Back 2146 - Project Officer - SALW Control

a.               Purpose

The purpose of the position is to ensure the implementation of arms control activities in South East Europe within the UNDP SEESAC project.

b.             Objective

To ensure results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the Project activities and achievement of Project results.

c.             Background Information

The Project Officer ensures implementation of activities within the SEESAC portfolio under the direct supervision of the SEESAC Project Manager.

The South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) is a joint initiative of the UNDP and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). As such, it is an integral part of UNDP’s work in the Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (ECIS) region and has, since 2002, worked primarily to strengthen the capacities of national and regional stakeholders to control and reduce the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons, and thus contribute to enhanced stability, security and development in South East and Eastern Europe. SEESAC also has a distinguished record working closely with national Ministries to mainstream gender equality and this aspect will remain central to the programme.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to international peace and security by combatting the threat posed by the widespread accumulation and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition in and from SEE. At the same time, it enhances regional stability by working within the framework of the RCC and in partnership with other relevant initiatives. The project is directly contributing to the implementation of the EU Security Strategy, the EU SALW Strategy, the EU Firearms Strategy, the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Programme of Action, the International Tracing Instrument, UN Firearms Protocol, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and will specifically enhance regional cooperation in combating the threat posed by the spread of SALW and their ammunition. Specifically, the project is contributing to the implementation of the South East Europe Regional Implementation Plan Combatting the Proliferations and Impact of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024. The project results are also directly contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peaceful and just societies, in particular targets 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence and death rate everywhere) and 16.4 (significantly reduce illicit arms flows).

SEESAC is implementing the EU Council Decisions 2019/2111 and 2019/2113 (amending Decision 2016/2356) in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe in the framework of the EU Strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition. In addition to this, SEESAC is also implementing the Council Decision 2018/1788 in support of the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans. SEESAC is also implementing the second phase of the Strengthening of Regional Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans project. The project facilitates regional cooperation on gender equality in the military and further strengthens the capacities of the Ministries of Defence and the Armed Forces for implementation of gender responsive policies. These initiatives continue to strengthen safety and security through regional cooperation in South East Europe.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment

Overall responsibilities: 

Specific responsibilities include:

1.  Ensures results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of activities within the UNDP SEESAC portfolio and focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Achievement of project results specified in the project document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and costs;
• Maintenance of close cooperation with relevant partners to ensure effective implementation of the agreed activities and delivery of outputs in a timely manner;
• Successful development and implementation of capacity development activities for the national authorities, based on the needs assessments and in close cooperation with the national counterparts;
• Identification, collection and analysis of relevant information on armed violence prevention, citizen security and arms control activities;
• Facilitation of knowledge and information exchange on arms control, armed violence prevention and citizen security;
• Support in financial and substantive monitoring of project components; operational and financial problems identified, and solutions developed;
• Regular updates and reports on projects’ progress prepared; implementing issues, emerging risks/problems identified and necessary remedial actions proposed;
• Close cooperation with responsible partners and institutions maintained to ensure effective implementation of the agreed activities and delivery of outputs in a timely manner;
• Provide support in preparation and development of knowledge products;
• Preparation of briefs, talking points and other relevant material;
• Drafting of terms of reference for procurement of goods and services;
• Contribution to the Project Works Plans and preparation of quarterly and annual narrative and financial progress reports provided; as well as ad hoc reports, presentations and papers developed;
• Provide support in organization of meetings, training sessions, conferences;
• Responsibilities in line with the Internal Control Framework assumed;
• Any other duties that may be required to ensure efficient and effective project implementation performed.

2. Provides top quality advisory services to the Governments and ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification of sources of information related to UNDP SEESAC portfolio;
• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to UNDP SEESAC portfolio;
• Technical advice to the national authorities in arms control activities,
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
• Professional growth through active learning.

3. Supports creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy   focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Keep up to date on partnerships related issues; identifies possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall UNDP SEESAC effort in resource mobilization;
• Contribute to design and formulation of new projects in consultation with national counterparts, translating UNDP’s priorities into local interventions, as the needs and opportunities arise.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results

• Results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of activities;
• Level of advisory services provided;
• Quality of strategic partnerships.

• Good application of Results-Based Management;
• Good communication, coordination and facilitation skills;
• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of Project work;
• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in political or social sciences or related field.

Work experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in project development and implementation;
• Experience in development and implementation in the field of arms control activities, armed violence prevention, citizen security or law enforcement in South East Europe an asset;
• Experience in provision of technical advice and development of capacity building activities for the national authorities in the region in the field of arms control activities a strong asset;
• Experience in partnership building at international, regional and national level a strong asset.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of arms control, law enforcement, armed violence prevention and citizen security thematic areas (including legal and institutional frameworks) a strong asset;
• Practical knowledge and expertise in preparation of working arrangements and maintaining successful relations with national counterparts in the fields mentioned above;
• Knowledge of gender equality in security sector reform processes a strong asset;
• Excellent understanding of the political and economic situation in the Western Balkans a requirement;
• Knowledge of UNDP rules and procedures would be an asset; in particular procurement.

Other:

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages and handling of web based management systems is required.

Language:

Written and spoken proficiency in English and Serbian. Knowledge of other regional languages an asset.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility for extension