Anti-Corruption Programme Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Corruption remains a significant obstacle to development globally and throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) region. The UNCAC provides a comprehensive framework to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks in the region. All 14 Pacific Island countries (Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) have ratified this universal and the only globally-binding treaty, which includes the mechanism for the review of implementation of UNCAC (UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism). States parties are all currently undergoing the second review cycle, which will, in the coming years, provide reports on their implementation of the Convention to a wider range of preventive measures and recovery of assets.

The Pacific’s roadmap to address corruption in the region is the Teieniwa Vision. In 2020, the Teieniwa Vision was developed and adopted at the first Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Conference, hosted by the Government of Kiribati and with key technical advice provided by the UNODC and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), with funding from the Government of New Zealand. On 3rd February 2021, the 18 PIF Leaders formally endorsed the Teieniwa Vision as the Forum’s regional commitment to progress Pacific unity against corruption.

To operationalize the Teieniwa Vision, UNODC, as the Secretariat to UNCAC and its Implementation Review Mechanism, supported PIFS to determine the Pacific countries’ level of progress in terms of UNCAC implementation and what further actions are required based on the UNCAC review recommendations. As stated in the Teieniwa Vision, PICs aim to unite their “voice as a Blue Pacific to ensure that regional anti-corruption priorities are being presented, where possible, as a collective”. PIFS, with UNODC support, is in a key position to spearhead this coordination and facilitate the development of a ‘framework for implementation’ (action plan), support implementation and monitoring of the action plan, and foster knowledge sharing. This will create an enabling environment for the successful implementation of the Teieniwa Vision.

This UNV assignment is part of the UNODC project for the Implementation of the Teieniwa Vision to address Corruption in the Pacific. Through this project, UNODC and PIFS are assisting Forum countries to develop an action plan to progress specific, achievable and targeted activities aligned with the Teieniwa Vision, in line with UNCAC and the Boe Declaration, and thus creating a mechanism to facilitate the implementation, support the monitoring, and report back to the Forum Official Committee (FOC) Sub-Committee on Regional Security (FRSC) on progress.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser for the Pacific , the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the coordination between PIFS and UNODC and in providing technical support and advice on the implementation of the Teieniwa Vision action plan; • Provide support to PIFS and UNODC on preparation of anti-corruption related papers for Forum meetings; • Support the development of a Pacific-wide communications strategy with PIFS around the Teieniwa Vision and its action plan; • Spearhead the development and the maintenance of an online knowledge sharing platform with PIFS; • Conduct and/or follow-up on anti-corruption technical assistance needs assessments; • Develop targeted anti-corruption capacity-building initiatives based on needs analysis (using the Teieniwa action plan and UNCAC IRM) in the area of prevention, criminalization, enforcement and asset recovery; • Foster contacts and, where appropriate, co-operation, peer-sharing and partnerships with bodies and institutions at national, regional and global levels tasked with the prevention of and fight against corruption;
• Provide substantive guidance for the development and implementation of targeted technical assistance initiative on anti-corruption; • Support the process of developing knowledge products, gleaned from instructive experiences and lessons learned at the national and international levels in the anti-corruption domain; • Assist UNODC in planning, organizing and carrying out conferences, workshops and training events; • Assist UNODC and PIFS in fundraising efforts for its anti-corruption activities and considering further opportunities for promoting transparency in relevant sectors in the Pacific region; • Proactively outreach and represent UNODC at internal and external learning events, as well as meetings and workshops with partners, donors, and peer organizations; • Conduct research and propose international best practices for anti-corruption work including to create awareness; • Prepare regular progress reports as may be requested by the funding partner(s), project steering committee and/or UNODC or PIFS; • Perform other work-related duties as required.

☒ Communication ☒ Integrity ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

the fields of anti-corruption, governance or other rule of law aspects at the national and/or international level is required; • At least 2-year experience providing technical assistance to governmental/inter-governmental institutions and in the Pacific is required; • At least 2-year experience in a coordination role is desirable; • Experience with the administration of development programmes, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting is required; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, Universities and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Practical experience advising upon and applying international legal frameworks, standards and standards and best practices in the field of anti-corruption is desirable; • Up-to-date knowledge and practical experience of UN programmes, policies, guidelines and procedures is desirable; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Have affinity with or interest in ant-corruption, governance, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Fiji, one of the largest countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economy in the region. After nearly a century as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar.

Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately a third of which being inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mix of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the entire of the region. It has reasonably modern facilities, including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited. The public transport is relatively good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable.

Fiji, along with many other Pacific islands, is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. However, security precautions should be taken at all times. Suva is a safe city, where common sense takes a long way in avoiding risks such as pick pockets and house burglaries.