Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre in the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The incumbents will report to the Head of the Border Security and Management Unit under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Countering Terrorism Section in UNCCT. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy. The duty station is Dakar, Senegal, within the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) Secretariat. UNOCT, in partnership with IOM (International Organization for Migration), UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), and INTERPOL, have established the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) as a multilateral coordinating structure for separate but complementary internationally funded projects in the region that aims at strengthening border governance and security in areas strategically relevant for regional stability. The Mechanism will contribute to the overall implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the projects aimed at strengthening the regional effort to prevent and manage conflicts and security threats.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, and in strong collaboration with IBSM partner, national and regional authorities, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Provide policy advice and technical expertise from a multi-disciplinary perspective on programmes/projects relating to the overall area of border security and management (BSM) to counter terrorism and foreign-terrorist fighters (FTF), as well as fighting cross-border organized crime. • Organize and develop reports on the analysis products on counterterrorism and transnational organized crime-related vulnerabilities affecting border communities and border areas through engagement with a range of national stakeholders and other partners involved in projects relevant to integrated border stability, in close consultation with fellow IBSM partner entities. • Monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. • Explores, identifies and sets strategic priorities in the area of BSM to counter-terrorism measures and FTF on short, medium and long-term in close consultation with IBSM partners. • Performs consulting assignments in the field of BSM, in collaboration with the competent Member State’s authorities, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Researches, analyzes and presents comprehensive information on new BSM good practices and trends in the region gathered from diverse sources. • Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends for UNCCT BSM related activities in the areas on counter-terrorism and FTF, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, • Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Organizes and prepares written outputs on BSM, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, standardized training courses focusing on strengthening intra and inter-agency cooperation, risk analysis, border surveillance and control standards, document security, cross-border and international cooperation. • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences on BSM, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions relating to BSM in close consultation with IBSM partners, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Liaises with Embassies and Ministries to facilitate the Centre’s activities in BSM-related issues with a particular focus on countering terrorism and FTF, as well as fight against cross-border organized crime and the avert of other transitional threats • Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Counter-Terrorism and or Border Security Management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to conduct BSM-related evaluation and monitoring assessments with regard to interdepartmental and inter-ministerial workflow procedures and mechanisms to improve capacities in countering terrorism, FTF, and cross-border organized crime. . Has the ability to contribute to technical assistance programmes, provide guidance in the substantive area, deliver presentations and training, and mobilize external partners and stakeholders. 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. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in strategic security management, border security and management, , international relations, law or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the overall area of border security and programme management, including substantial experience in policy and strategy development, is required. Experience in drafting reports, project documents, assessments, and evaluations is required. Experience in identifying and analyzing emerging threats, new phenomena, and modus operandi in the overall area of border security and management in general and in countering terrorism and foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) is desirable. Experience using a risk-based working methodology (profiling) is desirable. A minimum of five years’ work experience in Africa is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2024. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position advertised is funded through Extra-budgetary funds. • While this temporary assignment/appointment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.