Project Implementation Support Officer

Host entity: UNODC GHA

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Administration, Safety and security, Disarmament, peacebuilding, rule of law

Application deadline: 04/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in addressing the problem of illicit drug use and transnational crime and is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism.
UNODC has an important role in assisting States Parties to the international conventions in the implementation of their obligations under the international drug control treaties (the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 (as amended in 1972), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988), the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols and the UN Convention Against Corruption, as well as international anti-terrorism instruments. Acting as the custodian of United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, UNODC has the mandate to assist Member States in reforming their criminal justice systems to ensure the practical application of these standards. Under the Regional Programme Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), UNODC provides support to the region in the implementation of these treaties and instruments, inter alia, by means of supporting the development of national drug and crime policies and strategies and their implementation plans.

Assignment context

The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and in Vienna, Austria. UNODC is s a world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It operates through 54 regional offices, covering more than 150 countries. Its regional office for Western and Central Africa (ROSEN) is located in Dakar, Senegal and has been active in the region for more than 20 years. Currently ROSEN covers 22 countries and has established 18 field offices.
The UNODC ROSEN is tasked with assisting Governments in its region with building capacity in the areas of drug control, crime prevention and criminal justice. Activities are implemented through regional and thematic programmatic frameworks.
The ROSEN Law Enforcement and Border Management Unit supports the implementation and monitoring of ongoing projects at national and regional level to counter transnational organized crime, as well as the development of new project proposals.

The ROSEN Law Enforcement and Border Management unit requires the services of a long-term UNV (Programme Management Specialist) to ensure the implementation of one of its flagship projects: “EU for a Secure Ghana”, in line with the donor agreement and proposed time schedule to achieve the key milestones of the project under the Specific Objectives 1.3 and 2 of Description of Action of the Project Document of the EU for a Secure Ghana programme.

The overall objective of the project is to enhance security, prevent conflict, and combat violent extremism, terrorism, and transnational organized crime in Ghana, with a particular focus on the five northern regions. The specific objectives (SOs) of “EU for a Secure Ghana” are: 1) Support Ghana’s integrated capacity to counter violent extremism and terrorism from a human rights perspective; 2) Strengthen Ghana’s capacity to counter transnational organized crime, including firearms trafficking; and 3) Enhance relevant peacebuilding and violence prevention mechanisms and structures across national and traditional authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), including women’s organizations, forcibly displaced populations and their host communities.

Purpose of the assignment:

In accordance with the above, the purpose of the UNV position is to support the coordination and implementation of the UNODC component of the EU for a Secure Ghana programme, more specifically the Outcome 1: “State actors have strengthened capabilities to counter violent extremism and terrorism, while upholding rule of law and human rights”, implemented by the UNODC ROSEN Law Enforcement unit. This recruitment is undertaken under the framework of the aforementioned project, the “EU for a Secure Ghana” initiative, funded by the European Union (EU).

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Law Enforcement, Border Management and Emerging Crimes Unit, and the overall guidance of the Head of Office in Ghana and the Regional Representative of ROSEN, the International UN Volunteer (Specialist) will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide day-to-day technical and operational support for the implementation of Activities 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 under the EU for a Secure Ghana Programme, focusing on the procurement and delivery of operational counterterrorism equipment to beneficiary Ghanaian security agencies.
• Coordinate closely with the European Union Delegation, implementing partners, national security institutions, and other stakeholders involved in Specific Objectives 1.1 and 1.2 to ensure coherent implementation of procurement-related activities.
• Support consultations with beneficiary security agencies to identify operational equipment needs and contribute to the preparation of procurement needs assessment reports and recommendations for approval.
• Assist in the preparation and review of procurement documentation, including Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, procurement plans, and other supporting documents in accordance with UNODC and UN procurement rules and procedures.
• Liaise with procurement teams and vendors throughout the procurement process, monitor progress, and support timely delivery of approved counterterrorism equipment to beneficiary institutions.
• Assist in organizing equipment handover ceremonies, logistics, inventory documentation, and coordination with beneficiary agencies to ensure proper receipt and accountability of delivered assets.
• Support the planning and coordination of basic training sessions on the operation and maintenance of procured counterterrorism equipment for beneficiary security personnel.
• Prepare and contribute to project documentation, including progress reports, briefing notes, donor reports, meeting minutes, newsletters, visibility materials, presentations, and other communication products related to project implementation.
• Maintain regular communication with national counterparts and implementing partners to facilitate programme implementation, monitor progress, and support coordination among stakeholders.
• Ensure that procurement and capacity-building activities are implemented in accordance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), gender equality principles, and applicable UN standards.
• Support the preparation of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), quarterly work plans, procurement schedules, and implementation timelines in consultation with project partners.
• Assist in monitoring project implementation, tracking procurement milestones, expenditures, and deliverables, and contribute to donor narrative and financial reporting requirements.
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings with government counterparts, the UN Country Team, EU partners, and other stakeholders, and follow up on agreed action points relevant to project implementation.
• Contribute to reporting mechanisms of the UNODC Programme Office in Ghana (e.g., UNInfo, Results Group and SDG reporting).
• Contribute to the communication strategy of the UNODC Programme Office Ghana, including development of creative and innovative communication products to showcase the impact of UNODC's technical assistance in Ghana.
• Perform any other work-related duties, as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Staff and non-staff personnel, staff within the UNODC Country Programme Office Ghana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, counterparts at UNODC headquarters and the Regional Field Office in Dakar, counterparts in other UN agencies.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

• Support the effective delivery of technical assistance to beneficiary security agencies throughout the needs assessment, procurement, delivery, and basic operational training on counterterrorism equipment, in coordination with national counterparts and programme partners.
• As an active UNODC team member, provide efficient, timely, responsive, client-oriented, and high-quality programme and operational support to UNODC and beneficiary institutions, contributing to the successful implementation of project activities.
• Effectively support the implementation of UNODC activities related to strengthening Ghana's counterterrorism capacities through the procurement and operationalization of approved equipment.
• Effectively support programme coordination, implementation, procurement planning, monitoring, reporting, and partner engagement under the EU for a Secure Ghana Programme, contributing to the timely achievement of project objectives.
• Interact effectively and in a timely manner with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

Skills and experience

• A good knowledge of crime prevention and criminal justice or international affairs is a distinct advantage.
• Working experience with the United Nations system, multilateral organizations, or international organizations is a distinct advantage.
• Prior experience in West Africa is also a distinct advantage.
• Good interpersonal, networking, and communication skills;
• Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;
• Flexible and open to learning and new experiences;
• Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments, and living conditions;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (e.g., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
• Computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions

The assignment will take place in Accra, the capital city of Ghana as a family duty station (Hardship classification B). At sea level, the climate of the country is tropical-hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27 C (80 F) and little daily variation. At the interior's higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20 C (68 F), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimetres (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimetres (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. Ghana is a Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) country. Regarding accommodation and food, houses and apartments can be rented from 800$ to 2000$ per month and meals at the restaurant cost between 10$ and 60$. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained prior to arrival from an embassy. The Cedi is the local currency.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.