Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Programme Office in Kazakhstan contributes to the country’s efforts to build just, inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind through delivery of a range technical assistance programmes focusing on the following programmatic priorities outlined in the UNODC Programme for Central Asia for 2021-2025: (i) Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime; (ii) Preventing Crime, Increasing Access to Justice and Strengthening the Rule of Law; (iii) Addressing Drug Use, Increasing Treatment of Drug Use Disorders and Preventing HIV/AIDS; (iv) Preventing and Countering Terrorism, Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Leads to Violence; (v) Supporting Research, Trend Analysis, Policy, Advocacy and Forensics; and the UNODC Strategy 2021-2025.
The Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) plays a crucial role in reinforcing security measures related to international passengers and the trade supply chain. The PCBT consists of two key initiatives: the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP) and the Container Control Programme (CCP). These initiatives empower national border administrations to counter threats associated with air passengers, as well as sea, land and air cargo. They specifically focus on combatting illicit goods trafficking, organized crime and the exploitation of passengers and containerized trade supply chains by organized criminal and terrorist groups. In particular, the Programme envisages the establishment of Joint Port and Air Control Units comprising officers from different law enforcement agencies (e.g. Customs, Border services, Aviation Security and the Police) at selected ports and airports.
The position of the Programme Officer is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Kazakhstan with duty station in Almaty. Under the direct supervision and guidance of the PCBT Regional Programme Coordinator, the Programme Officer contributes to the respective programme(s) delivery by carrying out a range of programme and operations related tasks including coordination, management, finance, procurement and others in line with UN rules and regulations, provides technical assistance in drafting regulatory or cooperation documents, organization of training courses, meetings and conference.
The incumbent reports to the PCBT Regional Programme Coordinator on programme implementation related issues and will report to the Head of UNODC Programme Office in Kazakhstan on office management and administration related issues. The position incumbent supervises the programme personnel within the delegated area.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, overall supervision and policy guidance of the PCBT Regional Programme Coordinator on programme (s) delivery, and under overall supervision of the Head of the Programme Office in Kazakhstan on office management and administration related issues, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:
- Support the PCBT Regional Programme Coordinator in planning, coordination, implementation and quality assurance of programme activities;
- Take responsibility for the timely and quality implementation of programme activities under her/his assignment, including the delivery of training courses, seminars, workshops, meetings, expert missions and equipment procurement; Participate as a resource person in workshops, seminars, training courses, study tours and meetings;
- Provide substantive and administrative support to the PCBT Regional Programme Coordinator in reviewing, evaluating, sharing and facilitating integration of the best practices, methodologies related to programme (s) and UNODC mandates;
- Monitor and analyze programme implementation; Ensure timely preparation and compilation of programme Annual/Semi-annual/Quarterly Work Plans and Progress/Final substantial and financial reports and submit them to UNODC HQ relevant sections and to Donors as appropriate;
- Prepare draft ad-hoc reports on key programme activities, issues and required action points.
- Progress reports against planned activities, including project implementation delivery, undertake risk analysis;
- Collect and maintain data on drugs and other contraband seizures made by the Port and Air Control Units in Kazakhstan, established under the Programme and analyze national and regional trends related to trade supply chain security as well as drug trafficking and organized crime;
- Ensure Kazakhstan’s active engagement within the activities under the PCBT Interregional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (IREN), facilitate arrangements for the information exchange with other IREN member countries;
- Contribute to the preparation of project ideas or projects proposals in partnership with programme stakeholders under the supervision of the PCBT Regional Programme Coordinator, including funding needs and accurate budget preparation;
- Assist in coordinating the advocacy work, including preparation of highlight reports and brochures, articles for the UNODC web site, ensuring good communication and coordination among the different stakeholders of the programme at HQ level, donors, national counterparts, and other partners;
- Draft work plans, regular reports, evaluations, background documents, information notes, research papers, and project concept notes;
- Keep informed of all legislation and policy change and practices that relates to thematic areas covered by relevant programme (s);
- Support programme networking and strategic partnership development with government agencies and intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental and civil society organizations, experts and other institutions;
- Act as a liaison officer as required with national authorities and international organizations outside UNODC;
- Identify and prioritize requirements for the project activities, ensure appropriate nominations from the participating countries or organization and follow up all arrangements, liaise with administrative/financial units to ensure the necessary support;
- Cooperate with donors and other international partners; contribute to implementation of resource mobilization strategies by developing of funding proposals and progress reports to donor organizations;
- Monitor and control the programme budget, draft budget reports, and proceed with budget revisions when necessary; Make forecasts and analysis of the programme financial situation (expenditures versus allocations);
- Contribute to monitoring of financial resources and reliability of financial reports as well as asset management system and verification;
- As may be delegated, supervise staff members including staff performance, manage recruitment, training and oversight of regional staff; Provide support in the identification, selection and recruitment of consultants, and develop their terms of reference;
- Maintain, log, file, and update records in the prescribed format for subsequent use;
- Arrange interpretation and translation (English–Russian–Kazakh) as required;
- Carry out any other assignment as directed.
Core Competencies
Achieve Results:
LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
Think Innovatively:
LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
Learn Continuously:
LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
Adapt with Agility:
LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
Act with Determination:
LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:
LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:
LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making
Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies
Business direction & strategy
Strategic Thinking –
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNODC’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks, and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions;
Business Acumen –
Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome;
Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks;
Ability to create clarity around UNODC Value proposition to beneficiaries and partners and to develop service offers responding to client needs based on UNODC’s organizational priorities and mandate;
Business Development
Knowledge Facilitation –
Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally;
Business Management
Project Management – Ability to plan, organize, priorities and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals;
Partnerships Management – Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts, and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies;
Monitoring – Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, international relations, criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement or social sciences, is required.
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in programme/ project implementation at the national and/or international level including hands-on experience in programme/ project development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, donor reporting and capacity building.
- Supervisory experience is an advantage.
- Working experience in the Government, international organizations (including a recognized international law enforcement agency) or international commercial companies is an advantage.
- Experience in drafting, editing and producing written proposals and results-focused reports is an advantage.
- Experience in the United Nations technical assistance or similar programs of other international organizations, countries is desirable;
Languages:
- Fluency in English and Kazakh and/or Russian is required.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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