Comprehensive Role Analysis: National Coordination Officer – UNODC, Maputo, Mozambique (Combating Crimes That Affect the Environment)

April 14, 2025

15 minutes read

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) is the UN agency responsible for addressing global threats related to drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and criminal justice. With its dual mandate to promote security and development, UNODC operates at the nexus of peacebuilding and rule of law.

UNODC has a strong field presence in Africa through its Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) and Programme Office in Mozambique (POMOZ). This office ensures the delivery of technical assistance programs designed to bolster national capacities in law enforcement, justice, and environmental protection, particularly in response to crimes that affect the environment (CAEs).@vacancyspaces.com

2. The Strategic Context: Why This Role Matters

Mozambique is increasingly impacted by environmental crimes, such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, illegal mining, and overfishing. These criminal activities are deeply interconnected with organized crime networks, poverty, weak governance, and corruption. Addressing these challenges is essential to:

Safeguard Mozambique’s biodiversity and natural resources
Strengthen national security
Foster rule of law and institutional trust
Align with regional goals (e.g., SADC initiatives)
Support global frameworks like the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

In this context, the National Coordination Officer will be a linchpin in coordinating, delivering, and optimizing UNODC’s environmental crime portfolio, especially the GUARD Wildlife Project.

3. Duties and Responsibilities: In-Depth Analysis

A. Programme Coordination and Support

You’ll serve as the central point for managing the implementation of environmental crime projects:

Logistical Coordination: Secure venues, manage stakeholder invitations, coordinate travel and accommodation, organize translation/interpretation services, and ensure post-activity reporting.
Operational Oversight: Align project implementation timelines with donor requirements and UNODC strategic goals.
Problem Solving: Address implementation delays, procurement issues, or stakeholder concerns in real time.

B. Technical Assistance Delivery

You’ll support Mozambican institutions by:http://👉 National Coordination Officer UNODC – Apply Now

Designing and delivering capacity-building workshops, technical trainings, and policy briefings.
Assisting in the development of legal frameworks, such as drafting laws or refining institutional mandates.
Supporting the integration of environmental crime response mechanisms into existing law enforcement strategies.

Your expertise will feed into national efforts in forestry law enforcement, fisheries compliance, mining inspection regimes, and waste management standards.

C. Stakeholder Engagement

You’ll need to work with:

Mozambican Government Entities: Ministries of Environment, Interior, Justice, and Customs
Law Enforcement Bodies: Police, Environmental Protection Unit, Judiciary
Civil Society and Local NGOs: For grassroots impact and community engagement
International Stakeholders: USAID, INTERPOL, CITES Secretariat, WCO, and others

Your goal is to build trust, promote collaboration, and ensure local ownership of project outcomes.

D. UN System Coordination

You’ll work with other UN agencies such as:

UNDP (for institutional reform)
UNEP (for environmental assessments)
FAO (for fisheries and forestry-related crime)

You’ll promote synergistic programming, avoid duplication, and align interventions with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

E. Reporting and Documentation

You’ll prepare:

Donor Reports: Results-based reports aligning with Logical Frameworks
Government Briefs: Highlighting impact and requesting policy actions
Internal Memos: Documenting progress, issues, and best practices
Knowledge Products: Toolkits, guidance notes, and case studies on best practices for CAEs

F. Representation

You’ll represent UNODC at:

National Technical Working Groups on Environmental Crime
Task Forces related to wildlife protection and resource management
National and international conferences or workshops

You’ll be expected to champion UNODC’s voice in high-level dialogues and promote technical credibility.

4. Required Qualifications: Breaking It Down

A. Education

Three alternative academic profiles are accepted:

Master’s Degree in:
- Environmental Science
- Law or International Law
- Public Policy or International Relations
- Economics, Natural Resource Management
Bachelor’s Degree + 2 Years of Additional Experience
Police or Law Enforcement Academy Degree + 4 Years of Additional Experience

The flexibility in educational pathways is designed to attract professionals from both academic and practitioner backgrounds.

