Programme Officer (Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants)

Panamá

  • Organization: UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
  • Location: Panamá
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Criminology, Extremism, Police Affairs and Anti-Corruption
    • Migration
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Drugs, Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism and Human Trafficking
  • Closing Date: 2026-01-22

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean (ROPAN), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Panama City, Panama. The incumbent will work under the direct guidance and supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling) in ROPAN, as first reporting officer, the overall guidance of the Representative, ROPAN, as second reporting officer, and the substantive guidance of the Team Leader, Technical Cooperation and Field Support Team, Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), as additional supervisor. For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Assist in managing, coordinate and implement anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling technical cooperation projects and interventions in Central America and the Caribbean (including technical expertise and practical day-to-day support to relevant bodies, entities and authorities). • Promote the work of UNODC against human trafficking and migrant smuggling 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 (UNTOC). • Develop, manage and implement, as assigned, technical assistance projects against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, at the inter-regional, regional and/or national levels in Central America and the Caribbean, with a special focus on criminal justice, especially law enforcement and prosecution; provide substantive and technical input for the formulation, implementation and assessment of projects; collect and compile relevant background data and information; undertake desk research and assessment missions. • Assist in coordinating, monitoring and analysing project implementation, arrange for project delivery and procurement in line with UN rules and regulations; participate in the evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; review relevant documents and reports; identify, review and analyse problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions. • Contribute to the overall implementation, substantive refinement and assessment of the UNODC Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLOTS3); contribute to the identification and assessment of technical assistance strategies of donors active in anti-trafficking and anti-smuggling initiatives; prepare programme/project proposals/ideas for inclusion in national, regional and global UNODC programmes and for funding consideration, and provide substantive input for other activities to promote, support and obtain funding; undertake consultations with relevant international bodies and organizations and NGOs, as required. • Facilitate and provide training and other capacity-building assistance for criminal justice actors and other stakeholders, including the development of related technical materials; participate in the design and facilitation of interregional, regional and national training activities for criminal justice practitioners related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants; prepare and provide input to standardized training materials; guide, as appropriate, and support staff working on anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling programmes in UNODC Field Offices in Central America and the Caribbean. • Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, regular and ad hoc reports, studies etc. • Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing documents and presentations, etc. • Upon request and where relevant, provide technical advice and inputs in the work of relevant UN Country Teams and Regional Development Coordination Office as it relates to the implementation of technical cooperation projects and activities on trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants under his/her responsibility. • Support the visibility of UNODC’s work against trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants in the region. • Participate in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • 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. • Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has in-depth knowledge and specialization in the field of human trafficking and/or migrant smuggling. Has knowledge of policies and practices in crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Demonstrates ability to liaise with and to provide training to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, criminal justice officials and other professionals in matters relating to the investigation and prosecution of trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. Demonstrates ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. • 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& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in management, law, international relations, political science, development studies or related fields, 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 project or programme management, administration, or a related area, in a national and international context is required. Work experience in the design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of multi-country technical assistance projects addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling is required. Experience in the development and delivery of training is required. Work experience in liaising with governments and counterparts in Central America and the Caribbean is desirable. Work experience on the development of technical assistance tools combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants is desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization 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

and

Spanish are required. 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).

.headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; }

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Spanish

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

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. Panama City is classified in the A 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. 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.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

You need an Impactpool account to apply for this job

It's free and takes only a moment to sign up

Sign up and apply

Already a member of Impactpool?

Sign in to your account Linkedin logo | Sign in with LinkedIn
Fellow badge

This feature is included in the Impactpool Fellowship.

Become a Fellow and get a summary of the job description to quickly understand the role and the requirements