Organization Mission

The UNODC is globally recognized for its efforts in combating illicit drugs and international crime. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it operates under the Regional Programme on Drug Control, Crime Prevention, and Criminal Justice Reform in the Arab States.

The incumbent will closely collaborate with experts conducting training for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior / Counter Narcotics Department and other members of the UNODC Programme Office (PO). Primarily, their role involves specialized translation expertise, facilitating communication between English and Arabic within the PO team and relevant technical units. The role also requires proactive engagement in seeking guidance, analysing evidence, and adhering to UNODC guidelines.

Internally, the incumbent interacts with UNODC staff to share knowledge and ensure work harmonization, particularly with the Services Unit for language and terminology input. Externally, they engage with technical partners, stakeholders, Ministry of Interior officials, and local authorities, as well as UN agencies within the UN Country Team (UNCT).

Context

The International UNV Specialist, Programme Specialist (Drug Control and Forensics) will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Coordinator (Drug Control and Forensics) within the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), based in Cairo, in close coordination with the Head of Office of the UNODC Iraq Office.
This position is part of UNODC’s Regional Programme for the Arab States (2023–2028), contributing to strengthening national and regional capacities to prevent and combat illicit drug trafficking, organized crime, and related governance challenges.
The incumbent will play a central role in coordinating programme implementation, monitoring progress, managing partnerships, and contributing to analytical and operational planning across MENA countries. Drawing on a strong background in law enforcement, criminal justice, and governance, the Programme Officer will support inter-agency collaboration, policy dialogue, and institutional strengthening efforts within the framework of the Drug Control portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

– Programme & Operational Support
As the UNV International Specialist (Programme Specialist) for the Drug Control portfolio, the incumbent will:
• Lead the coordination and implementation of National Project funded by Canada activities in Iraq, ensuring effective alignment and synergy with relevant projects being implemented in Iraq country offices and national counterparts.
• Ensure oversight for result-based and impact-based project implementation of the drug control project(s) in Iraq, amongst the 4 pillars of the project, in close collaboration with relevant colleagues.
• Ensure oversight for the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting of the project’s implementation, including activities programming, financial monitoring, donor’s reporting, as well as all relevant documentation, archiving and processes being in line with UN rules and regulations.
• Contribute to substantive methodology development, data management, consolidation, and analysis to inform strategic approach with the national counterparts and strengthening UNODC-Iraq partnership, especially under the Drug Control portfolio.
• Draft and/or review programme documents, such as workplans, progress and donor reports, briefing notes, internal memos, and knowledge products.
• Maintain updated records and archival systems for programme documentation in the UNODC framework.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders (UN agencies, national authorities, donors, partners) to ensure coherence, collaboration, and effective representation of the programme.
• Organize and coordinate regional events, workshops, consultations, missions, and donor meetings, including all logistical arrangements and follow-ups.
• Assist with onboarding, induction, and coordination of consultants, partners, and mission participants.
• Support the expansion of the Regional Drug Control Programme through provision of substantive guidance and recommendations, as well as ad hoc missions in the region, when required.
• Provide when required logistical and operational support to the Drug Control Programme, including ERP requisitioning and financial workflows (shopping carts, service entry sheets, goods receipts), ensuring timely processing, documentation accuracy, and coordination with Operations, Procurement, and Finance units.
• Disseminate programme achievements and knowledge on UNV and UNODC platforms, promote volunteerism, and support capacity-building networks in line with UNV principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties as required.

Required Skills and Experience

• 7 years of experience in law enforcement complex investigations, drug control, organized crime, or criminal justice; experience in project management and coordination, administration, or technical assistance is an asset, as is experience working in the UN system or other international development organizations.
• Have affinity with or interest in UNODC’s mandate on drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the United Nations system.
• Knowledge of the Iraqi institutional and operational context is an asset, including strong understanding of field realities, national governance frameworks, and law enforcement structures.
• Experience in methodology development, data management, monitoring, and performance analysis to support evidence-based programming and reporting is required.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills, with proven ability to prepare high-quality written outputs and briefings under tight deadlines.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken, professional) is required.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including government institutions, community representatives, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communication for development.
• Ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; proven ability to operate in complex field settings and to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint, and virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom); familiarity with database management and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision, and demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness and operational discipline in field contexts.
• Knowledge in ERP systems, including creation and tracking of requisitions, service entry sheets, goods receipts, and vendor management.
• Commitment to the values of volunteerism, integrity, and the United Nations system

Core Competencies

a. Inclusion: Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
b. Integrity: Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
c. Humility: Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
d. Humanity: Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

UN Behaviours:
a. Analyse and Plan: Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action.
b. Deliver results with positive impact: Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves.
c. Adapt and Innovate: Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways.
d. Connect and Collaborate: Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN.
e. Learn and develop: Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others.

Living Conditions

Baghdad is classified as a non-family, high-security duty station (Category E) under the United Nations security framework, with restricted movement policies and reliance on UN security protocols. International staff are required to live in UNDSS-approved residences (meeting MORSS or similar security standards) and use coordinated UN transport for official movement.

Security is volatile: although relative stability is maintained in certain areas, risks of unrest, targeted violence, and contingencies remain. All personnel must strictly follow security briefings, avoid travel outside approved routes, and comply with UNDSS procedures including curfews and movement clearances.

Basic services (electricity, water, internet) are available within secure compounds and in central areas, though outages and disruptions are common. Communications (mobile, internet) function in many urban areas but may suffer from intermittent instability.

Healthcare: Basic clinical services, hospitals, and pharmacies are accessible in Baghdad. However, for advanced or specialized care, medical evacuation or referral to regional centers may be necessary. International staff are recommended to maintain personal medical evacuation coverage and ensure essential medications are available.

Accommodation: The UN Volunteer will be responsible for securing appropriate housing (within UN security guidelines). Housing is typically located in fortified zones, compounds, or secure neighborhoods. Cost of living within secure areas is higher than in open markets due to premium on security and access.

Transportation: Official movements are done via UN-accredited transport; private movement outside these parameters is tightly regulated.

Living conditions require resilience and adaptability: staff must accept constraints on freedom of movement, variable living comfort, and security protocols. Cultural norms are conservative; respect for local custom, dress norms, and interaction rules is essential.

Working in Baghdad offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of governance and security reforms. However, it demands high levels of professionalism, reliability, situational awareness, and flexibility in challenging and constrained operational environments.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator
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The full UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 2555.63
• Expertise differential
• Well-being differential USD 1000
• Annual and learning leaves
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service