National Project Coordinator -UNODC

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), MCP for the Indian Ocean (IOE), Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The National Project Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator for the GMCP regional team (Indian Ocean East) and in close coordination with the Global Maritime Crime Programme’s regional teams.

• Provide project coordination by contributing  to the formulation, development, implementation, coordination, backstopping and evaluation of the assigned technical cooperation activities; provide technical support to programme development and implementation; review, draft and/or coordinate timely preparation and submission of relevant documents and reports; monitor budget, expenditures and utilization of funds; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties, counterparts and stakeholders; identify and track follow-up actions.

• Provide support in drafting new project concepts and documents to develop and strengthen the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme in Sri Lanka and the region for circulation with potential partners/donors.

• Provide supervision and manage project staff, experts and consultants engaged in and working directly with the project(s) coordinated by the National Project Coordinator. 

• Contribute to the planning and organization of regional and national training events, workshops, study tours and related technical assistance activities.

• Carry out basic research on selected aspects of the programme, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.

• Provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.

• Coordinate and liaise regularly on programme activity planning and implementation with relevant national partners (including designated focal points). 

• Support regular communication with the donors and ensure that reporting obligations are fulfilled in a timely manner. Facilitate the effective flow of communication with national entities by maintaining regular contact, providing required information, etc. 

• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.

• Provide support in drafting new project concepts and documents to develop and strengthen the to diversify UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme in Sri Lankas and the region (in line with UNODC regional programmes and strategic frameworks) for circulation with potential partners/donors including on transnational organized crime.
• Provide substantive and coordination support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparation of background documents and presentations.

• Ensure that appropriate accounting records are kept, and relevant financial procedures are followed.

• Undertake outreach activities; participate in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participate in and deliver presentations on assigned topics/activities.

• Participate in field missions, including provision of substantive support, data collection, etc.

• Perform other work-related duties as required.

• Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Programme staff of MCP (IOE) and colleagues in the MCP Management Support Team, staff in UNOV, UNDP (administration, finance, budget, HR) and counterparts in the region.

Results Expected:

Contributes to the effective design, operation and programming of activities. Provides well-researched and sound analysis and presentation of key information on drug, crime and terrorism prevention related developments in countries and regions and/or in the required specialized substantive and/or functional areas. Provides thorough, well-reasoned and clearly written contributions, opinions and identification of issues on assigned topics and delivers outputs in a timely manner. Effectively assists in backstopping and/or supporting programme/project activities. Provides effective substantive, technical and administrative assistance in the organization and delivery of training and in servicing of committees and meetings.  Effectively assists programme managers in meeting their objectives and outputs. Effectively liaises with stakeholders and counterparts, and in a timely manner interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally to create strategic partnerships.

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the functional area and to technical cooperation matters.  Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control, crime and terrorism prevention as well as the mandates of UNODC. Good knowledge and command of planning, programming budgeting, financial management and other relevant administrative policies. Demonstrated ability to provide effective specialized advice in a broad range of development assistance issues. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Is able to assist with data collection using various methods. Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Exhibits interest in having two-way communication. 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.

• Planning and 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. Uses time efficiently.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibility and honours commitments. Delivers outputs in line with agreed schedules, budgets and quality standards in line with prevailing rules, regulations and procedures.

• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education: A Master’s degree in international relations, law, political science, social/humanistic science or related field is required. 

Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme management, criminal justice, rule of law, or related field is required. Experience in the thematic areas of terrorism prevention, transnational organized crime, peacebuilding and/or strategic planning in post conflict countries is required. Experience in networking and coordination is required. Understanding of the frameworks, policies and mandate of United Nations in Sri Lanka and UNODC POLKA is desirable. Knowledge of the context, social political environment of South Asia is desirable. Work experience in Sri Lanka is desirable. Experience working in an international organization or within the United Nations system is desirable. 

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language and local languages (Sinhala and Tamil) is an advantage.  

Important applicant information

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

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