Job Title: Project Officer (Drug Demand Reduction), P4
Job Opening number: 13-PGM-UNODC-26927-R-LAGOS (E)
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Department/ Office: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Organisation: United Nations – UN Nigeria
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 "Response to Drugs and Related Organized Crime" in the UNODC Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG) with duty station Lagos, Integrated Programme and Oversight Branch (IPB), Division for Operations (DO). The Project Officer will work under the overall guidance of the UNODC Country Representative and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (Capacity Building).
For further information on UNODC, please see our website: www.unodc.org
Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
• Implement project activities pertaining to increasing national entities' capacity to manage drug treatment, rehabilitation and prevention through the creation of a reliable network of quality drug prevention, treatment and care service providers, in line with written guidelines and instructions developed by UNODC on the project management cycle and project implementation. The Project Officer (Drug Demand Reduction) will also act as Deputy Project Coordinator (Capacity Building).
• Assist key government and non-governmental organizations to develop comprehensive policy guidelines, minimum standards and training manuals for drug prevention, treatment and care and provide technical support to the implementation of these policy guidelines and minimum standards and in training activities.
• Develop, implement and evaluate assigned project component; 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; ensure follow-up actions.
• Provide substantive technical and advisory services in guiding the project component and providing expert guidance to various beneficiary agencies and national stakeholders in reaching their drug prevention, treatment and care objectives.
• Prepare all necessary project progress reports and project implementation delivery rate reports, together with project personnel.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinate policy development, in relation to drug prevention, treatment and care, 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 papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications etc.
• Provide substantive backstopping to drug prevention, treatment and care events and other meetings, conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants training providers, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Lead and/or participate in large-scale, complex drug prevention, treatment and care activities, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
• Identify and link up government/non-government entities with external mentors for continuous support.
• Manage financial resources allocated to assigned projects component; monitor and/or certify expenditures and funds utilization.
• Coordinate activities related to budget funding for the component (substantive reports preparation and submission, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget etc.)
• Supervise, guide and mentor assigned project staff and experts; participate and/or oversee the recruitment of project personnel.
• Perform other duties as required.
Competencies:
• Professionalism: Has proven knowledge of current issues/debates in the field of drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drug prevention, treatment and care. Has knowledge of best practices in drug prevention, treatment and care, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this area. Has practical knowledge and experience in providing effective drug prevention, treatment and care support and conducting large scale 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. Has knowledge of and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability 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.
• Communications: 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.
• Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
• Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, social sciences, public/private administration, management, public health or other job-related discipline 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 seven years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in project or programme management, including in planning, implementing and monitoring drug prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation activities or drug demand reduction training programmes is required. Specific experience including project and programme evaluation and budget and financial management is an asset. Experience in research, policy development and a technical advisory service is desirable. Experience with the United Nations or similar international organization and working experience in developing countries are desirable. Working experience with EU funded projects is an advantage. Supervisory experience is an asset. 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
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
mandate and/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.
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