Associate Programme Officer (Gender)

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.

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) West and Central Africa (ROSEN) Country Programme Office in Niamey, Niger. The Associate Programme Officer (Gender) will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Country Programme Office in Niger and overall guidance of the UNODC Sahel Programme Coordinator.

The UNODC Sahel Programme supports the development of accessible, efficient and accountable criminal justice systems to combat illicit trafficking drug trafficking, organized crime, terrorism and corruption in the region by: • Promoting the implementation of international conventions with governments and foster regional cooperation on counter-terrorism with authorities and prosecutors; • Preventing illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, human beings and smuggling of migrants by enhanced detection and interdiction at airports and land borders; • Improving justice systems by promoting integrity safeguard mechanisms and Police - Justice cooperation through anti-corruption and anti-money laundering training; • Enhancing scientific evidence and investigation by providing authorities with appropriate laboratories and firearms control measures; • Supporting access and treatment of people in contact with the judicial system through strengthening the frameworks of human rights, legal aid, victim and witness protection and prison reform.

In this framework, the UNODC Sahel Programme has developed the project Women Provosts in the Sahel, which is currently implemented in Mali, Niger, and Mauritania. The project aims at supporting the Malian and Nigerien Gendarmerie as well as the Mauritanian National Guard in establishing gender-balanced units and train them to conduct accountable and gender-sensitive security operations, thus contributing to protect efficiently populations in cross-border and hard-to-reach areas. The UN Volunteer will support the Sahel Programme in the implementation of this project’s activities in Niger.

The Sahel Programme has been developed within the framework of the UN Regional Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), which the UN Secretary-General launched in June 2013. The UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel revolves around three key objectives: making governance more inclusive and effective, building capacities to counter cross-border threats, and strengthening the resilience of the Sahelian people.

The implementation of UNODC activities through the Sahel Programme is coordinated with other United Nations entities participating in the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Region, including the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women and the offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary General and the Head of Mission of MINUSMA, as well as with other technical and financial partners present in the region (European Union including the EUCAP Sahel missions, INTERPOL, GIZ, Civipol, Expertise France, etc.).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Country Programme Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Programme Officer (Gender) will help plan the activities, implement them, monitor the progress achieved in line with the project’s logical framework, and contribute to the internal and external communications related to results achieved as a consequence of the Programme's implementation. The UN Volunteer will perform the following specific tasks:

• Contribute to the implementation of the activities in Niger of the Women Provosts of the Sahel project workplan and carry out necessary amendments, in coordination with the project stakeholders and the other members of the Sahel Programme based in Dakar. • Provide substantive support in the conceptualization of the project’s activities in coordination with the team based in Dakar. • Provide substantive and logistical support at events, such as meetings and conferences, related to the project implementation. • Undertake outreach activities and participate in presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Coordinate activities related to substantive and financial reporting and prepare related documents/reports (such as progress reports work programme, programme budget). • Monitor the substantive progress and results of the Women Provosts of the Sahel project activities and produce analytical reports based on monitoring data. • Assist in drafting periodic reports, updates and advocacy materials related to the Women Provosts of the Sahel project implementation for donors and external audiences. • Prepare/draft various written outputs, e.g. background papers, correspondence with governments, briefing notes, presentations, project proposals, regular and ad hoc reports, etc. • Engage with national and international partners in Niger to facilitate project implementation. • Perform other work-related duties as required.

To strengthen his/her own capacities and boost his/her experience as a volunteer, the selected Volunteer is encouraged to be fully involved in the implementation of the Sahel Programme, through:

• Developing his or her knowledge of UNODC’s mandate, of the international conventions it guards, on the technical assistance tools available to UNODC, and on the existing implementation programmes for these tools; • An active participation with programme experts in the project design process, including definition of activities and mechanisms for their implementation, of the expertise requested and of stakeholders; • The analysis of its projects and their programming in a manner that allows the passage from a lower stage to a higher stage of implementation; • Capacity building of the programme in terms of communications, through presentations to donors and other international partners.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. as results: • As an active UNODC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support is rendered to UNODC and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions. This includes the following expected outputs: o An efficient support provided in the planning, implementation and monitoring of UNODC Sahel Programme activities in Niger, specifically the Women Provosts in the Sahel project; o Enhanced visibility of activities implemented; o The identification of best practices, lessons learned and innovative tools and strategies to support the implementation and development of the project; o The promotion of gender mainstreaming throughout the programme life cycle; o Increased understanding of the security and rule of law challenges in the Sahel - and particularly in Niger -, of organised crime and terrorism prevention strategies, of the functioning of the criminal justice system in the region and of the challenges of police, legal and judicial cooperation. • The development and submission of a final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

programme or project management, including 1 at the international level, is required. • Experience in working with security and defence forces an asset. • Experience in implementing gender projects is an asset. • Experience in the region is an asset. Other required technical knowledge: • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • 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. • Excellent oral and written communication skills with interlocutors to facilitate liaison and negotiations with partners. • Have a sense of initiative and anticipation. • Good ability to work in a multicultural environment and in a team. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. Desired: • Sound security awareness. • Experience with the United Nations System. • Proficiency in monitoring and database software. • Knowledge of social media tools and communication.

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Niamey, a family duty station.

Niamey is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Nigeriens is among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Niamey are good, as well as the access to health services.

The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

There are few banks in Niamey, but they do not have USD or foreign currency accounts. The current security level is 3 (moderate) in Niamey. The selected UN Volunteer will be expected to follow and complete all UN/UNV mandatory trainings and briefings.

It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.