Programme Specialist

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in and in Vienna, Austria. UNODC is s a world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It operates through 54 regional offices, covering more than countries. Its regional office for Western and Central Africa (ROSEN) is located in Dakar, Senegal and has been active in the region for more than 20 years. Currently ROSEN covers 22 countries and has established 13 field offices.

ContextUNODC has recognized expertise in combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants as a result of a long history of technical assistance provided to States. More practically, UNODC intervenes in these two thematic areas along the following lines of action : strengthening legislative and policy frameworks; capacity-building of the criminal justice actors; data and research; provision of assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants, particularly through civil society, increasing public awareness on these crimes and strengthening national coordination and international cooperation. To this end, it has developed technical tools for criminal justice practitioners, including training manuals, model laws, tools for awareness raising campaigns, etc. 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, which covers 22 countries (15 in West Africa and 7 in Central Africa), where French, English, Portuguese and Spanish are spoken. This UNODC presence in the region is supported by a network of Programme and Project Offices in other countries in the region, which ensure 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 international UN Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Units Associate Programme Officer and under the overall guidance of the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Units Programme Coordinator. The objective of the mission is to assist the Unit in the operationalization, implementation and monitoring of work relating to Trafficking in Persons and Illicit Smuggling of Migrants. This will be done through the project \"Strengthening the capacities of West African States to develop a human rights-based response to the Smuggling of Migrants and to respond effectively to human rights violations related to irregular migration\" (PROMIS Project) and more generally within the framework of the UNODC regional mandate in Senegal and in the sub-region (ROSEN). This project is implemented jointly with OHCHR and targets 10 West and Central African countries.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator heading the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Unit and the overall guidance of the Regional Representative of ROSEN, the International UN Volunteer (Youth) will undertake the following tasks : Promote the work of UNODC against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in West and Central Africa within the overall framework of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, both supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime; Provide administrative and logistical support to the delivery of technical assistance activities (drafting workshops, training courses, sensitization events) delivered to targeted audience. General duties include, but are not limited to : Support the creation, collection and formatting of training and conference presentation materials. Support research and analysis activities to present information gathered from diverse sources on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in beneficiary countries; 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. Contribute to the drafting and translation of relevant documents such as newsletters, progress reports, training reports, project proposals, etc; Assist in the coordination of programme / projects planning and preparation work for the Units programme initiatives; monitors status of projects' implementation and support in developing budgeted workplans for the projects portfolio of the Unit. Review financial documents, especially cost plans / budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission and identifies inconsistencies, if any. Provide general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files / records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, including maintaining attendance records, preparing travel forecasts of the Unit, assisting in the development of office administrative systems and procedures, including updating information on programme implementation monitoring. Support the implementation of, and participate in, missions and associated project activities throughout the region (field mission, national / regional workshops, conferences, etc.) as required. Performs other duties as assigned. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities : Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); Be acquainted with and build on traditional and / or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. Contribute articles / write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications / websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values Professionalism : demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; 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 organizations interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; Teamwork and respect for diversity : ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning : initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. 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 : proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility : adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODCs mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarksThe assignment will take place in the country's capital, Dakar, a family duty station (difficulty classification A) with possible assignments in the different regions of the country. Dakar is a city where life is good. Living conditions in Dakar are good and the social climate is calm. Senegal is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the proper functioning of state institutions. Senegal also has a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads), but water and electricity distribution can sometimes be volatile in Dakar and other cities across the country, forcing many officials to use generators. Senegal is also a popular tourist destination. The welcome and spontaneous hospitality of the Senegalese 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 Senegal. Thefts and burglaries are the main incidents against United Nations personnel. There is no right to R&R in Senegal. Access to health services in Dakar 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. Transport into town can be easily arranged by local taxis. To enter Senegal, 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 Senegalese representation. Senegalese embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas prior to travel.