Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Iraq (POIRQ), Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), Division for Operations (DO, and under the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and is based in Erbil, Iraq. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the National Project Officer located at the UNODC Office in Erbil, and the overall substantive guidance of the GLO.ACT Project Coordinator and the Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa. The Programme Assistant will also work in collaboration with the operations, programme and project staff in the Iraq Country Office to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery. UNODC’s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. The UNODC Strategy 2021-2025 aims at equipping UNODC to deliver effectively, efficiently and with accountability, elevating our support to Member States to build just, inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind. 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), in line with the UNODC Strategy 2021-2025. 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 UNODC Strategy 2021-2025 and the Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028), UNODC is implementing the GLO.ACT project “Global action to prevent and address trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants”.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Programme Assistant will assist in the implementation of the GLO.ACT project "Global action to prevent and address trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants" in Iraq, as well as support the operations of the UNODC Country Office in Iraq as required. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Support the development of detailed work plans, procurement plans and accompanying budgets and budget revisions for all project activities for the timely and realistic achievement of the project objectives. • Support the preparation of required budget revisions, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial closure of projects. • Support the monitoring of expenditures per funding agreements in line with project budgets. • Provide information for audit of projects. • Provide administrative support to the effective implementation of the project activities through the following tasks: oPrepare Shopping Carts, requests for quotations and relevant Service Entry Sheets (SES) in UMOJA. oEnsure proper control of payment vouchers and supporting documents. oMaintain an internal expenditure control system that ensures that vouchers processed are consistent and complete, and that transactions are correctly recorded and accounted for in UMOJA. oPerform the reconciliation of transactions. oMonitor the liquidation of project commitments upon completion and the release of committed funds. oTake timely corrective actions on unposted transactions, including transactions with budget check errors, unapproved transactions. oPrepare payment processes for submission to ROMENA finance team and carry out budgetary checks on purchase requisitions, purchase orders and supporting documents. oRegister vendors and suppliers and the corresponding bank accounts in the financial system. oPrepare administrative and financial reports required by UNODC Headquarters and the donors. • Contribute to the preparation of meetings, training workshops and events, and carry out necessary logistical and administrative arrangements, including: oCreation of travel requests/ expense reports in Umoja. oProvide support in obtaining visas, arranging transport and accommodation, etc., for workshops, meetings, conferences, missions, etc. oProvide support to control over the non-expandable equipment and conduct physical verifications. • Support programme development through the following tasks: oSupport the preparation of budgets for concept notes to be presented to Donors. oReview contribution agreements and follow up on the grant recording in UMOJA. oPrepare and request the financial reporting of grants. oCollect 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. • Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the Programme through the following tasks: • Participate in the training for operations/ projects staff in coordination with the Operations team. • Contribute to knowledge networks. • Perform other functions, as required, for the successful implementation of the Programme Office portfolio. • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Perform other work-related duties ads assigned. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts, officers and technical staff at UNODC headquarters, Regional and field offices, other relevant UN Secretariat departments and offices, specialized agencies, funds and programmes; representatives and officials of Governments, international organizations, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, experts and consultants. Results Expected: Ensures the effective implementation of the GLO.ACT project in Iraq by supporting timely delivery of activities in accordance with approved workplans, budgets, and donor agreements. Facilitates accurate budget formulation, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting, while ensuring full compliance with UNODC financial and administrative regulations. Provides consistent operational and logistical support for meetings, training workshops, and missions, contributing to enhanced coordination with national counterparts and regional stakeholders. Maintains reliable internal controls, reconciles transactions, and proactively addresses financial and audit-related issues. Supports programme development by assisting in the preparation of concept notes, contribution agreements and grant monitoring processes. Contributes to data collection and visualization efforts to support monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making. Strengthens programme knowledge-sharing through participation in internal training and contribution to UNODC platforms. Ensures the accurate registration of vendors and travel processes and maintains oversight of equipment. Delivers work in a manner that reflects professionalism, accountability, and alignment with UNODC’s strategic priorities for the MENA region.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has in-depth knowledge and specialization in the field of human trafficking and/or migrant smuggling. Has knowledge of policies and practices in crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills. Is able to 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. Has the 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. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training, certification, or coursework in accounting, finance, administration, procurement, or a related field is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Additional training, certification, or coursework in accounting, finance, administration, procurement, or a related field is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of work experience in programme or project implementation, administration or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to one for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. At least one year of experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is required. Working experience with computer software and applications and Microsoft 365, database packages and web-based management systems is required. Experience with web-based financial management and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) financial management systems such as UMOJA is desirable. Experience in preparing documentation, organizing meetings, trainings, and supporting travel/ logistical arrangements is desirable. Experience in data collection and analytics, financial tracking, and preparations of administrative reports is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This temporary position is available for 6 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. 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. 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 and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. 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.

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. 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.