UNDP JOB: NATIONAL PROJECT OFFICER – LIAISON OFFICER

NATIONAL PROJECT OFFICER – LIAISON OFFICER

Location :	Abuja, NIGERIA
Application Deadline :	28-Nov-13
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB-5
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	Initial duration of one year

Background

This position is with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG). Working under the overall guidance of the UNODC Country Representative and under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the incumbent will assist in the general operations and execution of the project’s activities as a liaison officer based in Abuja, providing direct support to the project team based in Lagos, and to project key beneficiaries with Headquarters in Abuja.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will carry out the following tasks: Provide support to the Project Coordinator and other members of the project team based in Lagos. Facilitate the smooth implementation of project activities in Abuja; Implement specified project activities in accordance with approved annual costed work plans jointly formulated with project beneficiaries; Provide expert advice and guidance to beneficiary institutions with respect to legislation reform, institutions building, inter-agency operational and institutional collaboration, and policy formulation in relation to drug control. Identify, draft terms of reference and engage experts for support project activities; Coordinate and liaise regularly on project activities and implementation with UNODC Headquarters in Vienna, relevant national and international institutions, UNODC field offices, and designated project Focal Points and other senior professionals of participating drug control institutions and CSOs/NGOs; Develop, maintain, and intensify contacts with Government institutions and authorities, local representatives of other United Nations organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, resource persons and the media regarding project activities; Support the preparation, finalisation, adoption, and implementation of policies/strategies on drug control; Prepare and deliver all necessary financial and operational revisions and reports; Lead the Abuja based project support staff; Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: A firm knowledge of project implementation and management; Knowledge of, and specialization in understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to anti-corruption, good governance or rule of law; Very good research and analytical skills; Expert knowledge of anti-corruption institutions, policies and legislations reforms, and existing gaps; Fully knowledgeable of programme management cycle, including monitoring and evaluation tools; Knowledgeable of best practices as regards monitoring and reporting on results, in particular as regards policy formulation and institutional strengthening; Ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues; Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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: Able to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work while prioritizing competing demands; Able to work on tight deadlines; Knows how to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and projects as necessary; Uses time efficiently. Communication: Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports, make presentations in a variety of fora; Ability to conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum necessary information, and making and defending recommendations; Possesses excellent drafting and communication skills with proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to match style and format to audience. Teamwork: Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish, lead, and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; Works collaboratively with colleagues within and outside of UNODC 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. 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. Networking: Ability to form and support cooperation networks among a large array of partners, especially the ACAs.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree) in law, criminology, public or business administration, social sciences or other related areas including drug control, law enforcement, or criminal justice.

Experience:

• At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in drug control, legal works, policy formulation, law enforcement, or institution building;
• At least three years progressively responsible experience in project implementation and management preferably in the public sector or international civil service environment;
• Proven experience and knowledge of the Nigerian drug control policy, institutional, and legislative frameworks;
• Work experience in the United Nations System or European Union funded projects would be an asset. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat;
• For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required;
• knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

The United Nations is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

CLOSING DATE: 28-Nov-2013

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