Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) Rome Office, Italy. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the implementation of the programme of work of the UNICRI Rome Office, as well as managing and carrying out all administrative and liaison activities related to the Office. The incumbent of the post will work under the direction and policy guidance of the UNICRI Director (Turin) and in close cooperation with the Senior Programme Officer (Deputy Director) and relevant programme officers on programmatic activities. See more info on www.unicri.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, under the programme management duties, the incumbent will be responsible for providing support to project development. Liaison functions will include maintaining contacts with the various government ministries, coordinating with the donor community for the funding and management of projects carried out by UNICRI, particularly from the Rome Office. Under the office administration, the incumbent will promote the visibility of UNICRI activities, and liaise with United Nations agencies and international organizations, the diplomatic corps, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, national and local representatives and organizations involved in the activities. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: Liaison (45%)

• As part of liaison functions, assist the Director to manage and coordinate the liaison work carried out by the Rome Office.
• Assist with building and maintaining liaison through informal and formal contacts with a wide-range of actors, including host country ministries, Permanent Missions and Embassies, media representatives.
• Maintain up-to-date contact details of the ministries and local authorities with whom UNICRI has working relationship; including contact personnel and documentation requirements.
• Support inter-agency cooperation on communication activities in Italy.
• Coordinate high-level outreach and represent UNICRI at high-level forums, working groups, and conferences to promote the organizations strategic priorities, programmes, and initiatives.
• Prepare regular strategic analysis and background papers on funding opportunities and provide advice and guidance on aligning UNICRIs strategic priorities and projects with Italy funding programmes and policies.
• Contribute to maintaining high level visibility for UNICRI activities in the host country, particularly Ministry of Foreign Affairs and working relationship with other ministries.
• Continuously follow up with relevant Government office for current and up-to-date information on policies related to visas, work permits, tax exemption requirements, customs clearing etc; and advise UNICRI staff
• Support the Director in resources mobilization activities. Programme Management and Development (45%)
• Provide support in the development of the UNICRI programme portfolio.
• Ensure consistency with UNICRI and the funding agency policies and objectives.
• Maintain relationships with funding agencies.
• Perform consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage changes.
• Support with project development and initiation activities by carrying out feasibility studies and needs analysis; setting objectives, defining the scope of the project, and establishing strategy for the project; assisting with establishing budget and financial controls and preparing specifications.
• Support the preparation of various briefing materials, statements, reports and talking points.
• Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Support the organization and implementation of selected programme and research activities. General Administration (10%)
• Oversee work related to procurement, billing and receipt of income from host country contributions, operational travel programme for Rome Office, procurement monitoring and evaluation of vendor contracts/payment to vendors and individual contractors for services for Rome Office.
• Provide guidance and leadership to more junior staff; manage performance of the team members based in Rome.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Perform other work-related duties as required. Competencies
• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches related to programme management. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems as well as advocate a participatory approach involving all the stakeholders (donors, recipient countries, Board, institutions staff). Has strong conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, 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.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; gives clear instructions and define responsibilities while soliciting 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• 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.
• Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them. Education An advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, sociology, public administration, public affairs, international relations, law or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree in a similar field in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in project or programme management related to crime prevention and criminal justice or relevant area is required. Work experience engaging and working with governmental counterparts and institutional…