and telecommunications. With a warm and welcoming local culture, settling into daily life is generally smooth and enjoyable.

The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year and a rainy season from June to November. While traffic and occasional weather-related delays are part of city life, most services remain accessible and functional. Security conditions are stable, and personnel are advised to follow UNDSS guidance and exercise normal precautions.

Manila is a dynamic duty station that offers both professional growth and personal enrichment. With an open mindset, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility, the assignment provides a highly rewarding experience in a friendly and engaging environment.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.