Org. Setting and Reporting
The Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in 2017. The Office has five main functions:
(a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System;
(b) enhance coordination and coherence across the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy;
(c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States;
(d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and
(e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy. This position is located in the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) at Headquarters in New York. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Strategic Coordination Section as First Reporting Officer, with additional reporting lines to the Head of the Programme Office in Iraq and the Deputy Director of UNCCT. The incumbent will report to the Director of UNOCT as Second Reporting Officer (SRO).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Senior Programme Officers)
Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate key programmes/projects that support Iraq on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism; develops initiatives, products and events at UNOCT Headquarters that showcases expertise, successes and challenges on counter-terrorism from Iraq and the wider region for the benefit of the full UN membership; mobilizes resources in support of capacity building programming in Iraq; directs subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.
Directs programme development and evaluation targeted toward building stronger links between UNOCT and Iraq and the wider region and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies,
Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
Directs programme development and evaluation targeted toward building stronger links between UNOCT and Iraq and the wider region through substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff
May perform other duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts in Iraq and the wider region, senior officers and technical staff in UNOCT and relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programmes and other UN specialized agencies. Representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, consultants Results Expected: Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme/projects.
Provides direction and sound and innovative advice on a wide range of issues, including developing strategies for issues on a long-term and large-scale basis to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results that ensure the best interests of the organization, and/or client. Delivers thorough, well reasoned contributions, e.g., policy recommendations, complex papers, analysis, substantive sections of reports and studies, publications, etc. Implements corrective action with respect to operational issues.
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks and utilizing knowledge of regional dynamics, politics and priorities of Iraq and the region. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment 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.
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.
Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Managerial Competencies
Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experiencein project or programme management, administration or related area is required. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in or relating to Iraq is required. Experience in political affairs is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. 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).
Required Languages
Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking
English | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II
Arabic | 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
The position advertised is funded through Extra-budgetary funds. Further extension/s will be dependent upon the availability of the post or funds. For the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the services of persons who possess the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, while taking into account geographical diversity. All recruitment decisions are made on the basis of candidates’ qualifications and the needs of the Organization.
The United Nations is committed to creating an environment of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect. It recruits and employs persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, cultural or ethnic origin, or disability status. In order to apply, Secretariat staff members must have completed the required number of lateral moves, which will be indicated in the personal history profile and cover letter. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who decides their assignment.
Over the course of their careers, they are expected to change functions periodically, in accordance with the rules and procedures in force. Candidates who have reached the mandatory age of separation may not apply for vacancies. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving equal representation of women and men among its staff and wishes to ensure that geographical representation is as diverse as possible. Applications from women are strongly encouraged.
For the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the services of persons who possess the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, while taking into account geographical diversity. All recruitment decisions are made on the basis of candidates’ qualifications and the needs of the Organization. The United Nations is committed to creating an environment of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect.
It recruits and employs persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, cultural or ethnic origin, or disability status. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to facilitate the participation of candidates with disabilities in recruitment processes where indicated and requested in the application. In order to apply, Secretariat staff members must have completed the required number of lateral moves, which will be indicated in the personal history profile and cover letter.
In accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c), 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 addition, staff members in the Professional and higher categories, up to and including the D-2 level, as well as those in the Field Service category, are normally required to move periodically to different duty stations, in accordance with administrative instruction ST/AI/2023/3 on mobility, as may be amended or revised. .
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.