Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Penal and Prison Reform)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section (CPCJS) with duty station in Vienna, Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Inter-Regional Advisor and the direct supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CPCJ) Officer, both in CPCJS. For more information, please visit www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible the following specific tasks: • Participate in the formulation, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of project activities, including supporting needs assessment, programming and other technical missions. • Lead the implementation of technical assistance aimed at reducing the resort to imprisonment, strengthening prison management, improving prison conditions and enhancing the social reintegration prospect of offenders in line with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures (the Tokyo Rules). • Monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation. Review, prepare and/or ensure timely preparation and submission of relevant documents and reports. Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions. Strengthen the interrelationship between monitoring, research and evaluation to support an organizational culture that promotes learning and innovation. • Ensure close coordination amongst co-implementing and associated project partners and maintain transparent contacts with the national stakeholders and donors, including by attending policy-making and technical meetings, as required. • Provide substantive support to the development of relevant technical and training materials, tools and capacity-building initiatives, in line with UNODC's technical guidance material on penal and prison reform. Ensure that UNODC knowledge products meet the highest standards and are relevant to the needs of target audiences. • Prepare budgets, monitor and report on the expenditures and the utilization of financial resources under the project and draft or contribute to financial progress reports, ensuring compliance with United Nations financial rules and regulations as well as applicable reporting requirements. • Provide substantive support to the recruitment and supervision of international and national consultants and/or other project personnel, the provision of grants to civil society organizations and the implementation of activities related to procurement and infrastructure support in full compliance with relevant United Nations rules and regulations. • Facilitate creative and innovative communication on penal and prison reform to increase visibility, accountability, programmatic success and internal coherence. Ensure that information flows seamlessly within headquarters and field offices as well as to the partners and beneficiaries of projects. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Review, monitor and analyze social, economic, legal or political developments and trends which are relevant to prison and offender management at the national, regional and global levels. • Contribute to fundraising efforts by preparing materials, participating in strategic dialogues with funding partners and fund-raising missions, building support for cost-sharing contributions from Member States, engaging traditional donors and partners while exploring new avenues for diversification and expansion of the donor base. • Embed cross-cutting commitments into policy work, research and technical assistance delivery by integrating human rights, mainstreaming gender and disability perspectives and empowering youth across various initiatives. • Provide substantive inputs and/or contribute to the preparation of substantive and programmatic reports to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the General Assembly (GA) and other legislative and technical bodies as well as their subsidiary bodies. Participate and assist in the substantive and administrative servicing of the meetings of those bodies. • Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UNODC mandates, in particular prison and penal reform, including corresponding practical challenges. Is familiar with international standards and norms applicable to prison management, in particular the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas related to the above thematic areas with very good research and analytical skills. Has proven project management skills and expertise in the implementation of technical assistance projects, preferably in the context of the United Nations or other international organizations, as well as knowledge of management processes, including but not limited to the preparation of narrative and financial project documents. Has sound judgment and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues and to address sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner. Has a broad understanding of the situation in developing, transitional or post-conflict countries. Has good training skills, including the delivery and/or organization of workshops or training courses. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Is able to analyse expeditiously extensive substantive documentation and prepare comprehensive reports, summaries and policy briefs. 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 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 format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, economics, international relations, law, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice is required. Work experience at the national, regional or international level in the field of penal or prison reform is required. Work experience in project management and implementation is required. Experience in fostering the practical application of the United Nations standards and norms related to prison and offender management is desirable. Work experience in the United Nations system and/or in an international organization is desirable. Work experience in delivering workshops/training courses for criminal justice officials, including prison and/or probation officers, 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 the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment will be subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. 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. Vienna is classified in the H category (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. 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.