B. Experience

Mandatory:

5 years (with MA) or 7 years (with BA) of progressively responsible experience in:
- Environmental crime prevention
- Law enforcement and justice
- Policy-making on biodiversity and conservation
Strong understanding of Mozambique’s legal and policy context

Preferred:

Work in international organizations (UN, World Bank, NGOs)
Experience with ERP systems (like UMOJA or SAP)
Background in project management, including budgets and procurement
Engagement with government institutions in Mozambique

C. Language Requirements

Fluent in both Portuguese and English (reading, writing, and speaking)
Ability to translate technical documentation or interpret during training sessions is highly valuable
Knowledge of French or another UN language is a bonus

5. Core and Functional Competencies

Professionalism

Understanding of criminal justice systems
Knowledge of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)
Capacity to analyze cross-border environmental crime dynamics

Accountability

Transparent decision-making
Fiscal discipline in resource allocation
Ethical engagement with stakeholders

Planning and Organizing

Multitasking in high-pressure situations
Managing simultaneous donor and government demands
Monitoring Gantt charts, milestones, KPIs

Job Knowledge and Technical Expertise

Familiarity with CAEs (including illegal mining, logging, fishing)
Awareness of CITES regulations and related national frameworks
Understanding investigative techniques, forensic practices, and case-building

Results-Based Management (RBM)

Knowledge of the RBM cycle: input → activity → output → outcome → impact
Ability to maintain indicator tracking tables and logframes
Drafting SMART indicators for environmental governance

6. UNODC Projects in Mozambique Relevant to the Role

GUARD Wildlife

Global United Action to Reduce and Dismantle Organized Wildlife Crime is a flagship initiative aimed at:

Building judicial capacity to prosecute wildlife crime
Enhancing cross-border law enforcement cooperation
Raising awareness among communities and policymakers
Aligning enforcement strategies with development goals

Other Projects You May Coordinate With:

Container Control Programme (CCP)
Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP)
Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights in Mozambique

7. Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators

Deliverable	Timeline	KPI
Environmental crime stakeholder mapping	3 months	100% completed list with roles and responsibilities
4 workshops conducted (law enforcement, judiciary)	Within 6 months	≥85% satisfaction rate from participants
2 Donor reports (GUARD Wildlife)	Biannual	Submitted on time with feedback incorporated
National environmental crime action plan draft	12 months	Finalized with government endorsement
Monthly progress reports	Ongoing	Submitted by the 5th of each month

8. Impact of the Role

National Impact

Strengthened environmental governance through institutional reforms
Improved inter-agency collaboration
Increased number of wildlife crime cases prosecuted
Enhanced public trust in law enforcement

Regional and Global Impact

Contribution to cross-border enforcement frameworks in Southern Africa
Participation in global reporting systems, including UNODC’s Environmental Crime Hubs
Support to global treaties and reporting to CITES, UNTOC, and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

9. Career Trajectory and Development Opportunities

By taking on this role, you open doors to future international opportunities in:

UNODC Regional Offices or Vienna HQ
UNEP, FAO, INTERPOL, or World Bank environmental governance teams
NGO sector focusing on climate justice, natural resource governance, and biodiversity conservation

10. Final Thoughts and Strategic Fit

This position is a perfect match for someone with:

A passion for environmental justice
A grounded understanding of Mozambique’s governance structure
Strong coordination, diplomacy, and technical acumen
A commitment to UN values and evidence-based policy change

You won’t just be managing a portfolio—you’ll be influencing systems change to protect ecosystems, enforce the law, and build institutional capacity.

Would you like help with a tailored cover letter, UN-style CV, or interview preparation guide specific to this position?

National Coordination Officer position with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Maputo, Mozambique, tailored to unpack the full scope, expectations, and impact of the role.

I. Background and Context of the Position

1. Organizational Setting

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the lead United Nations entity in combating illicit drugs, organized crime, terrorism, and corruption. The office also plays a pivotal role in promoting justice, strengthening rule of law, and addressing crimes that impact sustainable development, including those against the environment.

In Mozambique, UNODC operates through its Programme Office in Mozambique (POMOZ) under the broader jurisdiction of the Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF). This regional structure supports integrated and responsive interventions across member states by addressing region-specific challenges—such as transnational organized crime, wildlife trafficking, illegal mining, and terrorism.

2. Mandate and Relevance to Mozambique

Mozambique faces significant challenges related to criminal activities that affect the environment, such as illegal logging, wildlife poaching, illicit trade of natural resources, and inadequate waste management systems. These crimes not only harm biodiversity and ecosystems but also fuel corruption, violence, and weaken governance.

