About this role

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.

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.