Project Justice and Security Specialist

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

The NAIG Project aims to support key democratic institutions in Nauru which are responsible for ensuring effective, inclusive and accountable political governance, the National Parliament and the National Elections Commission (NEC), and implementing specific programming directed at promoting the more informed and active participation of the general public in Nauruan governance and politics, and targeted work to promote gender equality ensure that women of all ages are more engaged in politics and public life. 

The project has four outputs:

• Output 1: Strengthen Electoral Commission processes and capacities
• Output 2: Strengthen Parliament capacities to ensure inclusive, accountable governance
• Output 3: Strengthen the engagement of women and girls in politics and public life
• Output 4: Pilot and roll out national civic education initiatives
• Output 5: Strengthened capacities of justice sector practitioners and institutions to deliver people-centred, rights-based justice services to all people (GEN2)

The Maritime Security Project supports Fiji to address significant maritime security challenges that threaten its sovereignty, economic stability, and environmental integrity. The Project has 3 key outputs: 

• Output 1: Coordination frameworks to increase a planned and harmonized government response to maritime security threats;
• Output 2: Operationalization and Capacity Building of the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC) through Targeted Training and Simulation Exercises and 
• Output 3: Strengthening Maritime vigilance in Remote Island Communities through a Community-based approach 

At the same time, the Fiji MCO is envisioning a portfolio titled "People-centered Justice and Security for Peaceful and Prosperous Pacific" (2027-2032) represents a dynamic, interconnected approach designed to address complex justice, security, human rights in the Pacific region. It focuses on strategic development through a set of ongoing and upcoming interventions, such as the Maritime Security and Safety project, justice initiatives in FSM, Nauru, Palau. The portfolio integrates a range of areas, including human rights protection, gender-based violence, climate change impact on human rights, and environmental justice, ensuring comprehensive coverage of challenges facing the region. The design of the portfolio underscores the importance of leveraging diverse interventions and fostering linkages between them, creating a continuous flow of new options to meet the needs of system transformation. With a clear governance structure and support from various international donors, this portfolio positions UNDP as a central partner in driving sustainable solutions while promoting the rule of law, security, and human rights in the Pacific.

The Project Justice and security Specialist will support in delivering the project outputs in the area of justice and security as outlined in the projects and the prospective portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Justice and Security Specialist liaises closely with the national authorities working in the thematic area of the project, the donor community, and other UNDP portfolio, programmes and projects in the country. The Project Justice and Security Specialist works with the project experts and counterparts of the Government beneficiary institution(s), as well as engages with other national institutions, international organizations, and other relevant actors.

The Project Justice and Security specialist will work closely with the management specialist of each project

Provide top quality technical advisory services

• Provide cutting-edge policy advice in the thematic area of the projects/portfolio and facilitate policy dialogues with partners, promoting UNDP thought leadership and advocacy work. Establish advocacy networks at the country level and linked to international networks. Contribute to relevant, high-impact advocacy campaigns that are implemented with key partners.
• Contribute to the analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the context of the project and advise the UNDP MCO management on issues related to the thematic area of the project.
• Contribute to the setting of technical standards based on regional and global best practices in the thematic area of the project. 

Ensure effective implementation of programme/project activities aimed at local economic development. 

• Provide technical support, working in collaboration with the Project Manager/management specialist, in planning and effectively implementing project activities within the scope of approved budgets, workplans and other project documents and in alignment with UNDP’s programmatic priorities and goals. Supervise and coordinate the work of the project team and consultants. Provide guidance and support in the identification and sourcing of technical expertise, including preparation of TORs and evaluation of experts. 
• Provide timely and quality technical advice and guidance for the project implementation in line with UNDP’s rules and regulations, and UNDP Project Operational Policies and Procedures. 
• Manage and monitor project financial resources; and analyse project progress to identify risks and other implementation problems.  Ensure timely collection of data for reporting on project activities, outputs, and outcomes; and substantially contribute to the preparation of narrative and financial progress reports, including donor reports. Provide technical guidance on risk mitigation measures to address implementation problems. Update risk logs. 
• Coordinate and participate in quality control mechanisms, seeking to improve the technical quality of the project outputs, products, publications, and policy discussion papers and briefs. 

Lead strategic partnership building and resource mobilization. 

• Establish and maintain a strategic understanding of and engagement with all the relevant institutions, including establishing contact and developing strategic partnerships with other UN agencies, government institutions, donors, NGOs, IFIs, the private sector, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders and beneficiaries at the national, regional, and local levels. 
• Participate in meetings with donors, prepare and deliver presentations of project results, and follow up with relevant counterparts if requested by the supervisor.
• Implement resource mobilization strategies to achieve project outcomes that include facilitating liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions to strengthen relationships and raise funds. Identify new funding opportunities for furthering the project ideas. 

Contribute to knowledge management and information sharing in the UNDP Multi-country office.

• Organize training for the project personnel to enhance their capacities in the technical matters of the thematic area of the project.
• Identify, evaluate, synthesize, and document lessons learned and best practices directly linked to the project goals and activities. Develop knowledge sharing materials and respond to related queries.
• Contribute substantively to knowledge networks and communities of practice within the thematic area of the project. 
• Develop and carry out a personal learning plan.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Direction & Strategy           

• System Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management           

• Risk management 
  • Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks 
• Portfolio Management     
  • Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
• Partnership Management             
  • Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

2030 Agenda: Planets             

• Nature       
  • Ocean Governance: Ocean governance legal and policy frameworks

2030 Agenda: Peace 

• Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights           
  • Rule of Law 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Laws, Business Administration, Economics, Development studies, or field related to thematic area is required or 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in providing technical advice, conducting research, formulating policies, and/or developing and managing complex projects in sectors applicable to thematic areas of in justice and security.
• At least 3 years of regional experience in the Pacific.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Good communication, facilitation, and coordination skills. 
• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of portfolio work
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Experience with project planning and consulting, including the effective provision of substantive leadership and guidance, oversight, monitoring, and reporting for projects/programmes with similar scale, scope, and complexity.
• Experience in fostering networks and partnerships and ability to provide coordination with the UN Agencies, international and other organizations present in the sector.
• Knowledge and experience in justice and security area.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Itaukei and/or Fiji Hindi languages. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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