Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. Throughout West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, transnational trafficking has permeated stable governance and the rule of law, leading to high levels of violence, intimidation and homicides. Regional countries have become key points of transit, and even of destination, for drug trafficking routes with organized crime groups capitalizing on weak governance and prevalent corruption. The global and evolving nature of transnational organised crime groups presents a major challenge to law enforcement and judicial agencies worldwide. Their capacity to circumvent law enforcement and infiltrate state institutions renders their dismantlement and the prevention of their activities immensely complex, impeding police operations and criminal investigations as well as subverting criminal justice systems. To address these threats, UNODC, in collaboration with INTERPOL is implementing the Global Programme CRIMJUST “Strengthening criminal investigation and criminal justice cooperation along drug trafficking routes”, funded by the European Union and the United States. CRIMJUST seeks to combat the flow of illicit drugs by enhancing law enforcement and judicial counter-narcotic strategies beyond interdiction activities and by fostering transnational responses targeting each stage of the drug supply chain.

Context

The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) was established as a consequence to the General Assembly Resolution 45/179 of 21 December, 1990 with the responsibility of coordinating all drug control activities within the United Nations system. In 1997, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established through a merger between the UNDCP and the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention, and is "mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations". The mission of UNODC is to contribute to the achievement of security and justice for all by making the world safer from crime, drugs and terrorism. The activities of UNODC are based on three pillars: (i) research and analysis (evidence–based policies); (ii) establishment of international norms and standards (UN Conventions); and (iii) capacity-building through technical assistance. The mandate of UNODC derives from several UN conventions and General Assembly resolutions and the conclusions and recommendations of its governing bodies: The Commission on Narcotic Drugs: the central policymaking body within the United Nations system dealing with drug-related matters. The Commission monitors the world drug situation, develops strategies on international drug control and recommends measures to combat the world drug problem, including through reducing demand for drugs, promoting alternative development initiatives and adopting supply reduction measures. The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ): the central body within the United Nations system dealing with crime prevention and criminal justice policy. It monitors the use and application of relevant United Nations standards and norms. the Commission offers Member States a forum to exchange expertise, experiences and information, to develop national and international strategies and to identify priorities for combating crime.

Task Description

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programme: Global Maritime Crime Programme, and day-to-day supervision of the GMCP Regional Programme Coordinator the International UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Monitoring & Evaluation • Serve as UNODC programme focal point for the GMCP Atlantic Ocean Section on monitoring, reporting, and evaluation; • Design, implement, and manage the M&E framework across all project components, including strategies, tools, procedures, and templates, in line with UNODC corporate standards, UN evaluation norms, and donor requirements; • Review and strengthen existing M&E systems, tools, and indicators; • Monitor effectiveness and quality of programme outcomes, outputs, and activities on an ongoing basis, using qualitative and quantitative methods; • Conduct substantive surveys and assessments on the performance of criminal justice systems of identified Member States in relation to the investigation and prosecution of maritime crime cases; • Support field staff to collect, use, and analyze data to track project progress and inform programme decision-making; • Ensure data quality assurance (validity, reliability, consistency, timeliness) and maintain systematic data collection and knowledge management systems (databases, dashboards, repositories); • Communicate monitoring and evaluation findings to programme staff, management, and external stakeholders, including donors, to enable informed decision-making and course correction; • Prepare and deliver high-quality M&E reports (baseline, interim, final, situation updates, fact sheets) for internal and external audiences, in close coordination with programme managers; • Support learning and adaptive management by documenting lessons learned, good practices, and evidence-based recommendations; • Strengthen the capacity of project staff and national counterparts through training and mentoring on M&E methods, tools, and reporting; • Mainstream gender, human rights, and inclusivity considerations, including sex- and age-disaggregated data, in all M&E processes and outputs; • Support the planning and facilitation of mid-term, final, and independent evaluations by coordinating data collection, stakeholder consultations, and documentation. Communication & Visibility • Lead and advise the planning and design of plans and initiatives for common communication, advocacy, and outreach initiatives, in line with the UN communication strategy; • Track, research, and analyze information on assigned topics/issues, gather information from diverse sources; • Produce monthly summary reports of projects and activities for relevant stakeholders and counterparts; • Organize the clearance, production, and distribution of information material, conduct photo and graphics research; • Prepare, based on official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion on UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, and books; • In consultation with other team members, identify and propose information opportunities, activities, and approaches, considering the situation/topic and target audience; • Respond to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally and prepare related correspondence; · Perform other tasks and assignments as necessary. Results/expected outputs • An operational Monitoring & Evaluation framework for the GMCP Atlantic Ocean Section is developed, implemented, and regularly updated, in line with UNODC and donor requirements. • Baseline data and indicators are established for programme activities, and regular progress monitoring is conducted against agreed targets. • High-quality M&E products (baseline reports, survey findings, evaluation reports, situation updates, interim and final donor reports) are produced and delivered on time. • Systematic data collection and analysis tools (databases, dashboards, templates) are designed, maintained, and used by project teams. • Programme outcomes and impacts are assessed through qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and pre-/post-activity evaluations. • Lessons learned, good practices, and evidence-based recommendations are documented and shared to inform decision-making and programme adjustments. • through training and mentoring on monitoring, reporting, and data analysis. • Gender, human rights, and inclusivity considerations are mainstreamed in M&E processes and reporting. • Communication and visibility products (success stories, case studies, newsletters, and donor visibility materials) are regularly produced and disseminated in line with UNODC standards. • Programme visibility and outreach activities (press releases, social media content, stakeholder briefings, media events) are effectively planned, coordinated, and reported. • Knowledge management systems are established and maintained, ensuring that monitoring and evaluation information is accessible to staff, management, and partners.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Côte d’Ivoire remains generally calm, with Abidjan serving as a key hub for international organizations. The main risks faced by travelers are crime and traffic-related incidents, particularly on intercity roads where roadside attacks can occur. Road safety is a concern due to frequent accidents, and personnel are advised to exercise caution and comply with UNDSS guidance. Political activity, including elections planned for October 2025, may generate higher levels of public gatherings, during which prudence is recommended. Access to the duty station is primarily via Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. Newly arrived personnel are required to attend mandatory UNDSS security briefings at the UNDSS office, scheduled several times per week. While specialized training is not necessary for Abidjan, additional security measures apply when travelling to certain areas outside the capital. Housing and hotels within the approved security perimeter are recommended for international personnel. Abidjan has a humid, tropical climate with alternating rainy and dry seasons. The city offers a wide range of amenities, including local markets and international supermarkets. Bottled water is recommended, and while electricity supply is generally reliable, occasional outages may occur. The cost of living is relatively high compared to other cities in the region, especially for imported goods and expatriate-standard housing. Healthcare services are available through both public hospitals and private clinics. Several well-established facilities, including Polyclinique Indenié, Clinique PISAM, and Clinique Farrah, are commonly used by international staff. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry, and other vaccinations may be requested. Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance, are operational, though ambulance services are largely private. Banking services are accessible, with ATMs widely available, and foreign exchange should be conducted through accredited institutions. Communications infrastructure is developed, with good mobile and internet coverage throughout Abidjan. UNDSS operates a 24/7 Security Operations Centre and conducts regular radio checks to ensure staff safety and connectivity.