Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG) with duty station in Kabul, Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Representative will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative, ROCA, and under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Regional Section for Europe, West and Central Asia (RSEWCA) at UNODC headquarters in Vienna. For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Representative is responsible for effectively implementing UNODC programmes and activities in Afghanistan in support of Member States capacity to effectively deal with crime, drugs and terrorism. S/he will be responsible and accountable for the efficient management of all human, financial and physical resources allocated to the programmes and the office, as well as for ensuring outputs of a high quality standard. The incumbent is also a member of the relevant United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in the region, under the strategic guidance and coordination of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC), and member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Regional Team wherever applicable. As a member of the relevant UNCT, and/or of the UNDG Regional Team, the incumbent leads UNODC’s engagement in UN common country and regional planning, programming, funding, monitoring and evaluation activities and to actively contribute to the establishment of the Country Analysis and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CA and UNSDCF) and the joint implementation activities, within the Delivering as One (DaO) approach, especially under the 2030 Agenda, wherever relevant. The incumbent is accountable for keeping the Resident Coordinator, the UNCT, and the UNDG Regional Team appraised of UNODC programme implementation and resources mobilized for programmes/activities, undertaken in the context of the UNSDCF (those led by UNODC). The incumbent will be part of the Mutual Accountability Framework for the UNRC. As member of the local Security Management Team (SMT) the incumbent supports and advises the local Designated Official (DO) in all security management related matters and is responsible for the implementation of local security management decisions and appropriate security and safety measures and arrangements for all UNODC eligible staff, personnel, eligible family members as well as for UNODC premises and operations in the country, in coordination with the local UNDSS security officials and with advice from the UNODC Field Security Adviser at Headquarters Vienna, as appropriate. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties: Advocacy • Provide advice to Governments in the assigned country on the development of regional and national long term capacity-building in drug control and crime prevention, in order to promote adherence to and ensure consistency with the terms of the United Nations conventions, drug control treaties, the Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and Corruption (UNCAC) and the international instruments to counter terrorism, as well as with the goals and objectives of the 20th Special Session of the General Assembly. • Represent UNODC’s position and interests in the assigned country in several fora, and promote solid partnerships with government authorities, institutions, civil society, regional and international aid agencies, financial institutions, parliamentarians and the media. • Advise and assist the Governments in the assessment of planning, design and management of response policy measures, in particular developing and proposing national as well as regional cooperation strategies. • Promote a better understanding of the importance of drug and crime related matters, encourage increased priority attention to all aspects of prevention and combatting drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism, and advocate the inclusion of these issues in government planning documents as well as in relevant programmes of other bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental organizations. • Advise UNODC, UN DCO and UN DPPA senior management on national, regional and continental dynamics and possible policy and operational responses related to political developments, policy shifts, trends and emerging issues pertaining to UNODC’s mandates or resulting from the UN Development System Reform and 2030 Agenda based on close interaction with other UNODC Field Offices, and HQs divisions. • Ensure the effective communication of UNODC’s work and its impact in the country and region. Programme development & Resource Mobilization • Contribute towards UN-wide strategic planning and cooperation in the field, in particular with the UN Development Coordination Office (UN DCO) and the UN Development Group (UNDG). Ensure that drugs/crime related issues are embedded in key UN programmatic instruments such as the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). • Formulate programmes of technical assistance for the country, in order to ensure effective technical cooperation facilitated by improved planning. • Explore opportunities to grow the Country Office programme portfolio (and respective components) in line with UNODC strategy and governments requests, increase programme of work, develop proposals and oversee their implementation. • Support the DO senior management, in the development of new partnerships for field-based services to Member States and the joint resource mobilization for new activities. • Ensure that a resource mobilization strategy remains in place that promotes long-term involvement and financial and in-kind support and resources by governments, international, public and private sector donors to the work of UNODC for the core infrastructure and technical assistance programme of UNODC in the country. Engage in joint resource mobilization efforts with the UNCT and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNDSDF) budget. • Maintain regular consultations with counterparts and ensure that donor funding agreements are honoured in a timely manner. Programme implementation • Manage, monitor and evaluate the overall progress of ongoing activities in the country through all available platforms of intervention and coordination, internally as well as externally, in order to ensure the effective project/progamme delivery and use