Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Mali (POMLI) with duty station in Bamako, under the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Associate Project Officer (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling) will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Head, TIPSOM Unit, ROSEN) in coordination with the Sahel Project Coordinator (Sahel Region), and the overall guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative, ROSEN. The position may require significant travel (25%). For more information on UNODC, please visit the website www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

Assist in promoting the work of UNODC against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in West and Central Africa within the overall framework of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, both supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.Support the implementation of UNODC’s Regional Strategy against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in West and Central Africa and make substantive efforts to mobilize resources based on the strategy and collaboration with relevant partners.Function as the main focal point for all actions implemented in Mali under the PROMIS project on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of the PROMIS project in Mali; monitor and analyze project development; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions. Liaises with relevant parties, including national counterparts, civil society and other international/regional organizations; identify and track follow-up actions on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
Perform consulting assignments, in collaboration with the national counterparts, by planning and facilitating workshops, and contribute in developing draft law, action plan and Standards Operating Procedure together with the relevant national counterparts.
Provide technical expertise and logistical support to design and implement the project activities in Mali in consultation with national counterparts, including the collection and compilation of relevant background data and information and logistical organization of activities foreseen as part of the project.
Research, analyse and present information gathered from diverse sources on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Mali (desk research and assessment missions).
Design, prepare and/or facilitate standardized training materials, as an ongoing task; contribute to updating, by reviewing and revising, relevant UNODC training and capacity-building tools; promote their use and application by respective target groups; compile information on best practices in the response to smuggling of migrants and Trafficking in Persons.
Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, webstories, etc.
Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc. in Mali, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc..
Undertake outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
Accompany senior staff in representing UNODC in meetings of the United Nations Migration Network and other processes as required.
Participate in events, workshops, conferences and networks as required.
Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and 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.
Document requirements and background information used for data analysis.
Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has in-depth knowledge and specialization in the field of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Has good analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues; has sound judgment skills. 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

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, social science, international relations, political science, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional work experience in the field of criminal justice, human rights, law, or a related field is required. Progressively responsible work experience in dealing with trafficking in persons and/or smuggling of migrants is required. Work experience in criminal justice matters as well as familiarity with project formulation, implementation and monitoring, and exposure to international development cooperation is desirable. Work experience with the United Nations or similar 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
French	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. THIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. Appointment against this project post is for an initial period of one (1) year. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their career in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=GP

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.