Project Support 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.

This UNV assignment is located in the UNODC Country Office in Brazil within the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) for an initial period of 9 months. Subject to performance and/or programme needs the post could be extended. The UN Volunteer will perform their duties and responsibilities under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, Latin America and Caribbean Programme, Global Maritime Crime Programme and the overall supervision of the Representative of LPOBRA.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the GMCP LAC Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer “Project Support Officer” will:

• Assist the programme coordinator in the implementation of the programme activities under the Global Maritime Crime Programme by collaboratively working with experts and administrative/project support personnel; • Advise the programme coordinator in the development of the programme activities by identifying technical assistance needs for capacity building and develop sustainable strategies to reform and strengthen the capacity of maritime law enforcement and other criminal justice authorities in the region under the Global Maritime Crime Programme; • Assist the programme coordinator and other team members in project/programme and/or budget revisions, the preparation and dissemination of costed work plans, terms of references and other related project documentation; • Assist the programme coordinator with financial monitoring, costing of activities, and budget submissions by collaboratively working with administrative/project support personnel; • Contribute with substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies; • Related to the above task, support monitoring and evaluation activities of the GMCP LAC programme activities in Brazil and in other countries as directed by the coordinator by working with project experts through developing, administering and analysing pre/post training and capacity-building related questionnaires. This task includes compiling and collating information to be submitted to programme stakeholders and counterparts; • Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, briefing notes, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc, relating to maritime crime issues in the region; • Provide administrative and substantive support to the programme coordinator in view of consultative and other meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc; • Assist the programme coordinator and relevant team members in relation to administrative action for the procurement of equipment and services including drafting of TOR for procurements, contracts for consultants, related payment requests, and monitoring and follow-up on such requests in line with UN financial rules and regulations; • Support field missions to locations in the region where GMCP LAC carries out programme activities, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.; • Perform any other duty as required/assigned.

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.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNODC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNODC GMCP LAC and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Provide thorough, well-reasoned written contributions. o Effectively, and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally in support of programme activities as directed by the programme coordinator; o Provide substantive and administrative support to activities implemented under the programme in the region, including procurement, human resources processes, and travel in line with UN financial rules and regulations; • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • 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 developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to maritime law enforcement; 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; • 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; • 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; • 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.

maritime or port security or management, international law or other relevant programmes (professional work experience at the national and/or international level) Experience with an international organization is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

Brazil is a South America’s largest and only Portuguese-speaking country. A considerable number of expatriates lives in Brazil. Brazil offers free and universal medical care, however, quality of services may vary depending on the extent to which given medical establishments are funded. Security is generally good with some exceptions and caution is always advisable in larger cities. UNDSS provides clear security guidelines, as well as risk and mitigation measures, which can be consulted at their website. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil.

Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. Rent for small one-bedroom apartments range from 200 USD (unfurnished) to 600 USD (furnished) per month. UN Volunteers are also encouraged to share accommodation.

Brasilia is located in the country's centre-western region. Although Brasília is used as a synonym for the Federal District through synecdoche, the Federal District is composed of 31 administrative regions, only one of which is the area of the originally planned city, also called Plano Piloto. Brasília and its metro area were estimated to be Brazil's 3rd most populous city, with 3.039.444 people. Among major Latin American cities, Brasília has the highest GDP per capita, and the Federal District has a high HDI (0.839).

All three branches of Brazil's federal government are centred in the city: executive, legislative, and judicial. Brasília also hosts 124 foreign embassies. The city's international airport connects it to all other major Brazilian cities and many international destinations and is the third busiest airport in Brazil. Brasilia is located at the top of the Brazilian highlands in the country's centre-western region, at 1,172 m. The Paranoá Lake is a large artificial lake that was built to increase the amount of water available and to maintain humidity. It has a tropical savanna climate (Aw, according to the Köppen climate classification), with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from October to April and a dry season from May to September. The average temperature is 22ºC, rising to over 30ºC during the hottest period. The hottest month in Brasilia is September and the coolest month is July.

The currency used in Brazil is called Real (BRL). In December 2022, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 5.28 BRL. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Brazil accept the main 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.

To enter Brazil, a valid passport is required. Nationals of other countries may be required an entry visa or long stay visa. They should contact the closest Brazilian representation.

The UNV Field Unit can assist in booking temporary accommodation for the first nights at UN Volunteer expenses, which can be extended or not at UN Volunteer discretion until getting a permanent accommodation. Note: For all international travel to Brazil, security clearance must be requested a minimum of 7 days prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that Volunteers be duly vaccinated against Covid-19 and yellow fever.

Brazil is a unique country. 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.