Rule of Law Specialist

Project Information

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (EA TOC) program has requested UNOPS support to provide advisory, procurement, and logistics support for the EA TOC program. To augment the capacity on the ground, UNOPS Specialists will provide mentorship and guidance on key EA TOC issues, such as maritime security, law enforcement, and / or rule of law. The program will also work on logistics and procurement to further support EA TOC efforts, particularly for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The specific project objectives are to: (1) provide technical advice and expertise to INL EA TOC and regional stakeholders on key criminal justice issues in the region and to build partner capacity and regional cooperation; and (2) provide support to INL EA TOC and DEA to procure equipment and manage logistics of law enforcement trainings. These objectives support INL EA TOC’s efforts to build the capacity of national-level counternarcotics units to investigate and prosecute drug cases and to improve the interdiction, investigation, and prosecution of maritime crimes in East Africa.

UNOPS services in support of the objectives will include Project Management, Operational support and Advisory services for the INL EA TOC Regional Program. Specific services to be provided include:

• Recruit and manage the performance of 6 Specialists, jointly with INL, to be deployed to specific locations to work on issues related to maritime security, law enforcement, and / or rule of law

• Procurement of goods as per agreed list and specifications for the INL EA TOC program

• Logistics and administrative support for conferences in support of INL EA TOC interagency programs as per agreed work plan

In the delivery of these services, UNOPS will deploy its project management methodology and tools and ensure compliance with requirements laid out in the agreement with INL to facilitate the achievement of the INL EA TOC Regional Program objectives. The project will have regional coverage, being implemented in Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles. Other countries that may benefit from this project include Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya and South Africa.

The Rule of Law Specialist will be based in Antananarivo, Madagascar and will also cover Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Rule of Law Specialist is responsible for advising INL East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) and the judicial / prosecutorial units of the criminal chain. More specifically, the Specialist shall:

• Support the creation/enforcement of relevant laws that meet international standards

• Advance capacities of the judiciary and prosecutorial sectors to effectively prosecute transnational organized crimes

• Incorporate regional level segments to support effective and successful legal finish

• Facilitate and promote coordination between prosecutors, investigators, and the judiciary

** Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Project Delivery and Performance

2. Procedures

3. Monitoring and reporting

4. Stakeholder engagement

5. Quality assurance

6. Knowledge management and innovation

7. Project Delivery and Performance

8. Conduct a needs assessment (baseline) aimed at assessing the host institution’s capacity to investigate and prosecute transnational organized crime – with a focus on drug cases and maritime crimes

9. Develop capacity building plan based on the needs assessment

10. Implement approved activities plans (including the establishment of milestones)

11. Manage and monitor project associated timelines to ensure that tasks are completed to agreed quality criteria within the overall budget

12. Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into the activities.

13. Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary

14. Liaise with any external suppliers, as appropriate, in consultation with the project manager

15. Supervise the implementation of project activities

16. Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved

17. Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted

18. Identify and report potential areas for INL EA TOC engagement to the Project Manager and support accordingly

19. Identify threats to INL EA TOC regional program goals and objectives and report to the Project Manager.

20. Procedures

21. Comply with all UNOPS policies and specifically the Project Management Manual.

22. Contribute to Project Initiation Documentation and other plan documents for approval by the Project Board through the project manager

23. Undertake project procurement activities as per UNOPS policies and rules.

24. Ensure that all expenditures comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).

25. Support project audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audits and follow up on audit observations/recommendations.

26. Monitoring and reporting

27. Contribute to the establishment of an overall M&E plan and INL to approve it.

28. Establish performance monitoring tools to track progress and report against approved capacity building plans

29. Regularly review project activities status and evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).

30. Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by the organization’s standard procedures.

31. Actively contribute to data collection for M&E purpose

32. Contribute to the following reports:

    • Highlight Reports

    • End Stage Reports

    • Operational Closure Checklist

    • End Project Report

    • Handover Report

33. Stakeholder engagement

34. Establish solid working relationship with the Project Governance structures, clients and key stakeholders

35. Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of the project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products

36. Promote coordination between and/or among National and/or Regional judicial (judges), law enforcement (investigators), and prosecutorial (prosecutors) sectors

37. Promote and facilitate the coordination among INL East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), respective clients and stakeholders participate in the programme

38. Support the development of inter-agency information sharing protocols in each beneficiary country

39. Advise the Project Manager on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as ongoing operations) and support their communication to the client(s).

40. Quality assurance

41. Work with internal stakeholders to ensure projects comply with audit requirements.

42. Work with procurement, HR, and programme offices to ensure effective delivery of services to the best satisfaction of the stakeholders

43. Coordinate quality reviews of project outputs

44. Establish quality criteria for activities in the capacity building plan and secure stakeholder acceptance of requirements/needs definitions

45. Knowledge management and innovation

46. Review, assess, obtain stakeholder buy-in, and undertake capacity building activities for relevant partner agencies (e.g., judiciary, Office of the Attorney General) in the beneficiary countries on information collection, classification, sharing and integrity management related to investigation and prosecution of transnational organized crime cases

47. Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice

48. Actively interact with other relevant communities to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System.

49. Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies

50. Complete lessons learned as per reporting format

51. Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format

Impact of Results

The Specialist directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to UNOPS performance standards, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

** Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

** Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An advanced university (degree in law, criminology, economic governance or political science or other relevant discipline;
• A relevant university degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in and extensive knowledge of the areas of Rule of Law, Governance or Security is require;
• Experience in providing technical assistance and expert advice on programming and project is an added advantage;
• management in the areas of Rule of Law, Governance or Security to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders is highly desirable;
• Proven experience in the delivery of training in related areas is highly desired
• Proven experience in providing technical advice and mentoring is highly desired;
• Ability to interact with governmental agencies, good interpersonal skills and organizational proficiency;
• Experience in maritime crimes and/or law of the seas would be considered a strong asset;
• Previous experience with national-level and/or regional level judicial and prosecutorial sectors in Africa and a good understanding of the sub-regional (East Africa) political context would be considered a significant advantage;
• Knowledge of the U.S. Department of State and its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement system and procedures is an advantage;
• Excellent analytical and evaluative skills;

Languages

• Fluency in written and oral English required;
• Intermediate or above French and / or Portuguese language skills are considered a distinct advantage.

** Contract type, level and duration

**

1. Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
2. Contract level: IICA 2/ ICS 10
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

** Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

*It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. *

• This position is based in a family duty station.

** Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

** Background Information – Kenya

Kenya
The UNOPS Kenya office manages more than 60 projects in around 10 countries of eastern and southern Africa. UNOPS in Kenya helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including: governance, education, health, the environment, grant management and rural development.