Counter Terrorism Specialist

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.

Assistance delivery at the field level is pursued under the substantive leadership of TPB (within the framework of a global project on “Strengthening the Legal Regime against Terrorism”) and the operational leadership of the respective UNODC regional or country offices, as an integral component of UNODC’s respective regional and country programmes. For West Africa, this leadership is provided by the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa, headquartered in Dakar, Senegal (ROSEN).

The scope of assistance provided has been broadening, with ever increasing attention being given to implementation assistance, as more countries have ratified more of the universal instruments. Special attention is given to assisting countries to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution A/RES/60/288, adopted on 8 September 2006) and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Countries of the Sahel region (Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad) have been a major focus of assistance delivery over the last several years. Many of these countries face several crime and security challenges, intertwined with development challenges. They continue to require extensive assistance to undertake rule of law-based criminal justice responses to prevent and combat terrorism – an essential component of an effective counter-terrorism strategy.

With respect to these countries, assistance activities are delivered as an integral component of the UNODC contribution to the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (Sahel Programme). Through this regional programme, UNODC is seeking to support the Sahel countries in strengthening their operational capacity to investigate terrorism-related cases, working with law enforcement and prosecutors to prepare them to effectively investigate terrorist threats and terrorist acts within a rule-of-law framework.

Whereas the focus of CT assistance remains very much on the Sahel countries, support is also increasingly being provided to the neighbouring countries both in West and Central Africa. For instance, under the regional project led by the Global Counter Terrorism Forum West Africa Working Group co-chaired by Germany and Algeria, UNODC is providing capacity-building and training to develop and implement national action plans (NAPs) and national priority actions in coastal countries (Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal). Specific areas of interest have been identified by the West Africa Working Group: - Enhancing International Police and law enforcement Cooperation - Border Security Management - Countering terrorist financing - Preventing/Countering Radicalization and Violent Extremism National Action Plans - Preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons, IEDs, ammunition and UAS

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator Terrorism Prevention, the UN Volunteer Counter Terrorism Specialist will support in:

• Assisting in the designing and implementation of training activities in West and Central African countries, focusing on capacity-building efforts aimed at strengthening rule of law-based and human rights-compliant investigation, prosecution and analysis of terrorism-related cases and dynamics; • Implementing project activities, ie designing and organizing workshops, conference and other project events; • Analysing and identifying capacity-building needs of national entities and assist other staff members and consultants on training workshops and other relevant initiatives for prosecutorial/adjudicator capacity-building activities; and prepare and participate in national expert workshops, sub-regional/regional workshops, as determined in the team work plan; • Preparation of reports, briefing notes, project concept notes, technical assistance tools, substantive publications and training materials pertaining to operational and rule of law-based criminal justice responses to terrorism, especially by carrying out related legal research and analysis, compilation and analysis of related substantive information and preparation of draft documents; • Strengthening internal and external communication on counter-terrorism programmes and activities in the Sahel, West and Central Africa through public presentations, and articles on social networks, UNODC website and other tools. Contributing to programme development, implementation, monitoring and reporting, especially by preparing related documents and undertaking tasks to support programme coordination and oversight. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNODC/ROSEN TPB team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNODC and programme beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

o Support for the development and implementation of projects and activities; o Inputs related to the development of technical assistance tools and projects in the counter-terrorism area; o Contribution, as part of team, to the delivery of advisory services and training to several criminal justice officials and countries; o Assistance in the formulation of reports, briefing notes, substantive publications and training materials pertaining to the rule of law-based and operational criminal justice responses to terrorism; o Increased visibility through internal and external communication on counter-terrorism programmes and activities in the Sahel, West and Central Africa through public presentations, and articles on social networks, UNODC website and other tools; o Implementation of activities of the UNODC/ROSEN terrorism prevention portfolio.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • 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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • 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 capacity development activities and transfer of skills to national personnel during the assignment; • 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

• Professionalism: demonstrate 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.

the field of counter terrorism or international organizations; experience working on West Africa regions is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international organizations, is required; • Strong organizational skills with respect to implementing capacity building efforts, workshops, conferences and project implementation is required; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills, are required; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing, are required; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development, are required; • 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, are required; • 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, is required; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines, are required.

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory; 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. According to official estimates from ANSD/RGPHAE 2023, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million. The total population of Senegal is 18,032,473 inhabitants (ANSD 2023). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st January 2024, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 602,577 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. Renting unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD is possible. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required to have an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required for an entry or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.