This position is located in the Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS), Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Scientific Affairs Officer who leads the United Nations Laboratory within the Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS) and with the overall guidance of the Chief, Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB).
For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org
The incumbent will undertake activities in the context of the on-going Forensic and Scientific work programme (Team 1) within the United Nations Laboratory of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), designed to maintain and strengthen capabilities of national drug testing and forensic laboratories, and to enhance the capacity of Member States to provide scientific support to drug control and crime prevention activities.
Within limits of delegated authority, the Scientific Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Operation of the United Nations Laboratory.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of national forensic science institutions, including drug analysis laboratories, within the framework of activities of the UNODC forensic and scientific services programme.
• Contribute to the identification, development and/or elaboration of laboratory and scientific standards, technical/procedures manuals for use by laboratory personnel, national authorities and law enforcement.
• Develop, organize and conduct training sessions for enhancing professional skills of drug control and law enforcement personnel and the implementation of good forensic practices, including on identification and analysis of drugs, precursors, crime scene management; ensure standardization and adherence to internationally accepted standards.
• Provide scientific / technical advice to support national, regional, international and specialized agencies; provide effective and timely technical advice, including ad-hoc advice, support and information in relation to drug testing, forensic analysis, crime scene management and related issues to UNODC activities; provide substantive backstopping to UNODC mentors and regional forensic advisors.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Organize and provide substantive support to consultative, expert and other ad-hoc meetings and conferences relevant to the work of the Service; maintain contacts and promote collaboration among laboratories and scientific institutions, and cooperation between laboratories and law enforcement, health and regulatory authorities at the national, regional and international levels.
• Be involved in procurement matters, including in the conducting of needs assessment missions and setting benchmarks, preparing technical specifications and evaluation criteria, and monitoring the use of procured items.
• In the context of LSS-related projects and activities, ensure timely and efficient project management, including project and budget revisions, reporting and monitoring of expenditures and utilization of funds in assigned areas of responsibility; contribute to the preparation of project documents, including concept notes, progress and assessment reports, appraisals and work plans.
• Draft reports and position papers related to operational activities, and as necessary, provide inputs to UNODC management for the analysis of related development and policy issues.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.
Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to scientific areas of drug control. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has knowledge of major aspects of the work of analytical/forensic laboratories and of UNODC activities in this context. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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 perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy or related subject with specialization in forensic science and quality assurance 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 five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the forensic sciences, is required.
Practical work experience in the application of good laboratory practices and quality assurance in forensic laboratories is required.
Experience at the international level in areas related to drug analysis and quality assurance including the development and implementation of quality assurance programmes is desirable.
Work experience of programme and project development and monitoring is desirable.
Practical experience with programme policies, guidelines and procedures of the United Nations or a similar organization or institution is desirable.
Practical experience in education and training activities is desirable.
Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
This position is funded from extra budgetary resources. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment will be subject to the availability of the funds.
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.
Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Vienna is classified in the H category (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.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
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.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.