National Programme Officer (Terrorism Prevention)

UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, including terrorism. It is a lead provider of specialized assistance to Governments for addressing the legal, criminal justice and rule of law aspects of counter-terrorism (CT). It operates in all regions through an extensive network of field offices.

In pursuant of the goal to enhance country-specific focus and emphasis, and after undertaking extensive consultations with stakeholders in the region, in 2011 UNODC commenced a regional-specific terrorism prevention sub-programme. The sub-programme, currently under Outcome 3: Terrorism Prevention of the Regional Programme for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, covers all Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The sub-programme provides support to ASEAN Member States, upon request, to achieve effective implementation of human rights and rule of law-based criminal justice responses to terrorism.

To do so, it aims to:

• Enhance national CT legal frameworks, in accordance with the international legal framework against terrorism, UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions;

• Strengthen the capacity of the national criminal justice system(s) to implement human rights and rule of law-based CT measures;

• Promote international cooperation in criminal justice and related aspects of CT; and

• Support the development and implementation of national action plans featuring a criminal justice component to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism that may lead to terrorism.

Technical assistance delivery under the sub-programme is undertaken through national and regional level activities and through the provision of advisory services and capacity-building services, which are developed and implemented in close collaboration with respective national and regional CT entities. They address complex thematic and functional areas covered by all 19 universal legal instruments against terrorism, the UN Security Council Resolutions, and in line with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the UN Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

Under the overall supervision of the UNODC/ROSEAP Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism, the incumbent provides specialized substantive, technical and programming expertise for the design, implementing and monitoring of technical assistance activities in the area of counter-terrorism, especially in the Philippines, ensuring high quality, efficiency and timeliness of work.

The National Programme Officer works in close collaboration with UNODC Global and Regional Terrorism Prevention Programmes and staff in UNODC’s relevant country office(s), Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and HQ as required, to provide and obtain substantive expertise, achieve programme coordination, and undertake the organization of activities.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Provision of specialized substantive expertise for the formulation, implementation, reporting and assessment of technical assistance activities on counter-terrorism and preventing/countering violent extremism in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia region when needed, under the regional CT programme and other global and regional initiatives as required;

• Substantive and organizational liaison and coordination with the Philippines national authorities and relevant assistance providers in CT and crime-related matters;

• Representation of UNODC in relevant events and initiatives and delivery of specialized UNODC contributions;

• Management of coordination and administrative tasks for the CT sub-programme and contributions for the management of CT sub-programme and overall UNODC engagement in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia region as required;

• Contributions for resource mobilization, partnership-building and programme advocacy. 

1. Provides specialized substantive expertise for formulation, implementation, reporting and assessment of technical assistance activities on counter-terrorism and preventing/countering violent extremism in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia region when needed, under the regional CT programme and other global and regional initiatives as required, focusing on the achievement of the following key results:

• Expert advice, analysis and formulation of substantive concepts, proposals and strategies and other high-quality expert input on the criminal justice aspects of terrorism prevention, especially with respect to the legislative, judiciary, rule of law, financing of terrorism and other crime prevention dimensions and related international cooperation.

• Expert advice, analysis and formulation of technical assistance activities on preventing/countering violent extremism, focusing on fostering strengthened relationships between law enforcement and local communities.

• Assessment and identification of country needs for achieving effective criminal justice responses to terrorism. Assessment on relevant legal status, gaps and needed modifications. Formulation of programme intervention proposals to meet those needs.

• Successful substantive programme consultations with government officials from criminal justice entities. Formulation and presentation of strategically oriented programme proposals.

• Expert input for technical publications or segments thereof (such as legislative guides, implementation manuals and training tools) for facilitating implementation of criminal justice aspects of CT.

• Mainstreaming of gender and human rights aspects in technical activities and correlated materials; expert analysis on these aspects as they cross-cut with terrorism and violent extremism as required.

• Efficient substantive, organizational and logistical planning, preparation and conduct of activities, which address abroad range of thematic and functional areas of criminal justice responses to terrorism and violent extremism.

• On-site performance of substantive tasks – such as thematic presentations and leading discussions – and other functions required for the conduct of the activities

• Oversight of on-site performance of organizational, logistical and administrative tasks.

​2. Substantive and organizational liaison and coordination with the Philippines national authorities and relevant assistance providers in CT and crime-related matters, focusing on the achievement of the following key results:

• Timely engagement with government counterparts for the collection of inputs for the preparation of substantive and technical documents -i.e. project proposals, concept notes, agendas, training material, etc.

