National Programme Officer - UNODC

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Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: This position is located in the Country Office in Peru (COPER), Division of Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Ecuador. The Associate Programme Officer (, Chemical Disposal Latin America and the Caribbean) will work under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative (COPER) and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (Chemical Disposal Latin America and the Caribbean). The incumbent will work in close cooperation and the substantive guidance of the Laboratory and Scientific Section (LSS), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA) at headquarters Vienna.

Responsibilities: Within delegated  authority the National Programme Officer (Chemical Disposal Latin America and the Caribbean) will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the programme activities within the field of safe handling and disposal of drugs and precursor chemicals in Ecuador, particularly, focussing on enhancing national capacities in safe handling and disposal of drugs and the precursor chemicals. The Global Scientific and Forensic Services Support Project is a technical assistance programme to provide forensic capacity building to Member States.

The National Programme Officer (Chemical Disposal Latin America and the Caribbean) will perform the following duties:

Design and implementation of programme plans/activities:

• Coordinate and manage the implementation of the programme activities in Ecuador, as per the identified project workplan. 
• Train, supervise and technically support the project staff. Guide trainers, experts, specialists, consultants and other technicians in the preparation and implementation of project activities.
• Carry out technical arrangements for project implementation, contribute to the preparation of project progress reports; act as liaison person with national authorities, international experts, UN agencies and other bilateral and   organizations.
• Provide assistance and support to the development, implementation and evaluation of the activities established in the Project Work Plan; assist in monitoring and analysing the development and implementation of project activities; draft and review relevant documents and reports; identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies; assist in initiating corrective actions when necessary; engage with relevant parties; ensure the follow-up actions of the activities and strategies implemented.
• Periodically prepare reports on activities, products and results framed in the technical development of the project.
• Provide substantive support in analysing and investigating political, social and economic situations in the country that may affect the implementation of the activities proposed in the project's Work Plan. Assist in the preparation of analytical and implementation progress reports, when necessary, to be presented by the Project Coordinator.
• Initiate and coordinate with the Project Coordinator and the technical team the outreach activities established in the Work Plan.
• Contribute to the preparation of periodic analytical reports, briefing notes and presentations to contribute to the project management.
• Participate in informational sessions and meetings on the assigned topic determined by the Project Coordinator.

Perform other work-related duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Work in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator (Chemical Disposal), the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Section (LSS); the operations team, programme staff in other United Nations agencies; government officials and key stakeholders in Ecuador, technical advisers and national and international experts; implicated private sector representative and civil society, to guarantee the successful implementation of the project.

Results expected:

Successful implementation of the programme in Ecuador.  Effectively assists programme managers in meeting their objectives and outputs. The key results have an impact on the success of the programme in the countries where the project will operate, in the field of monitoring the proper final disposal of drugs and chemical substances seized by the authorities. Effectively assists in backstopping and/or supporting programme/project activities. Key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, the creation of partnerships and the achievement of resource mobilization objectives.

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the delivery of technical assistance in post-conflict settings. Has knowledge of the relevant mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and good research and analytical skills. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has good analytical, planning, and organizational skills. 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.

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.

Team Work: 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:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, pharmacy, environmental studies or a 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.

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the implementation of technical assistance activities in drug and precursor control at the national or international level is required; Experience in handling classified information, due to national security conditions, is required; Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, experience in managing web-based management system is required; Experience in the preparation of studies and technical works related to the disposal of precursor chemicals and drugs in Latin America is desirable; Experience with national legislation related to drug and precursor control desirable. Experience in implementing technical capacity building activities in Latin America on drug and precursor control is desirable; Experience in field work in areas with high levels of conflict and risk is desirable.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For this position fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

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