Programme Coordinator Global Maritime Crime Programme Atlantic Ocean Vacancy-Job Ref: WJCIUNODC/2307/2025814

Programme Coordinator Global Maritime Crime Programme Atlantic Ocean Vacancy-Job Ref: WJCIUNODC/2307/2025814

Abidjan ( Ivory Coast )

Job Description

Overview
This position is located in the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) in the Programme Office in Côte d’Ivoire (POCIV), Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. GMCP operates under the Border Management Branch (BMB), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the broad authority of the UNODC Representative of ROSEN and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, heading GMCP.

Responsibilities Within assigned authority, the Programme Coordinator (GMCP, Atlantic Ocean) will perform the following specific tasks:

Act as Programme Coordinator (GMCP, AO) for activities under the GMCP Atlantic Ocean portfolio, including GLOW63 with regards to the coordination of the EU funded SWAIMS programme (Strengthening Criminal Justice Systems in West and Central Africa) in the ECOWAS region, the EU funded PASSMAR programme (Programme to Support the maritime safety and security in strategy in Central Africa) in the ECCAS region, as well as any other sub programmes under GLOX99 that fall under the Atlantic Ocean portfolio. Prepare inputs for budgets, performance parameters and indicators, programme performance reports and inputs for results-based budgeting and results-based management. Manage human and financial resources allocated to the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) by coordinating the work of and guiding programme staff. Carry out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the achievement of expected results.

Implement, coordinate and manage Maritime Crime Programme activities for the Atlantic Ocean according to approved project document/revisions, valid contribution and donor funding agreements, valid policies and financial rules and regulations, and costed work plans.
Manage and coordinate programme staff engaged to implement components of the Maritime Crime Programme activities under the Atlantic Ocean portfolio.

Develop counter-maritime crime programming initiatives in West Africa, Gulf of Guinea region including assessment missions, liaising with counterparts and partnering with the donor community.
Provide technical assistance and advice to Central and West African states on legal aspects and frameworks related to combatting crime at sea, in line with key international instruments including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

Supervise project expenditures and utilization of funds related to the Global Maritime Crime Programme, Atlantic Ocean sub-programme and ensure compliance with UN financial rules and regulations, initiate project and/or budget revisions as required. Serve as lead substantive officer for the preparation and dissemination of costed work plans, terms of reference and other related project documentation.

Identify technical assistance needs for capacity building and develop sustainable strategies to reform and strengthen the capacity of regional criminal justice systems to respond to and prosecute piracy and other maritime crimes.
Identify procurement needs (goods and services) and support the full procurement cycle of the various options.

Identify and support strategic engagements in support of national and regional partners that promote sound responses to maritime crime and security.
Lead and guide external consultants, advisors, interact with government officials and other parties to ensure smooth programme implementation. Make project achievements known and identify areas of new assistance.

Liaise with EU delegations in the region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), as well as other key stakeholders relevant for the EU funded programming under the Atlantic Ocean portfolio, as well as ensure proper EU visibility related to programme implementation. Further liaise with key partners in the region including under the G7++ FoGG and foreign missions.

Support the Head POCIV in the setup, fundraising and implementation of activities under the Centre of Excellence in Abidjan, particularly those related to maritime crime.
Support ROSEN and POCIV initiatives, including by building synergies with UNODC law enforcement initiatives when elaborating country assessments, providing technical advice and designing new projects.

Perform any other work-related duties as required/assigned.

Competencies – Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to combating crime and in particular countering maritime crime. Has knowledge of the mandates of UNODC as well as specific technical knowledge relevant to maritime law enforcement and related areas. Has demonstrated knowledge of policies, procedures, and best practice as they relate to maritime law enforcement issues. 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.

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.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in in law, criminology, law enforcement, management or relevant social or political area with significant focus on international maritime law, maritime security policy or criminal justice in a maritime context 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.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in criminal justice, law or law enforcement is required.

Programme management experience and experience in programme planning, preparing project budgets and project implementation is required.

Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.

Work experience in a counter-maritime crime context is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

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