Programme Support officer

Volunteering Admin

Overview

Support project implementation and management for forensic science capacity building.

You have:

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in project management within criminal justice, law enforcement, human rights, international development, or related fields.
• Strong managerial and organizational skills, including experience in financial and operational management.
• Solid knowledge of criminal justice, organized crime, forensics, and related UNODC-mandated areas.
• Experience working with government counterparts and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication, drafting, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with the regional context and institutional landscape is an asset.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNODC implements in Palestine project to Enhance Forensic Science Capacity within the State of Palestine.

The key work is to establish a robust, evidence-based forensic system that meets international standards, thereby contributing to the effectiveness and integrity of the criminal justice system.

The project will focus on further strengthening and expanding the expertise of forensic specialists across all disciplines within the laboratory. It will enhance DNA trace evidence analysis and disaster victim identification capabilities, while also establish firearms and DNA databases and replace the outdated fingerprint database to align with modern technologies. The project seeks to enhance governance structures, improve quality management systems, and strengthen policy-making processes. Additionally, it aims to foster inter-agency cooperation and deepen the understanding of forensic services among key stakeholders through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives. This will ensure that forensic science services in the State of Palestine are comprehensive, reliable, and aligned with international best practices.

Ultimately, the project will contribute to the establishment of a criminal justice system that provides fair and impartial justice for all, including men, women, and children, through the provision of reliable forensic evidence and improved institutional capacity to govern forensic services effectively.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNODC Palestine office Officer-in-Charge or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV [ National UN Expert ] will carry out the following tasks:

Strategic Planning & Project Oversight - Advise on and develop operational policies and strategies for effective project implementation and management. - Lead the planning, review, and monitoring of annual and quarterly workplans, budgets, and detailed implementation plans in line with approved timelines and resources. - Monitor the operating environment, assess risks (including legal considerations), and ensure timely adjustments to project activities. - Identify implementation challenges, propose corrective actions, and ensure follow-up with relevant stakeholders.

Implementation Management & Monitoring - Oversee day-to-day project implementation to ensure activities are executed efficiently and in accordance with plans. - Track progress against outputs, outcomes, and performance indicators, ensuring alignment with project objectives. - Ensure the effective functioning of monitoring, compliance, and internal control systems. - Maintain oversight of project performance, including quality assurance of deliverables and activities.

Financial Management & Compliance - Ensure sound financial management of project resources, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial forecasting. - Monitor financial delivery against approved workplans and ensure timely corrective actions where needed. - Ensure compliance with UN/UNODC rules, regulations, and policies, including procurement and administrative procedures. - Establish and maintain internal control systems for financial and operational accountability.

Reporting & Documentation - Ensure timely preparation and submission of accurate narrative and financial reports in line with UNODC and donor requirements. - Draft and review analytical reports, briefing notes, and updates for internal and external stakeholders. - Maintain proper documentation of project activities, expenditures, and results. - Support the preparation of project revisions, proposals, and donor reporting as required.

Programme Support & Coordination - Ensure alignment of project activities with broader programme objectives and policy frameworks. - Coordinate with project teams, experts, partners, and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. - Support the development of project proposals, concept notes, workplans, and budgets. - Organize and oversee field missions, expert consultations, and study visits. - Identify needs, draft terms of reference, and facilitate the recruitment and management of experts and consultants.

Capacity Building & Knowledge Development - Support the design and delivery of training programmes for relevant stakeholders (e.g., criminal justice practitioners). - Facilitate workshops and knowledge-sharing activities on key thematic areas, including investigative methods, victim-centered approaches, inter-agency coordination, and data collection. - Stay informed of policy and procedural developments and ensure knowledge is shared with project staff.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement - Ensure clear, concise, and effective communication with stakeholders, including preparation of reports and presentations. - Foster strong relationships with internal teams, partners, and donors to support project objectives.

Teamwork & Collaboration - Promote a collaborative team environment, valuing diverse inputs and expertise. - Support knowledge sharing, joint problem-solving, and collective accountability for results.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Teamwork and respect for diversity: • Creativity • Planning and organising • Self-management

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in project management within criminal justice, law enforcement, human rights, international development, or related fields, including full project cycle management (planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting).
• Strong managerial and organizational skills, including experience in financial and operational management, as well as the ability to deliver results under tight deadlines with minimal supervision
• Solid knowledge of criminal justice, organized crime, forensics, and related UNODC-mandated areas, combined with the ability to contribute to policy and programme development.
• Experience working with government counterparts and coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including inter-agency mechanisms, preferably within the UN or similar international organizations.
• Strong communication, drafting, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and work effectively in multicultural environments.
• Familiarity with the regional context and institutional landscape is an asset.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A 6 months contract with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 9,422.23 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 28 days ago - Source: unv.org