• Substantive liaison with national authorities, civil society, private sector, political representatives on relevant thematic issues for the development of tailor-made technical assistance activities; facilitate requisite endorsement for smooth implementation of activities.

• Identification of national, regional and international experts and other resource persons., as well as adequate target audience, for the delivery of the programme’s technical assistance activities.

• Is up-to-date with relevant developments related to counter-terrorism and violent extremism, and provides regular updates to senior management as required.

3. Representation of UNODC in relevant events and initiatives and delivery of specialized UNODC contributions, focusing on the achievement of the following key results:

• Is aware of, invited to, and participates at, relevant counter-terrorism events and fora organized by other implementing partners in the country.

• Efficient preparation and delivery of technical papers and presentations on the legal, criminal justice and related aspects of counter-terrorism and the CT programme.

• Effective and strategic representation of UNODC in technical assessment and deep dive missions on relevant CT-related themes focusing on areas such as, inter alia, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, Countering Terrorist Travel, adherence to relevant UNSCRs.

• Effective planning and coordination of joint activities.

• Effective identification, promotion and follow-up of UNODC programme opportunities and profiling.

4. Management of coordination and administrative tasks for the CT sub-programme and contributions for the management of CT sub-programme and overall UNODC engagement in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia region as required, focusing on the achievement of the following key results:

• Timely delivery of required substantive and other relevant inputs for overall programme management.

• Efficient management and implementation of coordination, liaison and administrative tasks.

• Expert contributions to monitoring and evaluation of technical assistance activities throughout project life cycle; drafting of project reports as required.

• Familiarity with and strict adherence to UN administrative rules and regulations in connection with the organization and implementation of technical assistance activities.

5. Contributions for resource mobilization, partnership-building and programme advocacy, focusing on the achievement of the following key results:

• Establishment and maintenance of effective stakeholder relationships.

• Efficient communication and programme’s information flow with potential external partners.

• Effective advocacy about the sub-programme and its relevant activities and achievements in various fora, with a view to future strategic partnerships.

• Formulation of funding proposals and implementation reports, with analysis of evidence of progress towards planned outputs and outcomes.

• Promotion of the programme’s initiatives and achievements through information and communication technology tools, including social media, in line with UN guidelines, rules and regulations.   

Core Competencies

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Technical/Functional

Professionalism

Good knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime and terrorism prevention, especially criminal law and international public law as well as international relations. Good knowledge of the mandates, priorities and operational modalities of UNODC’s and the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts. Good analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues; sound judgement and political and cultural sensitivity.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Teamwork

Ability to work collaboratively with others. Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Planning, organizing and managing performance

Ability to plan own work, manage conflicting priorities and to use time efficiently. Ability to organize and implement activities and outputs. Ability to maintain focus and pay attention to necessary detail.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Client Orientation

Ability to identify clients’ needs and develop appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnership with clients.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Accountability

Reliability and a high level of commitment to timely delivery of a heavy volume of high-quality outputs and to achieving organizational goals. Strong sense of responsibility and result orientation.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Technological awareness

Full proficiency in relevant office computer applications, especially Word, Excel, Internet, Outlook, video and web conferencing platforms and commitment to keeping abreast of new technologies.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Education:

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Law, International Relations, Political Sciences, Sociology, Management or other related field is required. Specialization in legal and related aspects of terrorism prevention and/or criminal justice issues and their international dimensions is an advantage.

A first-level university degree, in combination with 7 additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience implementing technical assistance projects and provision of advisory services on terrorism, with a focus on criminal justice aspects, including on intelligence, investigation, prosecution of terrorism-related cases is required. Extensive and progressive professional experience working on strengthening legislative and operational frameworks of countries to address issues including and related to terrorism. Knowledge of and professional experience supporting the implementation of the UN framework on counter-terrorism, the international legal framework against terrorism, and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. Extensive knowledge of the political and related dynamics of the Philippines, including the role and functioning of relevant, national, sub-regional and regional entities. Work experience both at the national and international levels is highly desirable. Work experience in the planning, organization and delivery of technical assistance activities on relevant issues with counterparts in the Philippines, the ASEAN region, and internationally; familiarity with the modalities of international cooperation.

Language requirements:

Fluency in English, with excellent drafting and communication skills is required. Knowledge of one or more of the national languages of the Philippines is highly desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages. Further, UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside.

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UNDP is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staffs and encourages applications from qualified candidates and persons with disabilities.

UNDP is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNDP staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNDP jobs.

UNDP has zero tolerance of sexual abuse, abuse of authority and exploitation.

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