Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in Special Projects Section of the Special Projects and Innovation Branch (SPIB) of the Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in Madrid. The Programme Officer reports to the Chief of Section/Senior Programme Management Officer. 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 43 Global 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 United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Programme Office in Madrid is established to implement key initiatives to support Member States, particularly in North and West Africa including the Sahel region, to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. The focus of the Programme Office will be promoting and implementing counter-terrorism programmes and initiatives in North and West Africa, including the Sahel region, particularly in the areas of protection of vulnerable targets, including religious sites, touristic places, and public places; and supporting Member States in their efforts to counter terrorist threats posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programme work related to the protection of vulnerable targets, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties (including international organizations, research and academia, private sector); ensures follow-up actions;
- Performs assignments, in collaboration with the client and programme partners, by producing technical documents (such as action plans), and planning and implementing consultations, workshops, and other technical assistance and capacity-building activities;
- Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources;
- Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, related to the protection of critical infrastructure and ‘soft’ targets including religious sites, urban centres and touristic venues, as well as the threat posed by UAS, as they relate to counter-terrorism;
- Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions;
- Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
- Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;
- Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; organizes and conducts training courses, workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
- Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, donor reports, 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.);
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to counter-terrorism, and in particular the protection of vulnerable targets and the threat posed by UAS. 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. 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;
- 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;
- 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, law, international relations, economics 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. Certification in project management methodology (e.g. PRINCE2) is an advantage.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required;
- Experience in managing capacity-building programmes on preventing and countering terrorism is required;
- Experience in the design and delivery of learning programmes is required;
- Experience working on the protection of vulnerable targets including critical infrastructure and public places/soft targets is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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