National Programme Officer

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) stands as a global frontrunner in combating illicit substances, organized criminal activities, corruption, and terrorism. Founded in 1997, UNODC maintains a widespread network of field offices across the globe. The UNODC Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG) plays a crucial role in delivering expert assistance and enhancing the capabilities of national stakeholders in areas such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, wildlife crime, and associated criminal justice matters.
This role is situated in the UNODC Country Office in Abuja, Nigeria, operating under the general direction of the UNODC Representative and direct oversight of the Programme Head. The successful candidate will contribute to the effective implementation of UNODC initiatives, ensuring they align with UNODC's strategic frameworks, project management guidelines, and the broader objectives of UNODC in Nigeria.


Responsibilities and Duties

Under the immediate supervision of the Programme Management Officer, the National Programme Officer will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

Programme/Project Administration:


Orchestrate and supervise the development, execution, monitoring, and assessment of assigned programmes/projects.
Track project expenses and ensure adherence to UN financial regulations, initiating budget adjustments when necessary.
Recognize challenges and suggest corrective measures to ensure timely and effective project delivery.
Spearhead or participate in field missions, offering guidance to external consultants, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Compose mission reports and ensure follow-up actions are implemented.


Expert Assistance and Skill Enhancement:


Provide substantive and technical contributions to workshops, training sessions, and other capacity-building initiatives.
Develop action plans to guide government counterparts in implementing project activities and managing change.


Coordination and Partnership Development:


Establish and nurture effective working relationships with national authorities, international partners, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate communication and collaboration with relevant entities to ensure smooth project implementation.
Oversee and guide project staff in coordinating with beneficiary partners, including the identification of participants and national experts.


Reporting and Documentation:


Prepare and submit punctual and accurate project progress reports, including semi-annual and annual reports, donor reports, and contributions to UNODC's Annual Report.
Conduct research and analyze data related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Produce analytical reports, briefing notes, and other written materials to support decision-making and policy development.
Draft new project concepts and proposals to expand UNODC's portfolio in Nigeria, aligning with the Country and Regional Programmes and UNODC's strategic frameworks.


The incumbent will be required to perform additional tasks as needed to support the achievement of UNODC's objectives in Nigeria.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:


Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
A first-level University Degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place of the advanced degree.


Experience:


A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in project/programme management or administration, preferably in the area of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, or a related field at the national, regional, or international level is required.
A minimum of five years of work experience in field-based project/program implementation and monitoring, including drafting project proposals and submitting project progress reports is required.
Work experience with the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable.
Experience in negotiating and building partnerships for technical cooperation is advantageous.