Programme Officer (Temporary)

Organizational context

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in Turin, Italy, seeks a Programme Officer. This role will coordinate activities for the "Checkpoint Reached: Gaming and Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia" project and UNICRI’s Cybercrime and Online Harms workstream, reporting to the Senior Programme Officer.

Job purpose

The Programme Officer will facilitate the implementation of the "Checkpoint Reached: Gaming and Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia" project and the expansion of UNICRI’s Cybercrime and Online Harms workstream. This involves developing and implementing project activities, including research, drafting, and knowledge dissemination to prevent violent extremism through gaming. The role also includes coordinating with partners, stakeholders, and donors, overseeing research on online networks targeting youth, developing new project proposals, and preparing written outputs and training materials. Additionally, the officer will coordinate capacity-building activities, manage project budgets, and support UNICRI's broader work in cybercrime and online harms.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the implementation of the "Checkpoint Reached: Gaming and Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia" project and the development/expansion of UNICRI’s Cybercrime and Online Harms workstream. Participate in project activities such as research, interviews, drafting, and knowledge dissemination to promote pro-social gaming and prevent violent extremism. Coordinate with partners, donors, and diverse stakeholders including game developers, tech companies, and law enforcement. Oversee research on online networks targeting youth and develop project proposals on cybercrime and online harms. Prepare written outputs, support meetings and conferences, and develop training materials. Coordinate capacity-building activities, including workshops and scenario-based exercises. Lead field missions, provide guidance, and draft recommendations. Manage project budgets, track funding, and prepare financial reports. Support UNICRI’s projects requiring expertise in cybercrime, cybersecurity, and online harms. Analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, security studies, criminology, cybersecurity, public policy, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

Work experience

A minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in programme management, project coordination, research, or policy development in areas like international security, crime prevention, cybercrime, or counter-terrorism is required. Experience with cybercrime and violent extremism in international organizations, project implementation, and preparing technical guidance/training materials is also required. Desirable experience includes capacity-building, crime prevention with a digital component, data analytics, and working within the UN system.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Communication, ability to conduct independent research and analysis, data collection and interpretation, knowledge of cybercrime, online harms, terrorism, violent extremism, and digital technologies.

Required languages

English, French