Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Programme Office in Ghana (POGHA), Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) wiht duty station Accra, Ghana. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative ROSEN and the direct supervision of the Penal and Prison Reform Team Lead, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section (CPCJS), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), UNODC. For more information, please visit www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks in Ghana and the wider region:

Coordinate the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the EU-funded EU for a Secure Ghana programme, ensuring the timely delivery of results in accordance with UNODC and donor requirements, including support to needs assessments, programming and technical missions.
Support and coordinate capacity-building activities for Ghanaian security and criminal justice agencies – including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), the Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney-General, and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) – among other topics on the detection, investigation, prosecution and prevention of firearms and explosives trafficking, including in connection with illegal mining (Galamsey).
Serve as UNODC's focal point for penal and prison reform in Ghana and the region and contribute to related initiatives across West and Central Africa, promoting the implementation of international standards and norms, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, Bangkok Rules and Tokyo Rules.
Design, coordinate and facilitate technical assistance aimed at rationalizing imprisonment, strengthening prison management and oversight, improving prison conditions, promoting alternatives to incarceration, and supporting offender rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Represent UNODC in Ghana and participate in United Nations coordination mechanisms, including the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) processes, the Common Country Assessment (CCA), the Security Management Team (SMT), as well as relevant national, regional and international meetings, conferences and policy forums.
Maintain effective partnerships and coordination with government counterparts, the European Union, United Nations entities, regional organizations, civil society and other stakeholders, and advocate for UNODC's mandates and strategic priorities.
Monitor political, legislative and institutional developments relevant to crime prevention, criminal justice, prison reform, security and rule of law, and provide strategic advice and substantive inputs to programme development, policy dialogue and technical cooperation initiatives.
Manage the Programme Office in Ghana, including supervision of personnel, administration of financial and physical resources, operational planning, compliance with United Nations rules and regulations, and the promotion of a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment.
Develop workplans, budgets, monitoring frameworks and analytical products; coordinate data collection and results measurement; and prepare high-quality narrative, financial and substantive reports, briefing notes, presentations and other communication products.
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts through the development of project proposals, engagement with donors and partners, and identification of opportunities to expand UNODC's programme portfolio in Ghana and the wider region.
Ensure the integration of human rights, gender equality, disability inclusion and youth empowerment across all programme activities and technical assistance services.
Contribute to the preparation of policy papers, technical guidance, intergovernmental documentation and reports for UNODC, the United Nations Secretariat and relevant intergovernmental bodies.
Provide substantive inputs and/or contribute to the preparation of substantive and programmatic reports to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the General Assembly (GA) and other legislative and technical bodies as well as their subsidiary bodies.
Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UNODC mandates. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control, crime and terrorism prevention as well as the mandates of UNODC. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills. Is able to evaluate, identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Is able to apply judgment in the context of the assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, economics, international relations, law, or 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice is required. Work experience at the national or international level in the field of penal or prison reform is required. Work experience in project management, implementation, monitoring, and reporting is required. Work experience in designing and delivering capacity-building activities, workshops or training courses for criminal justice officials, including prison or probation officers, is required. Work experience coordinating with government institutions, international organizations, donors, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders is required. Work experience in fostering the practical application of the United Nations standards and norms related to prison and offender management is desirable. Work experience in the United Nations system or in an international organization is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This temporary position is currently available for a period of two months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period, will normally be at a staff member’s personal grade and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Payment of Special Post Allowance (SPA) to the post level may be considered after three months subject to certain conditions. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. Accra is classified in the B category (family duty station). Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.

Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Temporary)