Job Description

Background UNDP 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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNODC technical assistance activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are undertaken under the broad framework of the Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028). The Regional Framework articulates six focus areas for guiding UNODC-implemented programming at the regional and national levels: 1) A balanced approach to drug control; 2) Strengthening the response to organized crime; 3) Combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (TIP/SOM); 4) Action against corruption and financial crime; 5) Preventing and countering terrorism and violence; and 6) Strengthening crime/violence prevention and criminal justice.
Under the Regional Framework, UNODC is implementing the regional programme “Strengthening forensic services and chain of custody in the MENA region”, managed by the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), based in Cairo.
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa and the ROMENA Programme Coordinator on Forensics & Border Security based in Cairo Egypt, the incumbent will be based in UNODC Programme Office in Rabat, Morocco, and will work under the direct supervision of the Head of UNODC Programme Office in Morocco, to ensure the implementation and expansion of the office portfolio.
The incumbent will assist, in coordination with ROMENA, in the implementation of project activities and the development of further projects. T he incumbent will be responsible for providing substantive and administrative support to results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the activities and achievement of planned project results and will take part of the implementation of United Nations instruments, resolutions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
External contacts: Work implies frequent interaction with UNODC staff at various levels, staff of other entities of the UN system in Morocco, Moroccan government officials, forensics and criminal justice authorities, representatives of donor countries, national and international institutions (IGOs, NGOs).
Work may imply frequent travel inside and outside Morocco.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesSummary of the key functions:

Within assigned authority, the National Project Officer will assist in the implementation and the expansion of the Moroccan Programme Office portfolio. This will include:
Coordinating the planning and implementation of the project activities as outlined in the project document/ workplan. Responsible for the implementation of UNODC technical assistance in relation to the project by providing substantive, technical, and logistical support. Working in close collaboration with National Counterparts, UNODC staff both in the Morocco office, ROMENA and HQs in order to coordinate activities exchange information and to ensure consistent service delivery. Working on programme development with a view to ensure the continuous expansion of UNODC portfolio. Support the UN-wide agenda in Morocco by collaborating with the respective mechanisms and working groups.

Specific tasks to be performed by the National Project Officer:

The incumbent will fulfil the functions of National Project Officer, providing substantive support to the development and implementation of the project: ‘Strengthened use and management of forensic evidence’ under the regional programme “

Strengthening forensic services and chain of custody in the MENA region

”. More specifically, the incumbent will fulfil the following tasks:
Responsible for the technical assistance in relation to national and transnational criminal investigation and criminal justice, with a special focus on forensic sciences, crime scene investigation and chain of custody, by providing substantive, technical and logistical support. Participate in developing and maintaining solid and trustworthy working relations within UNODC (including at regional and HQ levels), and with sister UN agencies, national counterparts and international partners, through timely interactions, to facilitate the implementation of UNODC projects, including in collaboration with national and international partners; promote their participation and contribution to project activities where possible. Actively participate in the implementation of capacity building programmes at the national and regional levels, by providing substantive, technical, administrative and logistical support in accordance with overall strategy and priorities, and actively participate in ensuring the timely project planning, review, revisions, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as completion of related reporting obligations. Provide well-researched and sound analysis and advice, building and sharing knowledge on national and transnational criminal investigation and criminal justice, with a special focus on forensic sciences, crime scene investigation and chain of custody, in Morocco, delivering outputs and relevant documents in a timely manner. Contribute in drafting of relevant documents and reports required by the donors, the implementation of technical assistance as well as internal reporting, including research analysis, annual/quarterly reports, activity reports, and official correspondence, mission reports, presentations, policy proposals, progress reports, Terms of References (for consultancies, goods and services ensuring qualitative and objective procurement of services) as well as ad hoc reports, communications products such as web stories, newsletters etc in a timely manner. Document lessons learnt and best practices throughout project implementation. Organize and participate in needs assessment missions and other project missions and when applicable in substantive discussions with national authorities, and contribute to the drafting of mission reports, and other relevant reports and/or documents. In coordination with relevant UNODC, UNDP and other UN teams, organize all procurement of services as per project activities and in line with UN procurement regulations and financial rules and support quality assurance of deliverables. Support the implementation of the UNODC gender strategy. Actively participate in the coordination with the team on the preparation and M&E of detailed work plans and accompanying budgets and budget revisions for all project activities (inc. procurement plans and budgets), as well as the timely and accurate submission of progress and financial reports, including tracking and monitoring of expenditure as per funding agreement; ensure timely project review, revisions, monitoring and completion of related reporting obligations. Support the development of new initiatives and identify possible UNODC fields of intervention in close cooperation with relevant national counterparts and/or international agencies when applicable, including by drafting concept notes, project proposals and related budgets to ensure continuity of technical assistance and expansion of the Programme Office in Libya and ROMENA. Support when applicable the UNODC Programme Office in Morocco and carry out any other tasks as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates commitment to UNODC mission, vision and values. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
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