Programme Assistant (Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis 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”. ResponsibilitiesWithin 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. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training, certification, or coursework in accounting, finance, administration, procurement, or a related field is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationAdditional training, certification, or coursework in accounting, finance, administration, procurement, or a related field is desirable. Work ExperienceA 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. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Kurdish are required. 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).