Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Representative of the UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG), and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer for Drug Demand Reduction and HIV Prevention COAFG, and the technical guidance of the HIV/AIDS Section (HAS) at headquarters Vienna (HAS).

For information on UNODC visit www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will assist in providing ongoing technical and policy guidance to the Government and civil society organizations, as well as assist in managing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of UNODC health related policy programmatic areas, including HIV/AIDS prevention and care related to (a) drug use, particularly injecting drug use; and (b) prison settings. The Assistant Programme Officer (HIV Prevention and Drug Demand Reduction) will perform the following specific duties:

• Assist in programme development, implementation and evaluation and provide support in ensuring effective and timely delivery of the programme activities;
• Keep abreast of the major socio-economic and political trends prevailing in Afghanistan with special emphasis on social and drug control related issues and assist in providing sound analysis to the country, regional and global programmes;
• Assist in the assessment of the DDR and HIV/AIDS situation in the key areas, the development of effective strategies and reviewing and adapting national drugs and HIV/AIDS policy and implementation plans;
• Communicate regularly with headquarters coordination staff, relevant sections with national partners, key stakeholders and other international partners as well as field offices as requested. Ensure regular communication;
• As member of a Team provide assistance to the de facto authority institutions on development of effective and human-rights-based DDR strategies and policies;
• Participate in and support the work of relevant coordination mechanisms ensure UNODC quality input to the work of the UN in the area related to DDR and HIV/AIDS;
• As member of a Team assist in the preparation of documentation such as survey reports with data collection and analysis, background materials and other documentation for training courses and meetings, briefing notes, working papers of project activities and other technical and administrative materials as requested;
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting;
• Contribute to establish regular field-based monitoring, supervision and support processes and procedures with implementing partners at provincial, district, and community levels;
• Assist in preparing quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports, and project implementation reports with financial information;
• As member of a Team assist in reviewing, analysing, and evaluating technical reports and other relevant materials on drug use prevention, treatment and care, negative health and social consequences of drug use (i.e. HIV/AIDs) and other relevant topics and facilitate dissemination of good practices;
• Assist in monitoring the implementation of grants provided to implementing partners and provide guidance to the concerned;
• Assist in analysing and researching information on donors, preparing substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects;
• Function as a focal point with UNAIDS, as well as with other cosponsors on issues related to the prevention and care of HIV/AIDS in the UNODC key areas;
• Contribute to resource mobilization for the health programme in Afghanistan;
• Participate in the technical working groups, inter-agency task force, and other forums related to health, DDR and HIV and represent UNODC, upon request;
• Assist in organizing and participating in advocacy meetings, round-tables, training workshops and other meetings related to health, DDR and HIV/AIDS issues upon request. Assist in workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings;
• Perform other work-related duties, as requested.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to project management with in particular related to the mandate and Programme of the Country Office in Afghanistan. Has good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Has ability to analyze project requirements and assist in drafting memos and reports in support of existing projects or for developing new ones. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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.

Education

An advanced university degree in a health-related field, public health, social sciences, medicine, or related field is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project management and technical cooperation related to drug use prevention and drug dependence treatment and HIV issues with a first-level university degree is required.

No experience is required with an advanced university degree.

Work experience with Government departments, UN Agencies and Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Experience in the field of drug demand reduction systems and services including direct experience in planning, implementing and monitoring projects and training programmes is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Dari/Pashto (national language) is desirable. Working knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located.

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.

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.

United Nations Considerations

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.

No Fee

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.