Project Support Officer

Host entity: UNODC

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Community development, Information technology and telecommunications

Application deadline: 26/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The mission of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism by working for and with Member States to promote justice and the rule of law and build resilient societies.

Assignment context

This position is in the UNODC Border Management Branch, Maritime Security Team office, in Djibouti, Djibouti in the UNODC Regional Office for East Africa (ROEA). The incumbent will perform his/her duties and responsibilities under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Gulf of Aden and Red Sea), supporting the activities of the Maritime Security Team in the Border Management Branch.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Gulf of Aden and Red Sea), the UN Volunteer will assist in the implementation of activities carried out under the Border Management Branch – Maritime Security Team in matters related to maritime crime. In particular, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of programme activities under the Border Management Branch, particularly those related to Maritime Crime and Criminal Justice in Djibouti;
• Conduct research to identify technical assistance needs for capacity building and develop sustainable strategies to reform and strengthen the capacity of maritime law enforcement and other criminal justice authorities in the region, including improved detention and transfer activities;
• Provide input on project/programme and/or budget revisions, preparation and dissemination of costed work plans, terms of reference, and other related project documentation on maritime crime;
• Provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including reviewing and analyzing emerging issues and trends, participating in evaluations or research activities and studies;
• Support engagement with national counterparts in Djibouti to facilitate implementation of capacity building activities in support of the Maritime Law Enforcement capacity building activities implemented by the Border Management Branch – Maritime Security Team (Gulf of Aden and Red Sea);
• Support monitoring and evaluation activities of the Maritime Security Team programme by developing, participating in, and supporting evaluation of Border Management Branch – Maritime Security Team (Gulf of Aden and Red Sea) activities, including compiling and collating information to be submitted to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC ) experts and management for further analysis;
• Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, briefing notes, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc., relating to maritime crime issues in the region;
• Provide administrative and substantive support to the regional programme coordinator for consultative and other meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, and handling logistics;
• Provide administrative action related to the procurement of equipment and services, including drafting terms of reference for procurements, contracts for consultants, related payment requests, and monitoring and follow-up on such requests in line with United Nations (UN ) financial rules and regulations;
• Support field missions to locations in the region where the Maritime Security Team carries out programme activities, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.;
• Perform any other duties as required/assigned.

Skills and experience

• Professional work experience at the national and/or international level in management (e.g., logistics and operations) or the government sector, or other relevant programmes; experience working with Government Institutions is an asset; experience with maritime crime is an asset, as is experience working in post-conflict environments and least developed countries is an asset;
• For this position, fluency in English and French, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Working knowledge of other United Nations official languages is highly desirable;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;

Competencies and values

• Professionalism
• Teamwork and respect for diversity
• Planning and organizing

Living conditions

Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, at the crossroads of East Africa and the Middle East. Djibouti City is the capital and the main administrative, economic and port hub. 

Climate: hot, arid desert climate. Temperatures are high throughout the year, often between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius, in particular from May to September. The cooler season runs from November to February. Rainfall is scarce and irregular. 

Population and society: the population is about 1.1 million. The vast majority is Muslim. French and Arabic are the official languages; Somali and Afar are widely spoken. 

Safety: Djibouti is generally stable and relatively safe. Petty crime can occur in urban areas. Security guidelines are issued and updated by UNDSS, and UN Volunteers are fully included in the UN security framework. 

Operating environment: Djibouti is classified as a hardship duty station. The country is exposed to recurrent drought, climate shocks and population movements, and hosts refugees and migrants from neighbouring countries. The assignment offers an enriching professional environment and requires cultural awareness, flexibility, and the willingness to live and work in demanding conditions. 

Currency: the Djiboutian Franc (DJF), with a fixed exchange rate of about 177 DJF to 1 USD. Banking and communications infrastructure are available in Djibouti City. 

Candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances for the duty station using the UVP calculator, and to consult the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers. 


• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) in the amount of USD 2749.6
• Annual and learning leaves
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service
You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.

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