UNODC’s initiatives in Mozambique thus align with its global goals while addressing national needs—providing technical assistance, policy support, and institutional strengthening.

II. Job Purpose and Strategic Relevance

The National Coordination Officer serves as a linchpin in UNODC’s efforts to prevent and combat crimes that affect the environment in Mozambique. These include crimes associated with:

Wildlife trafficking
Illegal logging and deforestation
Illicit fishing
Illegal mining
Waste trafficking and mismanagement

This position is critical for ensuring the success of GUARD (Global United Action to Reduce and Dismantle Organized Wildlife Crime) and other related projects. The officer’s role transcends simple coordination—it is deeply strategic, technical, and cross-cutting across national, regional, and international levels.

III. Key Duties and Responsibilities (Elaborated)

1. Program Implementation and Coordination

The officer ensures all logistical, administrative, and operational elements required to implement the GUARD project and related environmental crime programs are functioning seamlessly.

Responsibilities include:

Scheduling and organizing training sessions, workshops, and public engagement events.
Coordinating with national and regional government counterparts to enable smooth implementation.
Supporting the field missions and ensuring travel and security arrangements are handled.

This work requires high-level project management skills to align deliverables with timelines and budgets while managing unforeseen challenges.

2. Technical Assistance Delivery

UNODC is a technical agency, and one of the key roles of this officer is to directly contribute to knowledge transfer. This could involve:

Designing training modules for law enforcement on evidence collection and prosecution of environmental crimes.
Developing manuals and guidelines on detecting and addressing illegal wildlife trade.
Supporting national policy-makers to revise and harmonize legislation in accordance with international conventions such as CITES, UNCAC, and UNTOC.

3. Liaison and Stakeholder Engagement

The officer acts as a bridge between UNODC and the Mozambican government, particularly:

Ministries of Environment, Justice, Fisheries, Forestry, Mining, and Interior
Customs and Border Control agencies
Judiciary and Prosecutors

He/she also engages with:

International actors: UNDP, FAO, UNEP, INTERPOL, and regional entities like SADC.
Civil society: NGOs working on environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
Private sector: especially companies involved in resource extraction or transportation.

Maintaining effective and trust-based relationships with these stakeholders is essential for legitimacy and local ownership of interventions.

4. Advocacy and Representation

The officer represents UNODC in various forums, which may include:

National task forces on anti-poaching and anti-trafficking
Environmental crime working groups
Donor coordination meetings
Regional forums for policy dialogue

This function demands a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, and political sensitivity.

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

Drafting progress reports, donor updates, and situation briefs.
Preparing background notes, talking points, and presentation materials.
Contributing to the development of impact assessments, mid-term reviews, and final evaluations.

The officer plays a vital role in communicating both successes and gaps in programming, thereby shaping future interventions.

6. Resource and Financial Management

Although not a finance officer per se, this role requires overseeing resources allocated to environmental crime initiatives, including:

Monitoring budgets and expenditure
Identifying funding gaps or opportunities
Contributing to new project proposals and funding applications

IV. Skills and Competencies Required

1. Functional Competencies

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of criminal justice systems, environmental law, and investigative techniques in relation to wildlife crime and illicit trafficking.
Results-Based Management: Ability to set measurable targets, track progress, and adaptively manage implementation.

2. Core Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, and adherence to UN values.
Accountability: Takes responsibility for performance, project delivery, and transparent management.
Planning and Organizing: Ability to work independently while managing complex schedules, deliverables, and multi-stakeholder processes.

3. Interpersonal Competencies

High emotional intelligence for stakeholder engagement.
Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills.
Strong ability to work in multicultural and politically sensitive contexts.

V. Qualifications and Experience

1. Education Requirements

UNODC recognizes varied paths to professional expertise:

Master’s degree (preferred): Law, International Relations, Environmental Studies, or related field.
Bachelor’s degree + 2 years’ additional experience: Acceptable substitute.
Law enforcement academy degree + 4 years: Acceptable substitute for candidates with direct enforcement experience.

2. Experience Requirements

Minimum 5–7 years in relevant fields, depending on education level.
Background in law enforcement, environmental protection, or criminal justice is essential.
Experience in project management, government advisory roles, or inter-agency collaboration is highly valued.
Familiarity with ERP systems and strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office.

