This position is located in the Programme Office in Ghana (POGHA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Accra, Ghana. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the UNODC Representative of the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), and the substantive guidance of the Programme Officer (Counter-Cybercrime Advisor) in Senegal, operating under the Global Programme on Cybercrime (GPC), Cybercrime and Anti-Money Laundering Section (CMLS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) at UNODC headquarters in Vienna.

For more information on UNODC please visit: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

The incumbent will carry out work assignments in connection with the implementation of counter-cybercrime technical assistance in the region and, where necessary, globally.
Within assigned authority, the Programme Officer (Digital Forensic Expert) will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Design and deliver advanced capacity building and training on identification, extraction, preservation, collection, documentation, examination, analysis and presentation of digital evidence and information, including on the use of open source intelligence (OSINT) and of specialized software and hardware, and on the investigation of cybercrime and crimes committed using technology with a primary focus on digital evidence.

• Provide technical assistance and mentoring on digital forensics, including the preparation and drafting of reports, development of standard operating procedures (SoPs), guidelines and provision of analysis on digital forensics.

• Design, programme and run digital forensic tools in the training environment and mentor their use, upon request, during mentoring.

• Design and implement a multi-day online “capture the flag” competition on the topic of digital forensics with daily challenges and instruction videos.

• Undertake outreach activities; coordinate international, regional and national workshops, meetings and conferences, make presentations on assigned topics/activities.

• Support technical assistance needs assessments and situation analysis through the preparation and delivery of scoping missions.

• Coordinate and liaise with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions which are active in the provision of training and education on mandate-related issues at the international, regional or country level, as well as with UNODC programmes for cross-fertilization.

• Assist in the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Global Programme on Cybercrime by collecting relevant data on project implementation, drafting reports and supporting follow-up of activities, as requested.

• Implement assigned activities under the Global Programme on Cybercrime, under the guidance and regular direction of the Project Coordinator, by planning, delivering, overseeing, contributing to and ensuring coordination among the relevant personnel and units in particular with regard to the administrative set up of the activities, recruitment of staff and consultants, subcontracting of services and financial monitoring and reporting.

• Cooperate and coordinate with the field and regional offices, as well as with other UNODC sections and units, ensuring project implementation and providing inputs, reports and information as required.

• Prepare, review, plan and manage the implementation of the project’s strategies and activities as outlined in the project document by providing substantive and administrative support and inputs, including budget and procurement management.

• Prepare and draft a variety of written outputs that relate to the implementation of the project, such as background papers, progress reports, evaluation reports, mission reports, briefings and presentations.

• Ensure regular communication with all project donors, and meeting reporting and other obligations related to donors in professional and timely manner.

• Substantive support on digital forensics to the Global Programme on Cybercrime, as required.

• Perform other work-related duties to support project implementation, as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates knowledge of identification, extraction, preservation, collection, documentation, examination, analysis and presentation of digital evidence and information, including on the use of open source intelligence (OSINT) and of specialized software and hardware, and of the investigation of cybercrime and crimes committed using technology with a primary focus on digital evidence. Has knowledge of counter-cybercrime law enforcement and/or prosecution related issues. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international crime prevention related to cybercrime and relevant UNODC mandates. Has knowledge of programme/project administration, implementation, evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Has very good research and analytical skills. Is able to evaluate, identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Demonstrates ability to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given and to coordinate the work of others. 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; 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 and 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, digital forensics, information technology, programming, cybersecurity, network security or closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years relevant progressively responsible work experience in criminal investigation based on digital evidence or evaluation of electronic devices using specialist software and hardware is required.

Experience in supporting, training, advising or mentoring of national international law enforcement agencies on cybercrime investigations or digital forensics is desirable.

Experience in dealing with evidence or information related to cases of online child sexual exploitation and abuse is desirable.

Experience with the United Nations and/or similar international organization dealing with law enforcement related operations is desirable.

Work experience in Africa is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Accra is classified in the B category (family duty station).

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.