UNODC Project Specialist

Job ID/Title :UNODC Project Specialist
Application Deadline :   11-Nov-11
Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year
Expected Duration of Assignment : 4 years

Background:
The National Project Officer 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 to be managed by ROMENA.
The National Project Officer will report to the Senior Project Manager and will work in close cooperation with the Laboratory and Scientific Section (LSS), UNODC HQ.  The National Project Officer will act as a project coordinator for the UNODC-oPT project ‘Forensic Human Resources and Governance Development Assistance for the Palestinian Authority’; providing managerial and substantive expertise for the implementation of the project.
The National Project Officer will work frequently with UNODC staff at various levels, staff of other entities of the UN system in East Jerusalem, the occupied Palestinian Territory and in the region, government officials, universities, forensics authorities, representatives of donor countries, national and international institutions (IGOs, NGOs), and representatives of the international forensic community to ensure timely and successful implementation of the project.

Description of Responsibilities:
Summary of key functions:
-Prepare work plan, assist the Senior Project Manager in the day-to-day management of the project activities and participate in project budget review.
-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.
-Promote and strengthen collaborative initiatives between UNODC and other UN agencies, NGO’s and donors with regard to project activities.
-Facilitate the mid-term and final external independent evaluation missions of the project.

1-Prepare work plan, assist the Senior Project Manager in the day-to-day management of the project activities and participate in project budget review.
-Collect and compile relevant background data and information about the projects’ subjects and assist in compiling training material;
-Review, purchase and provide all equipment to the beneficiaries under the project based on the approval of the Project Monitoring Committee;
-Identify and prioritize cooperation programmes for UNODC funding in conjunction with government counterparts;
-During the initial period of the project become fully acquainted with all the requirements and the full running of the project;
-Perform any other duties as required by the Senior Project Manager or the Forensic Advisor.

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.
-Assist the Senior Project Manager and Forensic Advisor in organizing and conducting seminars, workshops and training activities on various aspects of forensic medicine and science and related issues;
-Accompany the Senior Project Manager and Forensic Advisor 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, fellowships, meetings and conferences;
-Organize and participate in review meetings;
-Maintain up-to-date records and status of project progress and prepare monthly, semi-annual and annual reports of the project activities.

3-Promote and strengthen collaborative initiatives between UNODC and other UN agencies, NGO’s and donors with regard to project activities.
-Upon request of the Senior 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 (namely Laboratory and Scientific Section, and Legal Services and regional desk) on an ongoing basis;
-Arrange programmes for visiting experts, missions and donor representatives to the sites of project activities.

4-Facilitate the mid-term and final external independent evaluation missions of the project.
-Facilitate the terminal review of the project. Support the Senior 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 ‘Forensic Human Resources and Governance Development Assistance for the Palestinian Authority’ in terms of efficient project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation; effective and timely liaison with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally; and efficient use of resources. Successful implementation of the project enhances UNODC’s ability to work effectively with the Palestinian National Authority in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

Competencies :
Professionalism:
-Understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to forensic services, infrastructure and governance criminal justice and judicial reform;
-Knowledge of the mandates and work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime;
-Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues;
-Shows pride in work and in achievements;
-Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
-Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
-Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
-Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
-Remains calm in stressful situations;
-Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:
-Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues.

Teamwork: 
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Good Interpersonal Skills:
-Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Planning & Organizing:
-Ability to establish priorities and to plan, manage and monitor work/project plans, prioritize competing demands and work to tight deadlines.

Accountability:
-Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity:
-Actively seeks to improve projects or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Client Orientation:
- Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients and to gain their trust and respect. Demonstrated tact in assisting governments in identifying shortfalls in forensic services and addressing them.
-Commitment to Continuous Learning:
-Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Technological Awareness:
-Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, graphics software and spreadsheets.

Qualifications :

Education:
Masters Degree in natural sciences, forensics, law enforcement, political sciences

Experience:
-At least 4-6 years of professional experience in developing and implementing projects/programmes and managing and supervising professional staff;
-Managerial and organizational ability including experience in financial management;
-Work experience within the United Nations system, including knowledge of UN policies, guidelines and procedures is desirable;
-Strong diplomatic skills are desirable;
-Professional experience in and knowledge of work practices of the various international as well as national institutions and NGOs concerned with drug control and/or crime prevention will be an asset;
-A background in natural sciences, forensics, law enforcement and/or training is advantageous;
-Driver’s license required.
Language Requirements:
-Fluency in both of the English and the Arabic languages.

“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.
UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally