Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Specialist, Part -Time (20%) [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

South- Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons ( SEESAC) is a joint initiative of the UNDP and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). As such, it is an integral part of UNDP’s work in the Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (ECIS) region and has, since 2002, worked primarily to strengthen the capacities of national and regional stakeholders to control and reduce the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons, and thus contribute to enhanced stability, security and development in South East and Eastern Europe (SEE). SEESAC also has a distinguished record working closely with the Governments to advance gender equality.

The overall objective of SEESAC actions is to contribute to international peace and security by combatting the threat posed by the widespread accumulation and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition in and from SEE. At the same time, it enhances regional stability by working within the framework of the RCC and in partnership with other relevant initiatives. Specifically, SEESAC is contributing to the implementation of the South East Europe Regional Implementation Plan Combatting the Proliferations and Impact of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2030. The project results are also directly contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peaceful and just societies, in particular targets 16.1(Significantly reduce all forms of violence and death rate everywhere) and 16.4 (significantly reduce illicit arms flows).

The Roadmap was developed by the Western Balkans authorities with SEESAC’s technical support under the auspices of France and Germany and in consultation with the European Union (EU) and all other relevant actors. The Roadmap was adopted by the region’s leaders at the Western Balkans London Summit in 2018 and revised Roadmap for 2025–2030 was endorsed by Western Balkans Ministers of Interior at the EU–Western Balkans Justice and Home Affairs Forum in October 2024.
The Roadmap for a sustainable solution to arms control in the Western Balkans by 2030 envisages the Western Balkans as a safer region and an exporter of security where comprehensive and sustainable mechanisms, fully harmonized with the European Union (EU) and other international standards, are in place to identify, prevent, prosecute, and control the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

SEESAC is currently implementing the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006 in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe reducing the threat of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition, and the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2587 in support SEESAC for the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans and in support of disarmament and arms control activities in South-East and East Europe. Further, with the support of European Union, represented by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), SEESAC is implementing the project “Support for enhancing the fight against the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of small arms and light weapons in the Western Balkans (Phase II)”. These initiatives jointly contribute to the implementation of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap (adopted 2018, updated for 2025-2030) and align with the UN Programme of Action to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in SALW.

Through EU Council Decisions (CFSP) 2024/3006 and (CFSP) 2025/2587, SEESAC provides comprehensive support to strengthen arms control and reduce the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) by combining regional cooperation, technical assistance, and capacity building. The two projects complement each other by combining strategic, policy-level support with practical, operational capacity building to create a comprehensive approach to arms control. Through the implementation of the Council Decision 2025/2587 support is being provided in strengthening regional cooperation, information exchange, and evidence-based policymaking by supporting SALW Commissions, harmonizing legislation, and improving data systems and transparency, thus creating a strong institutional and legal framework for effective arms control. Through implementation of the EU Council Decision 2024/3006 SEESAC further supports enhancing the operational capacities of law enforcement, customs, and border authorities through training, equipment, and standard procedures to detect and prevent illicit arms trafficking. At the same time, physical security risks are addressed through improved stockpile management and destruction of surplus weapons.

Furthermore, through the implementation of the regional project “Support for enhancing the fight against the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of small arms and light weapons in the Western Balkans (Phase II)” SEESAC provides comprehensive support to strengthen firearms investigations and intelligence-sharing in the Western Balkans by enhancing both analytical and forensic capacities. It focuses on developing fully functional Firearms Focal Points through technical assistance, advanced training, and provision of modern IT and analytical tools to enable real-time data exchange and intelligence-led policing aligned with EU standards. At the same time, it improves crime scene investigation capacities by standardizing procedures, supporting accreditation, delivering specialized training, and equipping authorities with modern forensic and evidence-collection tools. Through regional cooperation, workshops, and operational support, the project ensures better coordination between institutions, higher-quality evidence, and more effective investigations, ultimately strengthening the region’s ability to combat illicit firearms trafficking.

Duties and Responsibilities

The SALW Specialist will oversee the substantive preparations of regional meetings facilitated by SEESAC on SALW control in SEE as well as ensure high quality of work, accurate, timely and properly recorded support to program implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The position requires a high level of initiative, learning motivation, attention to detail, multitasking, and strong communication and people management skills. The SALW Specialist will work in close collaboration with various stakeholders across South East and East Europe.

More specifically, the SALW Specialist shall:

1. Lead and oversee effective, efficient and accountable implementation of assigned activities within the UNDP SEESAC portfolio, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Successful implementation of capacity development activities for the national authorities, in close cooperation with the national counterparts
• Leading consultation and validation efforts on identification, collection and analysis of relevant information as well as facilitation of knowledge and information exchange on arms control, armed violence prevention and citizen security, during the thematic regional activities organized by SEESAC;
• Development of knowledge products focused on specific areas of arms control and specific jurisdictions;
• Advice and support the development and strengthening of institutional frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and legal/policy instruments related to SALW control;
• Preparation of briefs, talking points and other relevant material on project activities;
• Contribution to the Project Works Plans and provision of technical expertise in preparation of presentations and papers as the needs of the project arise;
• Provide quality assurance of technical outputs and deliverables produced under the project, ensuring consistency with international standards and best practices in SALW control;

2. Provide high-level advisory services to the Governments and supports facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to UNDP SEESAC portfolio;
• Provide technical expertise and high-level advice to the Law enforcement and Customs authorities from SEE as required on strengthening their capacities in the area of SALW control
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice

3. Contribute to the maintenance of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Keep up to date on partnerships related issues; lead in identifying possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall UNDP SEESAC effort in resource mobilization;
• Contribute to the design and formulation of new projects in consultation with national counterparts, translating priorities into local interventions, as the needs and opportunities arise.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Institutional Arrangement

The SALW Specialist will conduct her/his duties under the direct supervision of the SEESAC Project Manager. The SALW Specialist will be home-based and will take regular travels to the region in support of his/her functions.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy

• Strategic thinking
  • Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
• System Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management

• Project management
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

2030 Agenda: Peace

• Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions
  • Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation

Partnership management

• Relationship management
  • Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
• Strategic engagement
  • Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their UNDP | People for 2030 – Competency Framework – Technical Competencies (2024) buy-in of high-level vision and objectives

2030 Agenda: People

• Gender
  • Communication and Advocacy for Gender Equality

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Social Sciences or related field is required, Or;
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree)in the areas stated above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible work experience related to security sector, in the field of SALW control, security sector reform, law enforcement or defense; additional relevant experience is required.

Desired skills:

• Experience in partnership building at international, national, regional and local level; in particular working with security sector institutions;
• Experience in project implementation in the field of SALW control activities, security sector, law enforcement, citizen security, defense in South East Europe
• Experience in provision of technical advice and development of capacity building activities for the national authorities in the region in the field of SALW control activities, security sector, law enforcement, citizen security, defense ; and experience in facilitating and preparing of meetings, workshops and training in the fields mentioned above;
• Experience and knowledge of the existent legal and institutional and regional frameworks in the security sector in the Western Balkans;
• Experience and knowledge of the security, political and economic situation in the Western Balkans.
• Experience in application of UNDP rules and procedures
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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