As highlighted in UNODC’s 2024 report Transnational Organized Crime in the Pacific: Expansion, Challenges and Impact, transnational organized crime (TOC) in the Pacific region is increasingly sophisticated, diversified, and entrenched. The report documents a marked increase in large-scale drug trafficking as well as the convergence of trafficking routes with other illicit markets, including human trafficking, environmental crime, and cybercrime. These evolving threats are not only challenging national law enforcement capacities but are also destabilizing communities, impeding development progress, and exacerbating vulnerabilities already present due to geographic isolation, limited resources, and climate shocks. Despite strengthened law enforcement and intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at curbing the availability of illicit drugs, demand continues to rise; fueling public health crises, and undermining development gains. The successful candidate will be directly engaged in this critical environment, directly collaborating with the ongoing ODA-funded projects.

Under the direct supervision of Regional Adviser – Transnational Organized Crime, the Programme Associate will undertake the following tasks:

• Support coordination of cross-programmatic alignment of TOC interventions with related crime types, promoting integrated approaches to address overlapping threats such as smuggling, maritime crime, drug trafficking, and environmental crime via sea routes. • Support development of internal briefs and coordination updates that map interlinkages, gaps, and potential entry points for joint programming. • Lead on monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project activities. • Assist in identifying and engaging regional partners, donors, and stakeholders relevant to TOC and broader crime prevention objectives. • Support the preparation of funding proposals and partnership briefs that position TOC responses within broader regional development and peace agendas. • Contribute to developing donor profiles and partnership strategies, ensuring strategic alignment and visibility of UNODC’s work. • Contribute to drafting clear, accessible narratives and presentation materials, supported by data visualizations, that communicate the impact of TOC. • Assist in verifying and improving data quality in collaboration with field teams and implementing partners, including through regular feedback loops. • Contribute to the preparation of knowledge products and advocacy materials that showcase the outcomes of UNODC’s work within the broader TOC context. • Assist in organizing learning events, internal knowledge exchanges, and technical roundtables that support cross-programmatic reflection and strengthen shared understanding.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Client Orientation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in

• Governance, security, justice, peace
• Health and human security

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

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Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to adapt your strategies to meet changing circumstances in a project.	To understand your flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.	Provide a specific example and focus on the changes made and the outcomes.
How do you plan to ensure effective stakeholder engagement in your projects?	To gauge your ability to engage and manage relationships with diverse partners.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Share an experience where you monitored and evaluated a project's progress. What was your approach?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to communicate complex information clearly?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a successful funding proposal you developed?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss a time when you had to work with a diverse team. How did you manage the dynamics?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you maintain accountability in your work?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a learning event or knowledge exchange you organized. What was the outcome?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.