of funds as well as consistency, substantively, technically and financially with the stated objectives. • In the project cycle management, approve directly project documents in conformity with respective UNODC Management Instructions (MI), intervene when difficulties arise, take remedial actions as required and identify appropriate solutions. • Manage corresponding budget and programme resources. • Lead the Country Office’s work in relation to Enterprise Risk Management. • Ensure integrity and timely substantive and financial reporting. • Lead team members’ efforts to collect and analyze data and provide insight to identify trends or patterns for data driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensure that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. • Ensure integration of human rights and gender system-wide policies in planning and delivery of assistance. • Keep UNODC headquarters informed of the progress being made. Office management • In accordance with established policies and delegated authority, manage the financial, human and physical resources assigned to the UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan under the incumbent’s supervision, ensuring appropriate coverage, guidance and supervision of staff and efficient and effective use of such resources. • Manage, lead, guide and mentor staff under her/his responsibility. This includes promoting their professional development and creating an inclusive and diverse work environment which fosters civility and respect among colleagues and upholding zero tolerance to harassment, including sexual harassment/exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. • As member of the local Security Management Team (SMT), and as outlined in the "Handbook for United Nations Designated Officials for Security", support and advise the local Designated Official in all security management related matters. The UNODC Representative is accountable to the Secretary General through the UNODC Executive Director. • Be responsible for the implementation of local security management decisions taken by the Designated Official and SMT and appropriate security and safety measures and arrangements for UNODC staff, personnel, eligible family members, as well as for all UNODC premises and operations in the region, in coordination with the local UNDSS security officials, and with advice from the UNODC Focal Point for Field Security at Headquarters Vienna, as appropriate. • Perform other work-related duties as may be required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has demonstrated professional competence and mastery in programme development and execution, advocacy as well as in providing seasoned effective specialized advice in a broad range of development assistance issues and on matters related to drugs and crime. Has ability to negotiate and resolve complex and politically sensitive issues/problems with governments and cooperating institutions. Has ability to ensure adequate preparation of reports and papers on technical issues as well as rationale with respect to key technical assistance decisions. Is able to supervise and to review the work of others. Possesses up-to-date knowledge and practical experience of UN programme policies, guidelines and procedures. Has knowledge of UN rules and regulations. Has demonstrated sensitivity to geo-political issues and adaptability to complex political environments. Possesses proven negotiating and diplomatic skills and ability to assume a key role in advising counterparts and networking with national and international partners. Has capacity to stimulate intellectual, substantive policy-level dialogue with Government on programme development in drug control and crime prevention issues, and technical cooperation coordination; sensitivity to political issues and adaptability to local environment, hardship, and security/emergency situations; Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 and 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law, public administration, political or social sciences, international relations or similar field of study related to the UNODC mandates is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields 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 ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in a development-related area, with increasing responsibilities and excellent performance record in programme management and international relations is required. Work experience in international technical assistance programme management in the area of UNODC’s mandates on drug control, crime prevention, countering corruption, and/or terrorism prevention related issues is required. Several years of direct, hands-on work experience in coordinating and leading the implementation of programmes and projects at the field level is required. Work experience in ensuring and in being accountable for the correct application of rules and regulations in a large international organization or governmental institution, non-governmental organization/civil-based organization or similar is required. Proven work experience in managing administrative/financial and human resources is required. Work experience in the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable. Demonstrated work experience in managing large and diverse teams operating at different locations, covering a wide range of substantive, programmatic and programme support functions is desirable. Work experience with demonstrated results in negotiation and resource mobilization of development cooperation programmes is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview.

Special Notice

This position is financed from extra-budgetary resources. 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 the funds. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move(s) or geographical requirements as set out in ST/AI/2010/3/Rev.3 to be eligible to apply for this job opening. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Candidate Profile (CP) and Motivation Statement. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.” 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. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Kabul is classified in the E category (non-family duty station).

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.