Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Firearms Control) (temporary)

Job Description:

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG), Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the supervision of the UNODC Representative for Afghanistan, as first reporting officer, under the substantive and technical guidance of the Chief of the Firearms Trafficking Section (FTS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), as second reporting officer. The Firearms Control Officer will be responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the UNODC Global Firearms Programme with particular emphasis on matters related to illicit firearms in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. For more information, please visit the website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities
Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific duties: * Provide advice on Firearms Control of UNODC's Firearms Trafficking Section and its Global Firearms Programme (GFP) and provide accurate and well-informed advice to UNODC, governments, UN and other stakeholders on issues related to illicit firearms trafficking and its links to transnational organized crime and terrorism, as required. * Keep informed about situation of weapons diversion and trafficking and related security threats in strategic firearms hotspots in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, with a view to assess and monitor diversion and trafficking risks, including risks of diversion from Taliban de facto authorities (DFA) stocks, as well as assessment of Taliban DFA existing firearms control, registration, governance capacity, legal frameworks and criminal justice response. * Cooperate and engage, where possible and feasible, with relevant UN agencies and other regional and international organizations, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and its Joint Analysis and Reporting Unit, the UN Depart-ment for Safety and Security (UNDSS), the UN Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1526 (2004) and 2253 (2015) con-cerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities as well as UN panel of experts, as appropriate, on issues related to illicit arms flows and the enforcement of UN arms embargoes, to support efforts at the national, regional and inter-national level to prevent and counter the risks of diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of firearms and related material. * Collect, in coordination with UNODC's Research and Analysis Branch (RAB) and its Regional Information Centre in Tashkent, and analyse relevant data and relevant infor-mation on cases on incidents related to firearms seizures, diversion, trafficking and misuse of illicit firearms, keep abreast of relevant developments, trends or patterns (including gender related analysis), and related security threats in Afghanistan and the region, and prepare well drafted regular briefings and reports providing draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, deci-sion-making, presentation and reporting. * Coordinate and support the development and maintenance of a Firearms Monitoring Plat-form of the FTS/GFP, to monitor illicit arms flows in global hotspot areas, in particular Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Coordinate, support and supervise local assess-ment surveys on the firearms proliferation and trafficking risks in critical provinces and border area in and around Afghanistan. * Organize and participate, as appropriate, in regular field visits and assessment missions within Afghanistan and the region, to engage with national and provincial stakeholders, regional and international actors, to raise awareness, collect data and information, assess needs, support the implementation of technical assistance activities, to develop synergies and operational partnerships, and enhance efforts to prevent and counter illicit firearms flows and related threats. * Promote and facilitate regional and international cooperation, information exchange and knowledge sharing among practitioners in the region, including through UNODC's Global Community of Practitioners against Firearms Trafficking and Organized Crime, to foster effective cooperation and information exchange with regional and international partners including, where possible, INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organiza-tion), EUROPOL (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation), EM-PACT Firearms (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats), FRONTEX (European Border and Coast Guard Agency), NATO (North At-lantic Treaty Organization), OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Eu-rope), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), other relevant UN entities and other projects and programmes active in the region. * Represent UNODC's Global Firearms Programme and participate as resource person in regional and international events, technical working groups, inter-agency task forces, ad-vocacy meetings, roundtables, and other meetings related to the project, conduct presenta-tions and provide advice and analysis on assigned topics / activities; * Coordinate and cooperate with relevant UNODC offices and programmes on matters per-taining to firearms and related threats, as appropriate; establish and maintain partnerships and cooperation with relevant internal and external stakeholders to develop synergies to prevent and reduce illicit arms flows and related threats. * Provide analytical, programming and programme management support on firearms: De-velop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate technical cooperation programmes/projects, under the Global Firearms Programme, with a particular focus on Afghanistan and neigh-bouring countries aimed at preventing and countering diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of firearms and related material by organized crime and terrorism groups. * Prepare and contribute to a variety of written outputs including briefings, situation / risk analysis, analytical reports and other knowledge products, reports to governing bodies, background papers, correspondence with counterparts, working documents, mission re-ports, policy and analytical reports, risk and threat analysis, presentations, as well as poli-cy proposals, inputs to specialized reports and studies, policy recommendations. * Promote initiative to advance the Women Peace and Security and the Youth Peace and Security agenda. Supervise and guide junior staff, consultants and interns, ensuring effec-tive support and guidance for project activities. * Proactively engage in programming and support fundraising activities, building support for the project and identifying additional funding sources. * Performs other work-related duties as required.

Competencies
* Professionalism: Has proven knowledge on the prevention and combat of illicit firearms trafficking and its links to transnational organized crime, and related forms of crime, disarmament and related fields. Has knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the prevention and countering illicit firearms trafficking, transnational organized crime, terrorism control of crime, and sound understanding of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and of existing international legal instruments, in particular, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary Protocol against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition, and related arms and conventional ammunition control instruments, including their links to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Has in depth understanding and awareness of firearms proliferation and trafficking context and wider security environment in the South and Central Asian region. Is aware of cross-cutting aspects such as human rights, gender, as well as rule of law, peace, security and development. Has very good research and analytical skills and ability to identify issues, formulate concepts and options and make conclusions and recommendations. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Is able to provide sound advice on security related matters. Is able to produce quality work with limited supervision. Has very good drafting skills and is able to analyse extensive substantive documentation and prepare analytical, comprehensive, data-driven reports, summaries and policy briefs to support decision making. Is committed to achieving highest quality outputs, timeliness, conscientiousness, attention to detail and ability to bring matters to closure. Has professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. * 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.

Education
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law (international or criminal law), international relations, international security, military or defence studies, political science, or a related field is required. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in arms control, peace and security, crime prevention and criminal justice or related research fields, including substantive exposure to countering firearms trafficking, organized crime, terrorism, or international security issues is required. Of the minimum years of experience, at least three years in a relevant area to be gained at the international level, is required. Relevant work experience in implementing practical arms control measures, including weapons and ammunition management and criminal justice responses to detect, trace, investigate and prosecute firearms diversion, trafficking and related organized crime and terrorist activities is required. Proven practical work experience in monitoring, data collection and analysis, and strategic threat and risk assessment related to peace and security, including analysis of firearms diversion, trafficking and misuse as well as related organized crime or terrorism threat assessment, is required. Experience working with national and international counterparts and stakeholders in conflict-affected countries, preferably in the South and Central Asia regions, with demonstrated understanding and awareness of regional security dynamics, is desirable. Experience monitoring and implementing United Nations arms embargoes, including documenting and reporting violations is desirable. Experience engaging with local stakeholders in complex or high-risk environments and coordination with international and national partners in conflict or post-conflict environments on issues pertaining to arms control, peace and security, terrorism prevention, criminal justice and rule of law issues is desirable. Experience in programme and project management within the United Nations Common System or similar international organization is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Dari or Pashto is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

* Language
* Reading
* Writing
* Listening
* Speaking

English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II

Desirable Languages

* Language
* Reading
* Writing
* Listening
* Speaking

Dari
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I

Pashto
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I

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

Special Notice
This temporary position is available for 11 months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from 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 are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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. Kabul is classified in the E category and is a non-family duty station. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator's office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

United Nations Considerations
According 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee
THE 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