Associate Programme Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: WJMRUNODC/2407/2025824

Associate Programme Officer Vacancy-Job Ref: WJMRUNODC/2407/2025824

Nouakchott (Mauritania)

Job Description

Overview

This position is located in the Programme Office in Mauritania (POMRT), Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nouakchott, Mauritania. The position operates under ROSEN based in Dakar, Senegal. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Law Enforcement), based in Nouakchott, and the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative of ROSEN. The incumbent will liaise and cooperate closely with the Programme Coordinator (Sahel Region) based in Dakar, Senegal.

Responsibilities Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and the UNODC Sahel Programme in Mauritania (for more info on the Sahel Programme, visit unodc.org).

The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

Assist in identifying technical assistance need for capacity building and in the development of sustainable strategies in crime prevention of and criminal justice response to violent extremism, organize crime and terrorism, including in cross-border settings.

Assist in developing partnerships with other UN agencies and civil society organizations, developing, and implementing joint projects reflecting the humanitarian-development-peace “nexus approach”.
Assist in identifying opportunities, develop and implement activities to advance the women peace and security agenda in Mauritania, particularly in the security and justice sectors.
Assist in identifying opportunities, develop and implement activities to advance the youth peace and security agenda in Mauritania, particularly in the security and justice sectors.

Contribute to the programme/project revision, budgeted project workplans, grant monitoring, implementing partners agreement monitoring, narrative and financial reporting of the Sahel Programme.
Contribute to the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Mauritania and to joint strategic framework documents, including the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Act as alternate UNODC focal point and contribute to strengthen UNODC relationship with the G5 Sahel Secretariat, based in Nouakchott, and related national organizations in Mauritania, including by facilitating cooperation with UNODC substantive sections.

Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, briefing notes, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc;
Provide administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc;
Contribute to outreach efforts by updating advocacy material, drafting webstories and social media content.
Guide, mentor and empower younger team members, and share lessons learned with other UNODC teams in the Sahel.
Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies – Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concept and approaches relevant to technical cooperation, programme/project implementation, and gender mainstreaming. Has knowledge of major international crime prevention issues, of concept and theory of human security, as well as of the UNODC mandates and policies. Is able to deal with multiple tasks under tight deadlines and work pressure. Has sound judgment and good analytical and problem-solving skills. Is capable of drafting and producing high quality concept notes, reports and briefings, under time pressure.

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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues 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.

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.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, law or a related field 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.

A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience A minimum of two years of professional experience at the international level in crime prevention, technical cooperation, programme management or public administration OR successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.

A minimum of two years of work experience in multiple partners joint project formulation, development, implementation and monitoring, particularly in crime prevention and criminal justice related areas is required.

A minimum of one year of practical experience in developing and/or implementing initiatives/projects on gender and-or youth is required.

A minimum of one year of working with civil society organization is required.

Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.

Work experience implementing projects with counterparts in the field 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 this position, fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is required. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Mauritania is an advantage or of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

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

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