Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean in Panama (ROPAN) with duty station in Panama City, Panama, of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will head the Regional Office and will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Regional Section for Latin America and the Caribbean (RSLAC) and the overall guidance of the Deputy Director of the Division for Operations (DO) in Vienna. For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org ResponsibilitiesThe Representative will head the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean in Panama (ROPAN). Within delegated authority, the Representative is responsible for the effective implementation of UNODC programmes and activities in the designated region in supporting Member States’ capacities to deal effectively with issues related to drug control, crime prevention, countering corruption and terrorism prevention, i.e. UNODC’s core mandated areas. The incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the efficient management of all human, financial and physical resources allocated to the programmes and the office, as well as for ensuring outputs of a high-quality standard. The incumbent is also a member of the relevant United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in the region, under the strategic guidance and coordination of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC), and member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Regional Team wherever applicable. As a member of the relevant UNCT, and/or of the UNDG Regional Team, the incumbent leads UNODC’s engagement in UN common country and regional planning, programming, funding, monitoring and evaluation activities and to actively contribute to the establishment of the Country Analysis and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CA and UNSDCF) and the joint implementation activities, within the Delivering as One (DaO) approach, especially under the 2030 Agenda, wherever relevant. The incumbent is accountable for keeping the Resident Coordinator, the UNCT, and the UNDG Regional Team appraised of UNODC programme implementation and resources mobilized for programmes/activities, undertaken in the context of the UNSDCF (those led by UNODC). The incumbent will be part of the Mutual Accountability Framework for the UNRC. As member of the local Security Management Team (SMT) the incumbent supports and advises the local Designated Official (DO) in all security management related matters and is responsible for the implementation of local security management decisions and appropriate security and safety measures and arrangements for all UNODC eligible staff, personnel, eligible family members as well as for UNODC premises and operations in the country, in coordination with the local UNDSS security officials and with advice from the UNODC Field Security Adviser at Headquarters Vienna, as appropriate. In particular, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties: Strategic and Policy Advice • Provide advice to governments in the assigned region on the development of national long term capacity-building in drug control and crime prevention, in order to promote adherence to and ensure consistency with the terms of the United Nations conventions, drug control treaties, the Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and Corruption (UNCAC) and the international instruments to counter terrorism, as well as with the goals and objectives of the 20th Special Session of the General Assembly. • Represent UNODC’s position and interests in the assigned region in several fora, and promote solid partnerships with government authorities, institutions, civil society, regional and international aid agencies and financial institutions, parliamentarians and the media. • Advise and assist the governments in the assessment of planning, design and management of response policy measures, in particular developing and proposing national as well as regional cooperation strategies. • Promote a better understanding of the importance of drug and crime related matters, encourage increased priority attention to all aspects of preventing and combatting drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism, and advocate the inclusion of these issues in government planning documents as well as in relevant programmes of other bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental organizations. • Advise UNODC, UN DCO and UN DPPA senior management on national, regional and continental dynamics and possible policy and operational responses related to political developments, policy shifts, trends and emerging issues pertaining to UNODC’s mandates or resulting from the UN Development System Reform and 2030 Agenda based on close interaction with other UNODC Field Offices, and HQs divisions. • Provide guidance and support to the SRSG of MINUSTAH in addition to ensuring timely preparations of the quarterly UNODC reporting to the UN Security Council on Haiti. Programme development & resource mobilization • Contribute towards UN-wide strategic planning and cooperation in the field, in particular with the UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) and the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). Ensure that drugs/crime related issues are embedded in key UN programmatic instruments such as the Common Country Analysis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). • Formulate programmes of technical assistance for the region, in order to ensure effective technical cooperation facilitated by improved planning. • Explore opportunities to grow the ROPAN programme portfolio (and respective components) in line with UNODC strategy and governments’ requests, increase programme of work, develop proposals and oversee their implementation. • Support the DO senior management in the development of new partnerships for field-based services to Member States and the joint resource mobilization for new activities. • Ensure that a resource mobilization strategy remains in place that promotes long-term involvement and financial and in-kind support and resources by government, international, public and private sector donors to the work of UNODC for the core infrastructure and technical assistance programme of UNODC in the region. At the same time, engage in joint resource mobilization efforts with the UNCT and in line with the UNSDCF (UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework) budget. • Maintain regular consultations with counterparts and ensure that donor funding agreements are honoured in a timely manner. Programme implementation • Effectively lead and manage the UNODC Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean in Panama (ROPAN). Ensure effective implementation of UNODC Programmes and activities in the region in supporting Member States´ capacities to deal effectively with issues related to drug control, crime prevention, countering corruption and terrorism prevention. • Oversee the successful implementation of UNODC programming in the region in close consultation with the Programme Coordinators, assure the effective functioning of the programmes and take responsibility for operational oversight for the coordination of activities. • Manage, monitor and evaluate the overall progress of ongoing activities in the region to ensure the effective project/progamme delivery and use of funds as well as consistency, substantively, technically and financially with the objectives set forth in the programming tools. • In project cycle management, directly approve project documents in conformity with respective UNODC Management Instructions (MI), intervene when difficulties arise, take remedial actions as required and identify appropriate solutions. • Manage corresponding budget and programme resources. • Lead the Regional Office’s work in relation to Enterprise Risk Management. • Ensure integrity and timely substantive and financial reporting. • Lead team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provide insight to identify trends or patterns for data driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensure that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. • Ensure integration of human rights and gender system-wide policies in planning and delivery of assistance. • Keep UNODC headquarters informed of the progress being made. • Ensure the effective communication of UNODC's work and its impact in the region. Office management • In accordance with established policies and delegated authority, manage the financial, physical and human resources assigned to the Regional Office and sub-offices (Programme Offices) under the incumbent’s supervision, ensuring appropriate coverage, guidance and supervision of staff and efficient and effective use of such resources. • Manage, lead, guide and mentor staff under her/his responsibility. This includes promoting their professional development and creating a work environment which fosters civility and respect among staff and upholding zero tolerance to harassment, including sexual harassment/exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. • As member of the local Security Management Team (SMT), and as outlined in the \"Handbook for United Nations Designated Officials for Security\", support and advise the local Designated Official in all security management related matters. The UNODC Representative is accountable to the Secretary General through the UNODC Executive Director. • Be responsible for the implementation of local security management decisions taken by the Designated Official and SMT and appropriate security and safety measures and arrangements for UNODC staff, personnel, eligible family members, as well as for all UNODC premises and operations in the region, in coordination with the local UNDSS security officials, and with advice from the UNODC Focal Point for Field Security at Headquarters Vienna, as appropriate. • Perform other work-related duties as may be required. Competencies• Professionalism: Has demonstrated professional competence and mastery in programme development and execution, advocacy as well as in providing seasoned effective specialized advice in a broad range of development assistance issues and on matters related to drug prevention, crime prevention, combatting corruption and terrorism prevention. Has ability to negotiate and resolve complex and politically sensitive issues/problems with governments and cooperating institutions. Has ability to ensure adequate preparation of reports and papers on technical issues as well as rationale with respect to key technical assistance decisions. Is able to supervise and to review the work of others. Possesses up-to-date knowledge and practical experience of UN programme policies, guidelines and procedures. Has knowledge of UN rules and regulations. Has demonstrated sensitivity to geo-political issues and adaptability to complex political environments. Possesses proven negotiating and diplomatic skills and ability to assume a key role in advising counterparts and networking with national and international partners. Has capacity to stimulate intellectual, substantive policy-level dialogue with Government on programme development in drug control and crime prevention issues, and technical cooperation coordination. Has sensitivity to political issues and adaptability to local environment, hardship, and security/emergency situations. Has 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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. • Planning and 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. • Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. • Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law, public administration, political or social sciences, international relations or similar field of study related to the UNODC mandates 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience in a development-related area with increasing responsibilities and excellent performance record in programme management and international relations is required. Work experience in international technical assistance programme management in the area of UNODC’s mandates on drug control, crime prevention, countering corruption and/or terrorism prevention related issues is required. Several years of direct, hands-on work experience in coordinating and leading the implementation of programmes and projects at the field level is required. Work experience in ensuring and in being accountable for the correct application of rules and regulations in a large international organization or governmental institution, non-governmental organization/civil-based organization or similar is required. Proven experience in managing administrative/financial and human resources is required. Work experience in the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable. Demonstrated experience in managing large and diverse teams operating at different locations, covering a wide range of substantive, programmatic and programme support functions is desirable. Experience with demonstrated results in negotiation and resource mobilization of development cooperation programmes is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an asset. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview. Special NoticeThis temporary position is expected to be available until 29 September 2026. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of post and funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as \"retirement.\" Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Panama City is classified in the A category (family duty station). United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.