Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer Prosecution Advisor Vacancy-Job Ref: WJCIUNODC/2307/2025813

Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer Prosecution Advisor Vacancy-Job Ref: WJCIUNODC/2307/2025813

Abidjan ( Ivory Coast )

Job Description

Overview
This position is located in the Programme Office in Cote d’Ivoire (POCIV), Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The incumbent will report substantially to the Programme Officer, Law Enforcement (Coordinator of the CRIMJUST Global Programme) of the Implementation Support Section (ISS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) based in Vienna, and administratively to the Senior Programme Officer (Law Enforcement and Head of Programme Office) in Abidjan.

Responsibilities The incumbent will support the implementation of the CRIMJUST Global Programme in Africa as well as coordinate and support the implementation of the project “CRIMJUST – Strengthening Criminal Justice Responses to Illicit Trafficking and Related Transnational Organized Crime in Coastal Francophone Countries in West Africa”. Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

– Support the overall aims and objectives of CRIMJUST with a focus on providing specialized support to prosecutors/investigative magistrates/judges to fully implement/use the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its related Protocols (UNTOC Convention). Support and promote criminal justice cooperation between prosecutors/magistrates/judges and investigators in Africa, Europe and South America involved in cross-border drug trafficking, money laundering, proceeds of crime and related organized crime.

– With the objective of promoting post-seizure criminal justice actions, support and facilitate inter-regional investigative forums involving prosecutors and investigators directly involved in the investigation and prosecution of trans-regional drug seizure cases. – Design and support the facilitation of capacity building and technical assistance activities for supported Member States, with an emphasis on strengthening trans-regional criminal justice cooperation in drug trafficking, financial crimes including money laundering, proceeds of crime and related organized crime.

– Contribute to providing expert prosecution advice and technical assistance with an emphasis on strengthening transnational criminal justice cooperation in illicit trafficking, financial crimes including money laundering, proceeds of crime and other related organized crime, including international cooperation, case management and prioritization, investigative strategies, presentation of evidence to courts, financial investigations, litigation, and other related issues. – Facilitate assessment of training and priority operational asset needs assessments for supported prosecution units in West Africa.

– Facilitate the capacity development of the supported prosecution unit in Cote d’Ivoire through long-term mentoring of this unit, working directly within this unit. – Support the development and delivery of a variety of specialized prosecution and international cooperation capacity building training initiatives for Cote d’Ivoire as well as regional training involving prosecution authorities from Senegal, Benin and Togo.

– Coordinate the implementation of regional and inter-regional investigative forums on illicit trafficking and organized crime focusing on changes in the criminal environment of illicit trafficking and organized crime and case studies of good practice in response; promote regional and inter-regional post-seizure criminal justice cooperation and actions to identify, investigate and prosecute the organizers of such illicit trafficking. – Support the planning, implementation and coordination of regional joint operational activities targeting illicit trafficking and/or related transnational organised crime activity.

– Support the active monitoring of project achievements against indicators including the implementation on monitoring and evaluation tools. – Prepare and deliver all necessary financial and operational revisions and reports, including work plans, in a timely manner. – Keep abreast with the development of new legal trends, as well as intergovernmental mandates. – Continuously monitor and report on the developments related to organized crime and illicit trafficking in Cote d’Ivoire as well as related activities throughout Africa. – Develop and maintain partnerships and cooperation with Governments and experts in Africa with international organizations, assistance agencies and donors. – Coordinate the work of and provide guidance to project/programme staff, as needed. – Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies – Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, approaches and international legal instruments relevant to the control and prevention of organized crime, drug and/or terrorism related areas. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as the mandates, major developments and challenges in functional and substantive areas covered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Demonstrates ability to provide advice and coordination in the planning, development and management of operations.

Demonstrates ability to apply good judgment, to identify key issues and make sound recommendations. Is able to prepare legal reviews, reports and papers and to review and edit the work of others. Is able to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience as a judge, prosecutor, advocate or legal adviser is required.

Practical experience in developing or implementing crime control, drug trafficking, organized crime and related laws is desirable.

Experience providing technical assistance related to international cooperation in criminal matters is desirable.

Experience with the legal systems of African Francophone countries is desirable.

Working experience with technical cooperation projects and with international organizations is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese is an asset.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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