Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between States. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station. The focus of this position is to provide support to and/or assistance in backstopping, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of CITES Secretariat strategies, policies, programme activities in the assigned substantive and functional areas in assigned countries or regions. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the CITES Secretariat Enforcement Unit and within delegated/assigned authority, the Associate Crime Prevention Officer will be responsible for the following duties in special functional areas:
Responsibilities
1. Provide substantive support in coordinating and implementing the programs and activities on enforcement matters of the CITES Secretariat: a) Liaises with counterparts at national and international levels such as regional and subregional wildlife enforcement networks and national enforcement agencies and assists in building strategic partnerships; fosters collaboration with relevant stakeholders in other parts of the United Nations, government officials, representatives of inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, business partners, to obtain and exchange relevant information and raise awareness of the strategic and operational priorities adopted by CITES governing bodies to combat wildlife and forest crime, including wildlife crime linked to the Internet, corruption and money laundering facilitating illegal wildlife trade amongst agencies responsible for wildlife law enforcement. b) Contributes to the formulation, development, implementation, coordination, backstopping and evaluation of assigned technical cooperation programmes/projects and activities; provides technical and administrative support to programme/project development and implementation; reviews, drafts and/or coordinates timely preparation and submission of relevant documents and reports; monitors budget, expenditures and utilization of funds; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties, counterparts and stakeholders; identifies and tracks follow-up actions in accordance with the strategic and operational priorities in the Decisions, Resolutions and Recommendations on enforcement matters agreed by CITES governing bodies. c) Assists in the recruitment of personnel for the office/section/unit and/or programme/project by coordinating panel interviews, evaluating candidates' applications and qualifications, drafting recommendations, reports and terms of references/job descriptions. d) Provides administrative and substantive support and servicing to CITES consultative and other meetings, conferences, other legislative and technical bodies as well as intersessional working groups by proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background document and presentations, handling logistics. e) Undertakes outreach activities; participates and assists in the development, organization, coordination and preparation of workshops, seminars, training courses and special events; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. f) Participates in technical field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, preparation of mission reports. g) Contributes to the formulation and preparation of the programme of work, work plans, public information and resource mobilization activities as well as the programme budget of the unit; attends to various administrative matters and participates in meetings concerning the overall programme of the unit. h) Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting, in particular concerning the annual CITES Illegal Trade Reports. i) Engage closely and work cooperatively with other Secretariat units and perform other duties as assigned including undertaking tasks at the request of the Secretary-General.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and understanding of the theories, concepts and approaches relevant to wildlife law enforcement and border control; knowledge of criminal investigation management and administration. Ability to gather, analyse and disseminate information; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. 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 TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, places team agenda before personal agenda, supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position, shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
An advanced degree (master's degree or equivalent) in criminal law, criminology, law enforcement, environmental law, wildlife law, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in national law enforcement, particularly customs or police, including investigation or prosecution activities, is required. Experience in international law enforcement and intergovernmental organisation cooperation is required. Experience working with relevant partner programmes and projects aimed at combating wildlife crime is required. Experience working with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), or similar organisations is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree).
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Spanish or French 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).
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
Spanish
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
French
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. An external candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of the administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and the availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 and are selected for this position, subject to limitations, will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position without a lien on their parent position. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least 6 months must have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example, as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme – such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS– which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the need to secure 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, religion, 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. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you don't get an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.
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.
