Job Opportunity! National Programme Officer at UNODC Abuja – Focus on Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling: Apply by June 7, 2025

Position Title: National Programme Officer
Organization: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract Type: Service Contract (1 Year, with possibility of extension)
Grade: SB5
Application Deadline: June 7, 2025

Background

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a leading global entity combating illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. Since its establishment in 1997, UNODC has operated worldwide, providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to national stakeholders. The UNODC Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG) plays a critical role in addressing issues related to trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, wildlife trafficking, and associated criminal justice challenges.

UNDP and UNODC strongly emphasize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, advocating for representation of marginalized and underserved groups. They uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo comprehensive reference and background checks.

Position Overview

The National Programme Officer will be based in Abuja, Nigeria, and will report directly to the Programme Management Officer under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative and Head of Programme. The Officer will contribute to the effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of assigned UNODC projects, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Project Management:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the development and implementation of assigned programmes and projects.
• Monitor project expenditures, ensuring adherence to UN financial regulations, and initiate budget revisions as required.
• Identify project challenges and propose corrective measures to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
• Lead or participate in field missions, guiding external consultants, government officials, and stakeholders.
• Prepare mission reports and ensure follow-up actions are carried out effectively.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:

• Provide technical expertise and substantive input during workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Develop action plans to assist government counterparts in implementing project activities and managing institutional changes.

Coordination and Partnership Building:

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with national authorities, international partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate smooth communication and collaboration to enhance project implementation.
• Supervise project staff in coordinating with beneficiaries and partners, including participant identification and engagement of national experts.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and submit timely, accurate progress reports, including semi-annual, annual, and donor-specific reports.
• Conduct research and analyze data related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
• Draft analytical reports, briefing notes, and other written materials to support policy formulation and decision-making.
• Contribute to the drafting of new project concepts and proposals to expand UNODC’s programme portfolio in Nigeria.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in project or programme management, preferably focused on trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, or related areas.
• At least five years of field-based experience in project implementation and monitoring, including proposal development and progress reporting.
• Experience working with the United Nations or similar international organizations is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to negotiate and build partnerships for technical cooperation is an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Demonstrates deep knowledge of trafficking and related issues with strong analytical and judgment skills.
• Applies sound decision-making under complex situations.

Teamwork:

• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, values diverse perspectives, and contributes to team goals.

Planning and Organizing:

• Prioritizes tasks efficiently, manages resources prudently, and adapts to changing work environments.

Managerial Competencies:

• Effectively delegates, monitors performance, and supports staff development.
• Makes informed decisions considering the broader organizational and stakeholder impact.

Additional Information

• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The role may require additional duties as needed to support UNODC’s mandate in Nigeria.
• Applicants should be aware of US immigration implications if they hold US Permanent Resident status.

Equal Opportunity and Ethics

UNDP and UNODC are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion. They maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination of any kind. All candidates will undergo thorough background and reference checks and are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Application Process

Candidates interested in this full-time position based in Abuja, Nigeria, are encouraged to apply before the deadline of June 7, 2025. UNDP and UNODC do not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applicants should be cautious of potential scams.

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This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant criminal justice and anti-trafficking efforts in Nigeria within a globally respected international organization.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.