Programme Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Country Office in Bolivia (COBOL), La Paz, Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the COBOL Representative and the overall guidance of the ROCOL Regional Representative. For more information on UNODC, please visit the website: www.unodc.org Responsibilities Within assigned authority, the Program Officer will be responsible for the following specific tasks: • Lead, supervise and coordinate the physical, programmatic, and financial implementation of the Project Document “European Union Support to Bolivia in the Control of Controlled Substances and the Expansion of Coca Leaf.” • Coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual and multi-year work plans, results frameworks, and resources to demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness, and impact in line with UN rules and regulations in compliance with the terms of the Project Document “European Union Support to Bolivia in the Control of Controlled Substances and the Expansion of Coca Leaf.”. • Promote the work of UNODC within the framework of international drug control instruments, positioning UNODC as the leading technical support agency in this area. • Promote evidence-based programming by coordinating research, data collection, and analysis. • Prepare documents related to drugs and organized crime, such as sections of reports and studies, and contributions to publications. • Plan UNODC resource mobilization initiatives to expand and sustain initiatives involving donors, prepare funding proposals, and identify local funding and cost-sharing opportunities, ensuring high-quality implementation and innovative approaches that strengthen donor confidence and long-term partnerships. • Prepare, lead, and participate in complex needs assessment and technical assistance missions, including coordinating staff and consultants during fact-finding missions and participating in awareness-raising events on combating drug trafficking. • Establish links with national, regional, and global counterparts at the strategic level to facilitate the provision of UNODC technical assistance, avoid duplication, and ensure coordination; maintain regular contact with implementing partners and donors to support the smooth implementation of the project. • Share UNODC's position and mandates at meetings, conferences, and technical and inter-agency forums. • Develop and promote innovative partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions to advance crime prevention, foster research and innovation, and support evidence-based policymaking. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide information through graphs, tables, and reports using data visualization methods to facilitate planning, decision-making, presentation, and data-driven reporting. • Monitor and review best practices, methodologies and programmes in the area of drug trafficking. • Highlight the financial support of the European for the activities foreseen on the Project “European Union Support to Bolivia in the Control of Controlled Substances and the Expansion of Coca Leaf.” • Participate in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries. • Develop a variety of outputs using Microsoft Office tools (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and automation tools (e.g., PowerBI, Power Apps, R, Python), such as background documents, performance/ statistics, strategic and operational threat assessments, needs assessments, correspondence with governments, donor reports, presentations and training materials. • Perform other work-related duties as needed. Competencies • Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime, drug and/or terrorism related issues. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has conceptual analytical and evaluation skills and good knowledge relevant to technical cooperation and programme/project implementation matters. Specializes in substantive and functional areas with very good research and analytical skills. Has ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. 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. • 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. • Planning & 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. Managerial competencies: • Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, social science, law, economics, public administration, criminology, criminal justice, development studies, public policy, international development or a related similar 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. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme/project management related to drug control, crime prevention, rule of law, monitoring of illicit crops, or a related area is required. Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and management of technical assistance programmes is required. International experience in multinational, regional or cross-border cooperation environments is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable. Experience in developing and negotiating complex programme initiatives with national counterparts, including government entities, civil society organizations, or the private sector partners, is desirable. Experience in data analysis or related areas is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIISpanishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview. Special Notice This position is temporarily available for a period of 334 days (11 months). Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2026/2 on Temporary job openings. In case of selection, a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat who meets the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 will be placed on a temporary assignment in accordance with ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. 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. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers 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. La Paz is classified in the A 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