Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer - Nigeria Job at United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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Job Title: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Access to Justice), P3

Employer: United Nations

Department/ Office: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Duty Station: ABUJA, Nigeria  

Job Opening number: 13-DRU-UNODC-32437-R-ABUJA (E)    

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity       

Org. Setting and Reporting: This position is located in the Project Core Team of the project "Support to the Justice Sector in Nigeria" in the UNODC Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG), Integrated Programme and Oversight Branch (IPB), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Access to Justice) will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (Justice) in Nigeria and the  overall guidance of the UNODC Country Representative.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

•   Implement project activities pertaining to increased access to justice and respect for human rights in Nigeria, in line with written guidelines and instructions developed by UNODC on project cycle management and project implementation.

•   Provide substantive advice and support to criminal justice institutions for improved access to justice and respect for human rights.

•   Provide advisory assistance to national authorities in enhancing capacity to decrease pre-trial detention and prison congestion.

•   Develop, implement and evaluate assigned project activities; monitor and analyze project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties and ensure follow-up actions.

•   Provide substantive technical and advisory services in guiding project activities and providing policy guidance to various counterpart agencies, national stakeholders and implementing entities;

•   Prepare all necessary project progress reports and project implementation delivery rate reports, together with dedicated project personnel.

•   Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources.

•   Work closely with the Project Coordinator (Justice), the Project Officer on Capacity Building and other project personnel, in particular the National Project Officer on Coordination with Non-State Actors, for smooth implementation of project components.

•   Coordinate policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparations of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.

•   Generate survey initiatives; review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.

•   Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background paper, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications etc.

•   Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

•   Participate in consultancy/assessment missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and ensuring completion of deliverables.

•   Monitor financial resources allocated  to assigned project activities; monitor and/or certify expenditures and funds utilization;

•   Coordinate activities related to budget funding for the component (project budget preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget etc.).

•   Guide and mentor assigned project staff.  

•   Coordinate with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on the implementation of relevant project activities.

•   Perform other duties as required.   

Competencies:    

•   Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to criminal justice in general and to access to justice in particular. Has knowledge of policies and practices in prison sector reform, non-custodial options and Alternative Dispute Resolution approaches, including restorative justice, and integration of these approaches into formal justice delivery processes. Has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has practical knowledge in programme/project management and administration. Has conceptual analytical and evaluation skills, good research and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.  Is able to use various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is able to apply good judgment in the context of assignment given, ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities. 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: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

•   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; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.   

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, political or social science, criminal justice, international relations, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in criminal justice, including legislation formulation, justice sector reform and alternative sentencing processes is required. Previous experience in strategy documents formulation and strengthening collaboration between State and Non-State Actors is an asset. Specific experience including project and programme evaluation, budget and financial management and donor reporting are an asset. Experience in research, policy development and technical advisory services is as asset. Experience in the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable. Working experience in developing countries is desirable. Working experience with EU funded projects an advantage.  Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment Method: Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice:

•   This is a re-advertisement of JO No. 13-DRU-UNODC-26921-R-Abuja.  

•   Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandateand/or the availability of funds.

•   Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.

•   In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations: The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee: THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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