Project Support Officer

Host entity: UNODC

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 18/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) was established as a consequence to the General Assembly Resolution 45/179 of 21 December, 1990 with the responsibility of coordinating all drug control activities within the United Nations system. In 1997, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established through a merger between the UNDCP and the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention, and is "mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations".

The mission of UNODC is to contribute to the achievement of security and justice for all by making the world safer from crime, drugs and terrorism. The activities of UNODC are based on three pillars: (i) research and analysis (evidence–based policies); (ii) establishment of international norms and standards (UN Conventions); and (iii) capacity-building through technical assistance.

The mandate of UNODC derives from several UN conventions and General Assembly resolutions and the conclusions and recommendations of its governing bodies:

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs: the central policymaking body within the Untied Nations system dealing with drug-related matters. The Commission monitors the world drug situation, develops strategies on international drug control and recommends measures to combat the world drug problem, including through reducing demand for drugs, promoting alternative development initiatives and adopting supply reduction measures.
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ): the central body within the United nations system dealing with crime prevention and criminal justice policy. It monitors the use and application of relevant United Nations standards and norms. the Commission offers Member States a forum to exchange expertise, experiences and information, to develop national and international strategies and to identify priorities for combating crime.

Assignment context

The position is located within the Border Management Branch (BMB), Division for Operations, UNODC, and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the supervision of the Management Support Team Lead, the UN Volunteer will support both the development of branch-wide programme management systems, strategic planning and institutional tools.

The assignment supports BMB's ongoing consolidation and expansion through the development of a unified programme architecture, strengthened programme management processes and enhanced cross-programmatic coordination. The incumbent will contribute to the preparation of the new BMB Programme Document (ProDoc), the development of programme management guidance, knowledge management products, strategic planning documents and other institutional initiatives that strengthen programme quality, consistency and donor engagement across the Branch.

In addition, the incumbent will provide programme management support to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea (GARS) team, with a particular focus on the Yemen portfolio, including programme planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and reporting of activities delivered under the criminal justice chain approach. The role will facilitate coordination between headquarters, regional and field teams, support the delivery of technical assistance activities, and ensure that lessons learned and good practices from programme implementation inform broader branch-wide programme development, institutional strengthening and strategic initiatives.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the project coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Project Support Officer will:

Yemen Programme (approximately 30%)
• Support planning, implementation and monitoring of programme activities in Yemen.
• Coordinate preparation of annual workplans, budgets and implementation schedules.
• Assist in drafting donor reports, briefing notes, concept notes and funding proposals.
• Coordinate with field teams and headquarters to monitor programme implementation.
• Compile programme information, lessons learned and results for reporting.
• Support organization of missions, workshops, meetings and stakeholder consultations.

BMB Programme Development & MST (approximately 70%)
• Support development of the consolidated BMB Programme Document (ProDoc), including logical frameworks, implementation arrangements and programme documentation.
• Develop programme management templates, guidance notes, SOPs and standardised tools for use across the Branch.
• Support development of cross-cutting programme management platforms, processes and knowledge management systems.
• Contribute to preparation of the BMB Strategy and associated implementation roadmap.
• Assist in developing the MST Handbook, including guidance on programme development functions, quality assurance processes and branch-wide workflows.
• Support advocacy, visibility and reporting requests for the branch.
• Contribute to BMB programme concept note and proposal development.
• Support branch-wide coordination meetings and strategic planning.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
• 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 reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application- 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.

Also, 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 and encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs
• As an active UNODC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNODC GARS and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
• Well researched and sound analysis of issues and developments in the area of crime prevention and criminal justice. Thorough and well written contributions. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. Efficient and effective use of resources.
• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years of 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;
• 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;
• Working knowledge of other United Nations official languages is highly desirable;

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;
• 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;
• 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;

Living conditions

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) per month and is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be computed by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate of US$1,602. The VLA base rate is a global rate, while the PAM is country-specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis according to the cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website http://icsc.un.org.
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In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to taking up the assignment) and also in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty station.
UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements).

UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). A resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.
UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

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