UNODC: Programme Associate – Nairobi

Organization Mission

The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) was established as a consequence to the General Assembly Resolution 45/179 of 21 December, 1990 with the responsibility of coordinating all drug control activities within the United Nations system. In 1997, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established through a merger between the UNDCP and the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention, and is “mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.

The mission of UNODC is to contribute to the achievement of security and justice for all by making the world safer from crime, drugs and terrorism. The activities of UNODC are based on three pillars: (i) research and analysis (evidence–based policies); (ii) establishment of international norms and standards (UN Conventions); and (iii) capacity-building through technical assistance.

The mandate of UNODC derives from several UN conventions and General Assembly resolutions and the conclusions and recommendations of its governing bodies:

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs: the central policymaking body within the Untied Nations system dealing with drug-related matters. The Commission monitors the world drug situation, develops strategies on international drug control and recommends measures to combat the world drug problem, including through reducing demand for drugs, promoting alternative development initiatives and adopting supply reduction measures.
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ): the central body within the United nations system dealing with crime prevention and criminal justice policy. It monitors the use and application of relevant United Nations standards and norms. the Commission offers Member States a forum to exchange expertise, experiences and information, to develop national and international strategies and to identify priorities for combating crime.

Context

UNODC’s presence in Eastern Africa is anchored in its Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, supported by Programme Offices in Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. Through this presence, UNODC delivers technical assistance, strengthens national capacities and works closely with governments, civil society and regional bodies to address evolving crime and security challenges across the region.

Operating across such a diverse landscape requires a strong, unifying strategy. The Eastern Africa region comprises 13 countries with a combined population of approximately 380 million. Together, these countries share over 23,000 kilometers of land borders and roughly 13,000 kilometers of coastline. The region is composed of culturally and geographically distinct areas, including East Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda), the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia) and the western Indian Ocean island states (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles).

This vast geography and Eastern Africa’s strategic location create challenges. Porous borders and diverse demographics allow various forms of organized crime to thrive. Major threats include trafficking in drugs, weapons, persons, as well as crimes against the environment, corruption, terrorism, money-laundering and cybercrime. These interconnected issues have significant implications for peace, security, and development. The region is also very vulnerable to climate change, which increases instability and exploitation risks.

To guide its support to Member States in addressing these complex issues, UNODC developed a Regional Framework for Eastern Africa 2024–2030. Covering all 13 countries, the Framework sets out a coherent, multi-year strategy that aligns UNODC’s technical assistance with regional priorities and the realities of the security landscape. It serves as the central planning and coordination instrument for UNODC’s work in Eastern Africa, ensuring that programmes are context specific, complementary and responsive to emerging threats.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
A. Program Monitoring and Reporting
• Support the development or review of talking points, briefing notes, concept notes, progress report and other documentation.
• Organize meetings and draft minutes of meetings with donors, partners and other stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of necessary documents for missions by senior manage-ment.
• Support data collection for monitoring, reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Conduct research to support programming and fundraising efforts.

B. Program Support
• Provide administrative and other support to specific programs and projects under the UNODC Regional Framework for Eastern Africa.
• Support the organization of conferences, seminars, training courses and other events.

C. Communications and Visibility
• Assist with the implementation of the communications and visibility plan under the Regional Framework.
• Support the development of knowledge products (e.g. various types of leaflets, bro-chures and data visualizations).
• Support the development of web stories, social media posts and other visibility mate-rials.
• Support donor outreach and other efforts to document and disseminate information on UNODC results and achievements (e.g. preparing handouts, inputs for presenta-tions).

Other duties as required

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her di-rect supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objec-tives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in:
• International relations/law/politics/economics
• Criminology
• Data analytics
• Communications, advocacy and outreach

Skills in:
• Excellent oral and writing skills
• Computer literacy
• Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity

Core Competencies

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Commitment and Motivation
• Creativity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Nairobi duty station offers relatively comfortable living conditions within a moderate security environment, where staff follow UN security protocols due to risks such as petty crime, though most expatriate residential areas are well-secured. Nairobi is a major regional hub with strong connectivity via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport, supporting both international and humanitarian travel, although traffic congestion can affect movement within the city.

The climate is mild and temperate year-round (10°C–26°C) with two rainy seasons, making it one of the more pleasant duty stations in the region. The city provides good access to healthcare, international schools, secure housing, and modern amenities, contributing to a relatively high standard of living. Culturally, Nairobi is cosmopolitan and diverse, with English and Swahili widely spoken and a vibrant expatriate and professional community, making it a family-friendly and desirable posting despite the need for ongoing security awareness.

You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) per month and is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be computed by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate of US$1,602. The VLA base rate is a global rate, while the PAM is country- specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis according to the cost of living.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements). UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). A resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment. UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

Disclaimer

The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.