UNODC - National Project Officer Capacity Development

UNODC - National Project Officer Capacity Development - Jerusalem

Job ID/Title :UNODC - National Project Officer Capacity Development
Post Level :SB5/2
Application Deadline : 15-Aug-12
Duty Station : Jerusalem
Languages Required :Arabic, English,
Duration of Initial Contract :     One Year
Expected Duration of Assignment : 2 Years
 

Background:
The Project Specialist will be based at the UNODC Programme Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory in East Jerusalem, which falls under the management of the UNODC Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) in Egypt. Within the Regional Programme on Drug Control, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform in the Arab States 2011-2015, UNODC will prepare and implement an Integrated Cooperation Programme for the occupied Palestinian Territory. The Integrated Cooperation Programme will remain an integrated part of the Regional Programme managed by ROMENA.
He/she will be responsible for the overall implementation of Phase II of a UNODC project entitled: ‘Strengthening the management of the Palestinian penitentiary system and the rehabilitation of inmates in civil prisons administered by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)’. He/she will assist in the implementation and liaison of the project in full compliance with the overall substantive and operational guidance provided by UNODC.
The Project Specialist will work frequently with UNODC staff at various levels, staff of other entities of the UN system in East Jerusalem, the occupied Palestinian Territory  mainly Correction and Rehabilitation Centers Department (CRCD), the Civilian Police (PCP), and  representatives of donor countries, national and international institutions (IGOs, NGOs), to ensure timely and successful implementation of the project.

Description of Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the overall Supervision of the Deputy Regional Representative, the Project Specialist will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the daily activities of the project and in close coordination with the counterparts from the Palestinian National Authority, including frequent travel to the West Bank. More specifically, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:
1-Prepare work plan, assist the Project Manager in the day-to-day management of the project activities and participate in project budget review.
2-Monitor and expedite project implementation systematically through discussions and correspondence as well as frequent field visits, analysis of regular project progress reports and participation in evaluations of project impact.
3-Promote and strengthen collaborative initiatives between UNODC and other UN agencies, NGOs and donors with regard to project activities.
4-Facilitate the external independent evaluation mission of the project.
1-Prepare work plan, assist the Project Manager in the day-to-day management of the project activities and participate in project budget review.
-Provide expert advice on substantive issues related to the Prison Reform Project; including but not limited to; rehabilitation, reintegration, prison regulations and standing orders, female prisoners, juveniles, etc.
-Liaise, in person with Correction and Rehabilitation Centres Department (CRCD) senior management, focal points and other relevant staff of the prisons to ensure that training workshops, training materials and modules and other related arrangements, as well as other project activities run smoothly.
-Collect and compile relevant background data and information about the projects’ subjects and assist in compiling training workshops material and training modules;
-Review, purchase and provide all equipment to the beneficiaries under the project based on the approval of the Project Manager.
-Identify and prioritize cooperation programmes for UNODC funding in conjunction with government counterparts;
-Assist in providing relevant inputs for the design of a UNODC programme involving the possible expansion of UNODC technical assistance in oPT, as required; including drafting concept notes and project documents.
-Write stories on the project activities to be published on the UNODC and ROMENA websites.
-Prepare brochures and booklets.
-Perform any other duties as required by the Project Manager.
2-Monitor and expedite project implementation systematically through discussions and correspondence as well as frequent field visits, analysis of regular project progress reports and participation in evaluations of project impact.
-Ensure planning and coordination associated with the implementation of the project strategy as per the UNODC project document, including by means of preparing detailed and costed work plans for the timely and realistic achievement of project objectives; and related reporting obligations, the latter related both to UNODC and to individual donors, as applicable, and in accordance with UNODC project management policies and guidelines;
-Assist the Project Manager in organizing and conducting seminars, workshops and training activities on various aspects of prison reform related issues;
-Accompany the Project Manager to meetings as requested, provide translation services, assist in drafting the minutes of meetings and give adequate follow-up on each subject as requested;
-Ensure appropriate nominations and arrangements for trainings, study tours, meetings and conferences;
-Identify both international and national consultants and trainers to undertake specific project activities, in close coordination with UNODC technical experts, and supervise the quality and achievement of specific assignments; and ability to draft ToRs and revise or/ and edit materials provided by the consultant or/and trainers.
-Organize and participate in review meetings;
-Maintain up-to-date records and status of project progress and draft monthly, semi-annual and annual reports of the project activities to be approved by the Project Manager.
3-Promote and strengthen collaborative initiatives between UNODC and other UN agencies, NGO’s and donors with regard to project activities.
-Ensure an effective work relationship with the national counterparts, in particular Civil Police, Ministry of interior and CRCD leadership, and other international agencies and bilateral donors working within the area of prison reform;
-Upon request of the Project Manager, participate and represent UNODC in meetings of the aid community, UN inter-agency meetings, seminars and workshops;
-Provide inputs for consultations on technical issues with relevant UNODC HQ sections and units (Criminal Justice Section) on an ongoing basis;
-Arrange programmes for visiting experts, missions and donor representatives to the sites of project activities.
-Suggest joint activities with other international or and UN agencies as appropriate.

4-Facilitate the external independent evaluation missions of the project.
-Prepare related documents, arrange for meetings with UN, International partners and national counterparts.
-Support the Project Manager in the elaboration of detailed work plans and accompanying budgets and budget revisions for all project activities.
 
Impact of Results

The key results have a direct impact on the execution of the UNODC-oPT project “Strengthening the management of the Palestinian penitentiary system and the rehabilitation of inmates in civil prisons administered by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)” in terms of efficient project implementation, coordination, and evaluation. More specifically penitentiary management systems and inmate rehabilitation in the Palestinian National Authority; delivers outputs in a timely manner; effectively implements and/or supports of programme activities; effectively disseminates best practices and methodologies. Organizes and participates in field missions. Deliver effective substantive and technical assistance in the organization and delivery of training for national counterparts and officials.
 
Competencies :
Corporate Competencies:
-Demonstrates commitment to UNODC mission, vision and values.
-Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
-Shares knowledge and experience
-Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNODC Practice Area
-Develops basic knowledge of one or two Practice Areas
-Promotes a learning environment in the office
-Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
-Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
-Ability to perform a variety of standard tasks related HR management, including screening, collecting and preparation of documentation, data input, creation of position, transactions tracking, filing, provision of information
-Strong IT skills
-Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system
Leadership and Self-Management
-Focuses on result for the client
-Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
-Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
-Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
-Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
-Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior

 
Qualifications :
Education:
Master degree in Human Rights and Democracy, Criminology, Political Science, International Relations or other relevant disciplines.


Experience:
 At least 4-6 years of professional experience in the field of Penal Reform and Criminal Justice sector, in particular human rights in prisons and /or other related fields.
-At least 4-6 years of professional work at the international or regional level in project design management/administration and/or implementation.
-Experience and familiarity in working with Palestinian governmental bodies, in particular CRCD is considered an asset
-Professional experience in and knowledge of work practices of the Palestinian, regional CSOs as well as international institutions concerned with criminal justice, and/ or crime prevention is an asset.
-Familiarity with the key concepts of criminal justice reform, and good knowledge of international standards and norms related to prison reform;
-Work experience within the United Nations system (preferably UNODC), including knowledge of UN policies, guidelines and procedures is desirable;
-Relevant work experience in post-conflict environments in MENA desirable;
-Knowledge and experience in media and mass communication is asset.
-Driver’s license required.

Language Requirements:
Fluency in both English and Arabic.
“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”
UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly

Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
-For more detailed information about UNDP/PAPP please visit our website at www.undp.ps.