Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Temporary)
Organizational Context
This position is within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Programme Office in Ghana (POGHA), part of the Regional Office for West and Central Africa. The role operates under the Division for Operations, with the duty station in Accra. The incumbent reports to the UNODC Representative and the Penal and Prison Reform Team Lead.
Job Purpose
The Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer will coordinate and implement the EU-funded EU for a Secure Ghana programme, ensuring timely delivery of results. This includes supporting needs assessments, programming, and technical missions. The role involves coordinating capacity-building for Ghanaian security and criminal justice agencies on topics such as firearms trafficking and illegal mining. The officer will act as UNODC's focal point for penal and prison reform in Ghana and the region, promoting international standards and designing technical assistance for prison management, alternatives to incarceration, and offender rehabilitation. The position requires representing UNODC, participating in UN coordination mechanisms, and maintaining partnerships with various stakeholders. The role also involves managing the Programme Office in Ghana, including personnel and resources, and contributing to resource mobilization and programme development.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and monitor the EU for a Secure Ghana programme, ensuring timely delivery of results and donor compliance. Support and coordinate capacity-building for Ghanaian security and criminal justice agencies on preventing firearms trafficking and illegal mining. Serve as the focal point for penal and prison reform, promoting international standards and contributing to regional initiatives. Design and facilitate technical assistance for prison management, alternatives to incarceration, and offender rehabilitation. Represent UNODC in Ghana, participating in UN coordination mechanisms and relevant meetings. Maintain partnerships with government, EU, UN entities, regional organizations, and civil society. Monitor developments in crime prevention, criminal justice, and rule of law, providing strategic advice. Manage the Programme Office in Ghana, including personnel, financial resources, and operational planning. Develop work plans, budgets, and analytical products; coordinate data collection and reporting. Contribute to resource mobilization through project proposals and donor engagement. Ensure integration of human rights, gender equality, and inclusion in programme activities. Prepare policy papers, technical guidance, and reports for UNODC and intergovernmental bodies. Provide substantive input for reports to UN commissions and the General Assembly. Analyze data for trends and insights using visualization methods.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in crime prevention and criminal justice is required. Experience in penal or prison reform at the national or international level is necessary. Proven experience in project management, implementation, monitoring, and reporting is essential. Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building activities for criminal justice officials is required. Experience coordinating with government institutions, international organizations, donors, and civil society is also required. Experience with UN standards and norms in prison management, within the UN system, or in data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, research and analytical skills, problem-solving, data analysis and interpretation, judgment, planning and prioritizing, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, gender mainstreaming, and resource management.