This position is located in the Data Development and Dissemination Unit (DDDU), Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, Austria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief, DDDU. The incumbent will receive substantive, policy and technical support from the relevant UNODC substantive branches, sections, units and programmes located in Vienna and the UNODC field offices.
For more information on UNODC, please visit our website: www.unodc.org.
The Programme Officer will manage the strategic and technical development of the Drugs Monitoring Platform (DMP), a comprehensive online system for collecting, monitoring and mapping drug-related data. Based on the mandate on drugs as conferred by Members States, the DMP contributes to strengthening UNODC’s data collection, analysis and dissemination of information to enhance knowledge on drugs. Within delegated authority the incumbent will perform the following specific duties:
•Plan, manage and monitor all aspects of the development and implementation of the Drugs Monitoring Platform (DMP) project, aimed at strengthening the global availability of information on various aspects of drugs supply and demand;
•Organise and coordinate the process for collection, validation, compilation and dissemination of relevant data on drug trafficking and other aspects of drug markets and drug use by implementing appropriate methods to ensure high quality of the entire process;
•Promote the development of innovative methods to collect data on drug trafficking, such as techniques drawing on ‘big data’ and machine learning applications, ensure continuous enhancement of DMP data visualisation functionalities, and ensure integration of multiple data sources to increase comprehensiveness, user-friendliness and timeliness of DMP;
•Ensure appropriate arrangements for database operability and data security; manage access to DMP and ensure different access levels to the online tool are managed properly both internally and by global users;
•Actively promote DMP’s contribution to UNODC projects, programmes, activities including research products and other thematic reports, through its mapping and data visualisation capacity;
•Establish and maintain solid partnerships, liaise on substantive issues with internal and external counterparts and stakeholders; promote, advocate and facilitate operational partnerships and collaborative undertakings, including with relevant projects and programmes within the Office, to improve Platform performance and overall utility; identify opportunities for project expansion and development;
•Prepare and consolidate annual detailed workplans including estimated budget and attribution of responsibilities; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up actions;
•Coordinate, prepare and review all narrative and financial reports linked to the implementation of the assigned project as necessary; develop, implement and support evaluation processes;
•Proactively explore and develop resource mobilization activities related to the assigned project, by, inter alia, participating in donor meetings and fundraising missions, as well as other fundraising activities as required, and by building support for cost-sharing arrangements with other UNODC projects/programmes and activities that benefit from the content housed within the DMP;
•Establish coordination mechanism of internal UNODC stakeholders contributing to and invested in the Platform as well as stakeholders interested in providing information and resources to the DMP to ensure effective communication and coordination of developments within the DMP;
•Provide frequent briefs on the status and progress of the assigned project to relevant UNODC personnel, sections and units and external stakeholders; organize and prepare written outputs and all correspondence linked to the implementation of the project;
•Represent UNODC at relevant country, regional or international events in matters related to the assigned project, as required; attend policy-making and expert meetings to monitor, analyse and advise on discussions and DMP progress;
•Guide and coordinate the work of project staff, consultants, international contractors, experts and interns;
•Coordinate the provision of training by project staff to a variety of government agencies and other international stakeholders and guide the development of training materials;
•Maintain oversight and monitor logistical and administrative requirements of the project and activities conducted thereunder, including monitoring of financial resources and budget, expenditures and utilization of funds related to the assigned project, ensuring compliance with UN financial rules and regulations;
•Monitor and keep abreast of relevant social, economic and political developments and trends at the national, regional and/or global level related to the mandate of the project;
•Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
•Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to counter narcotics. Possesses knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control as well as the mandates of UNODC. Has knowledge of managing and coordinating complex research and statistical activities. Has good research, analytical and problem-solving skills and good knowledge relevant to technical cooperation and project implementation matters. Is able to identify and participate in the resolution of issues and problems. Has excellent coordination and communication skills and is able to coordinate with a wide variety of stakeholders. Is able to evaluate and to respond to the needs of users and stakeholders. Is able to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given. Is able to analyse extensive substantive documentation and to prepare comprehensive reports, summaries and policy briefs. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence of subject matter and 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 and human rights perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
•Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
•Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international cooperation, management, economics, social sciences or related fields 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.
A minimum of 7 years of relevant progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of counter narcotics in a multinational or international setting, in cooperation with governmental authorities and international organizations, is required.
Practical experience in project planning, management, implementation and reporting/monitoring is required.
Experience with the collection and compilation of data is required.
Experience in developing and providing training is desirable.
Experience with database management tools / computer information systems is desirable.
Experience in working with the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable.
Experience in donor relations and fundraising is desirable
Experience in managing geographic information systems (GIS) is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English with excellent drafting skills is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
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 appointment against this position is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funding.
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.
The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Vienna is classified an H and a family duty station.
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.
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.
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