VI. Language Proficiency

Fluency in both English and Portuguese is mandatory, reflecting the working languages of UNODC and the local language needs in Mozambique. Knowledge of French or other UN languages is an asset and may enhance the ability to engage in regional forums.

VII. Institutional and Policy Alignment

The officer’s work directly contributes to:

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
UNODC Strategic Vision for Africa 2030: Supporting African-led solutions and capacity building.
National Development Plans: Strengthening rule of law and environmental governance in Mozambique.

Moreover, the work supports Mozambique’s commitments under international conventions like:

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
The UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)
The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)

VIII. Expected Impact

1. Strengthened National Capacity

The officer contributes to long-term sustainability by:

Enhancing legal frameworks
Improving investigative and prosecutorial capacity
Facilitating regional intelligence sharing

2. Deterrence and Disruption of Environmental Crimes

By increasing enforcement effectiveness and reducing impunity, this role helps disincentivize criminal actors and disrupt illegal trade networks.

3. Improved Public Trust and Governance

Strengthening the justice system and showing results in environmental protection enhances government legitimacy and public confidence in institutions.

IX. Career Advancement and Exposure

This role offers valuable career development, particularly in:

Multilateral diplomacy
Program and policy development
Field-based experience in international criminal justice

Working in this capacity may open doors to:

Higher-level roles within the UN system (e.g., Programme Officer, Regional Advisor)
Specialized positions in anti-trafficking, environmental governance, or anti-corruption
Leadership roles in NGOs, think tanks, or international agencies

X. Challenges and Considerations

While rewarding, this role is not without challenges:

Political sensitivities: Navigating complex power dynamics between agencies and government.
Security risks: Particularly when addressing organized crime networks.
Operational hurdles: Bureaucratic delays, funding constraints, or limited local capacity.
Ethical dilemmas: Ensuring neutrality and integrity in politically charged or corrupt environments.

Success in this role demands resilience, discretion, and strong ethical grounding.

Conclusion

The National Coordination Officer position at UNODC Maputo is a uniquely impactful and strategically significant role in advancing environmental justice in Mozambique and beyond. It combines hands-on coordination, technical advisory, stakeholder engagement, and high-level advocacy to address the urgent challenge of crimes against the environment.

Professionals with a background in law enforcement, legal reform, or environmental policy will find this position to be an exceptional opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and peacebuilding in a dynamic, high-priority context.

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National Coordination Officer position with UNODC in Maputo, Mozambique, including the official job link, the broader context, organizational mandates, and expected outcomes.

Comprehensive Role Analysis and Insights: National Coordination Officer (UNODC – Maputo, Mozambique)

Position ID: 25339
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 (05:59 AM)
Location: UNODC Programme Office in Mozambique (POMOZ), Maputo
Grade: SB4
Contract Type: Service Contract
Agency: UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Required Languages: English and Portuguese
👉 Apply or view the full job posting here

1. Organizational Background and Context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the UN entity responsible for addressing issues related to drug control, criminal justice, counter-terrorism, and transnational organized crime. It provides technical and policy assistance to Member States, aiming to strengthen institutional, legal, and operational capacities.

In Mozambique, a country with vast biodiversity and significant natural resources, crimes that affect the environment have become a major concern. Wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, unregulated fishing, illicit mining, and environmental corruption present complex challenges. These crimes are often interlinked with transnational organized crime networks and have devastating socio-economic and ecological consequences.

UNODC is actively supporting the Government of Mozambique in combatting such threats through multiple initiatives—particularly through the Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment, which includes projects like GUARD (Global United Action to Reduce and Dismantle Organized Wildlife Crime).

2. Role Purpose and Scope

The National Coordination Officer will be a key technical and logistical resource in the fight against environmental crime. He/she will be responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and implementing UNODC’s technical assistance, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement efforts at the national and regional level.

