Associate Programme Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Asset Recovery (AR) & Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) team of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in Brussels, Belgium. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer. The AR & IFFs team is at the forefront of research and dissemination of best practices and recommendations to combat illicit financial flows and focuses on the damage caused by unchecked IFFs; the team emphasizes on the importance of strengthening cross-border relationships and providing essential support and expertise. By aiding in the design and implementation of more effective responses to IFFs, the team plays a crucial role in assisting countries in weakening the influence of organized crime and directing recovered assets towards high-priority development needs. For more information on UNICRI, please visit the website: www.unicri.it ResponsibilitiesWithin assigned authority, the Associate Programme Officer will assist the project team in the implementation of the following specific duties: • Assist in providing substantive support to the AR and IFFs programme by participating in the development and implementation of assigned project activities; drafting briefing notes, background materials and reports; liaise with relevant parties and stakeholders; • Support the organization of events on the promotion of emerging and best practices on asset recovery – such as Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) as well as social re-use; including identification of participants and speakers, handling invitations, preparation of documents, and ensuring coordination of technical experts; • Participate in field missions, and assist with, inter alia, contributing to the delivery of technical assistance to government officials, asset recovery practitioners and other stakeholders (especially from Armenia, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova and Palestine), including on actual pending cases, as well as preparing mission reports and supporting in the provision of appropriate follow-up activities; • Coordinate with relevant UNICRI sections, including Headquarters, to ensure compliance with internal protocols and smooth project implementation; • Participate in and review survey initiatives; assist with the design of data collection tools to gather inputs on national priorities (with a focus on the national priorities of Armenia, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova and Palestine), and provide advice on matters related to research, monitoring, and coordination of field activities addressing illicit financial flows resulting from organized crime; • Contribute to the enhancement and sustainability of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network for the Middle East and North Africa Region (ARIN MENA), mainly in coordination with national officials of Saudi Arabia, and also through close communication with the Secretariats of the Balkan Asset Management Inter-Agency Network (BAMIN) and Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (CARIN); • Provide support with grants management encompassing activities planning, filing, support in the coordination of implementing partners, and ensuring precise reporting to donors, with a specific focus on the European Commission; • Foster and maintain positive working relationships with international organizations addressing illicit financial flows, money laundering, corruption, and asset recovery; collaborate with both international and national institutions on country-specific initiatives and informational resources related to illicit financial flows, with a particular focus on supporting the justice and rule of law sectors. Establish and sustain close dialogue with other organizations engaged in efforts to curb illicit financial flows and enhance tracing, seizure, and confiscation of illicitly-acquired assets. Also contribute to the visibility of these efforts through the draft of outreach materials; • Provide inputs and editing for the drafting of national strategies for anti-corruption, in particular for the EU Southern Neighbourhood region; • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties upon request. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to addressing illicit financial flows, corruption, effective mutual legal and other cross-border assistance, penal and non-penal forms of seizure and confiscation of illicitly-acquired assets. Has ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Is able to analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Planning & Organizing: 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. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. EducationAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in criminology, international relations, political science or another related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professional Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P). Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of income-generating crime or related criminal justice matters, OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Work experience on the specific issues of asset recovery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and illicit financial flows is desirable. Work experience in the field of countering organized crime is desirable. Experience with the issue of asset recovery and its relevant legal frameworks in the EU Southern Neighbourhood and EU Eastern Partnership Countries region is desirable. Experience in researching penal and non-penal mechanisms to recover assets is desirable. Work experience in EU-funded project implementation, including reporting is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is desirable. Experience with the EU agreements’ conditions for reporting including the use of the EU Operational System (OPSYS) as well as outreach platforms such as EU Digitool is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic is desirable. 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).