Senior Programme Officer – UNOCT Counter-Terrorism Training in Africa

Senior Programme Officer – UNOCT Counter-Terrorism Training in Africa

Organization: United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
Location: Rabat, Morocco
Reporting Lines:

• Direct: Director, Special Projects and Innovations Branch

• Dotted: UNOCT Field Coordinator

Organizational Context

The UNOCT was established in 2017 to strengthen UN leadership and coordination on counter-terrorism, enhance capacity-building, and promote preventive measures against violent extremism. The Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism Training in Africa focuses on:

• Developing and implementing counter-terrorism and violent extremism training for North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa

• Increasing programme impact through field presence and innovative solutions

• Supporting Member States via national training programmes and counter-terrorism curricula

• Strengthening partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration

Role Purpose

The Senior Programme Officer leads the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of counter-terrorism and violent extremism capacity-building initiatives. The role ensures effective policy, operational, and programmatic support to Member States and strengthens partnerships across regional stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Development & Implementation

• Lead development, execution, and evaluation of initiatives in counter-terrorism and violent extremism

• Direct review of reports and identification of priorities, risks, and corrective measures

Gender Mainstreaming

• Integrate gender perspectives across legislation, policies, and programmes

Research & Evaluation

• Direct research, programme assessment, and prepare analytical outputs

• Prepare background papers, reports, and contributions to publications

Meetings & Outreach

• Support consultative meetings, conferences, and workshops

• Lead field missions, guide external consultants, government officials, and draft mission summaries

Financial & Administrative Management

• Coordinate programme budgets, funding submissions, progress reports, and financial statements

• Ensure compliance with pledging and programme planning requirements

Staff Management & Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff

• Facilitate professional development opportunities for team members and stakeholders

Representation & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as spokesperson and establish collaborations with officials and stakeholders at all levels

Competencies

Professionalism

• Ability to identify strategic issues, communicate organizational direction, and provide technical leadership

• Demonstrates persistence, efficiency, and integrity in achieving results

• Ensures gender-balanced participation in all work areas

Communication

• Speaks and writes clearly, tailors messages to audiences, and promotes two-way dialogue

Planning & Organizing

• Sets goals consistent with strategy, identifies priorities, and adjusts plans as required

• Allocates resources efficiently and monitors progress

Managerial Competencies

• Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, values staff input, rewards achievement

• Managing Performance: Clarifies roles, monitors milestones, provides feedback, and supports professional growth

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, business administration, management, economics, or related field

• First-level degree with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted

Experience:

• 10+ years in project/programme management, administration, or related area

• 5+ years managing programmes related to counter-terrorism or prevention of violent extremism

• Experience in security inter-governmental coordination and law enforcement/intelligence agencies in African states

• Experience in multi-stakeholder capacity-building assistance

• Experience in North Africa or sub-Saharan Africa is desirable

Languages:

• Fluency in English and French (oral & written) required

• Arabic desirable; other UN languages an advantage

Application & Special Considerations

• Staff must meet lateral move requirements if applying internally

• Position funded through extra-budgetary funds

• UN is committed to gender balance; women are strongly encouraged to apply

• Candidates must not have a record of violations of human rights law, humanitarian law, sexual exploitation/abuse, or serious criminal offences

• Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided

• No fee is charged for the recruitment process