This role involves project coordination, policy advisory support, partnership management, technical assistance delivery, and reporting, particularly within the scope of environmental crime—including but not limited to:

Wildlife trafficking
Illegal logging and forestry crimes
Criminal activities in fisheries
Unregulated or illegal mining
Waste trafficking and mismanagement

3. Duties and Responsibilities (Expanded)

a) Technical Assistance and Project Implementation

Provide expert support to UNODC’s ongoing portfolio of projects related to environmental crimes.
Assist in identifying capacity gaps, training needs, and institutional weaknesses within relevant Mozambican agencies.
Coordinate the implementation of the GUARD Wildlife Project and similar initiatives focused on environmental justice.
Ensure delivery of technical support, legal analysis, law enforcement cooperation, and cross-border intelligence sharing.

b) Liaison and Partnership Development

Act as the primary liaison with national authorities (e.g., Ministry of Environment, police, customs, judiciary).
Establish and maintain relationships with regional and international stakeholders, including:
- Other UN agencies (e.g., UNDP, UNEP, FAO)
- INTERPOL
- SADC institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Donor agencies
Promote multi-stakeholder collaboration and avoid duplication by synergizing actions and resources.

c) Logistics and Operational Coordination

Coordinate workshops, conferences, training sessions, and field missions.
Handle the logistical planning, venue selection, travel arrangements, and security clearances as needed.
Ensure that all stakeholders have the required materials, technical tools, and documentation to actively participate.

d) Representation and Advocacy

Represent UNODC in national and international working groups, technical task forces, and policy dialogues.
Advocate for environmental law enforcement reforms, integration of wildlife crime into national strategies, and greater budget allocation to environmental protection.

e) Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Prepare project progress reports, donor reports, and briefing notes for UNODC’s headquarters and regional office.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to:
- Arrests and prosecutions for environmental crimes
- Laws and regulations passed or amended
- Training sessions delivered and their impact
- Institutional partnerships and joint operations
Contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned, case studies, and best practices.

f) Resource Management

Oversee financial resources allocated to project components (if assigned budgetary responsibilities).
Ensure transparency and accountability in expenditure and procurement.
Provide inputs to budget development, financial forecasts, and donor proposal preparations.

4. Required Qualifications

a) Education

Candidates must meet one of the following education requirements:

Master’s Degree in Law, International Relations, Environmental Sciences, Economics, or related disciplines (Required)
Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields + 2 additional years of qualifying experience
Law enforcement academy diploma + 4 additional years of qualifying experience

b) Professional Experience

5+ years of experience (with Master’s) or 7+ years (with Bachelor’s) in law enforcement, criminal justice, or environmental protection
Strong preference for those with project management experience
Desirable: Experience working with Mozambican government institutions
Required: Proven experience collaborating with international organizations and civil society
Desirable: Familiarity with ERP systems
Essential: High proficiency in Microsoft Office and other digital tools

c) Language Skills

Fluency in both English and Portuguese (oral and written) is mandatory
Knowledge of other UN languages (especially French) is an asset

5. Competencies and Success Indicators

a) Functional Competencies

Job Knowledge: Understands UNODC operations, especially in law enforcement and environmental justice
Results-Based Management: Able to design outputs and monitor impact using RBM tools
IT Skills: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual communication platforms

b) Core Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrated ethical behavior, technical mastery, and commitment to the UN Charter
Accountability: Delivers responsibilities transparently and holds self/others accountable
Planning & Organizing: Meets deadlines, allocates resources efficiently, and adapts to change

6. Broader Impact and Strategic Importance

The National Coordination Officer plays a critical role in strengthening Mozambique’s environmental rule of law, a priority for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially:

SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The officer’s contributions directly impact Mozambique’s ability to prevent environmental degradation, combat illicit trade, and build resilience to corruption and organized crime—all of which support peacebuilding and sustainable development.

7. Challenges and Opportunities

a) Challenges

Weak enforcement mechanisms in certain sectors
Corruption within institutions
Coordination difficulties across government entities
Limited resources and surveillance technologies
Cross-border nature of environmental crimes

b) Opportunities

Increased global donor interest in climate and environmental protection
Regional frameworks for intelligence and law enforcement cooperation (e.g., SADC protocols)
Technological advancements (e.g., satellite monitoring, digital forensics)
Strengthening local communities as environmental defenders

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The National Coordination Officer position at UNODC in Maputo is not just a job—it’s a mission-critical role in protecting Mozambique’s environmental wealth, strengthening law enforcement systems, and fostering international collaboration. It is ideal for candidates who have a strong legal or environmental background, speak both English and Portuguese fluently, and thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

If you are passionate about environmental justice, organized crime prevention, and international development, this role provides a unique platform to make a tangible difference—at the national, regional, and global levels.

🔗 Official UNODC Job Link
👉 Click here to view and apply for the National Coordination Officer position (Job ID: 25339)

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