Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Precursors Control Section (PRE) of the Secretariat of the International Narcotics Control Board (SINCB) in the Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Technical Expert will work under the supervision of the Senior Technical Adviser and receive overall guidance from the Chief, Precursors Control Section, SINCB.

For more information visit www.incb.org.

Responsibilities

Within the framework of mandated INCB Treaty functions, the Drug Control Officer will be responsible for the implementation and backstopping of the equipment related part of the new Project “Supporting Governments’ efforts to prevent illicit drug manufacture and production” (INCBP1), including the provision of technical guidance relating to the initiatives aimed at expanding and consolidating the role of the INCB under article 13 of the 1988 Convention in the area of illicit drug manufacturing equipment.

Within limits of delegated authority and in line with provisions of the project, the incumbent is accountable for the high-quality implementation and fulfilment of key objectives of the project, including the organisation and management of relevant project staff. In particular, the Technical Expert will be responsible for the following specific duties:
• Formulate, initiate, develop, coordinate and evaluate specific international initiatives aimed at preventing trade in and diversion of equipment for illicit production or manufacture of drugs and recommending actions by both SINCB and Governments;
• Assess and improve methods for the collection and analysis of information relating to equipment, in particular through the utilisation and further development of the Precursors Incident Communication System (PICS);
• Carry out reviews, monitoring and analysis of developments and trends in the licit trade in and trafficking of relevant equipment at the national, regional and global levels with a view to assessing and enhancing Governments’ responses aimed at preventing diversion of equipment pursuant to article 13 of 1988 Convention;
• Support Governments’ operational activities under specific international initiatives, facilitate exchange of information and intelligence to support related follow-up and backtracking investigations conducted by Governments;
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. Organize and prepare a variety of written outputs, e.g., background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, briefing notes, presentations, correspondence with Governments, etc.
• Coordinate the equipment related component of project INCBP1 in a timely and efficient manner, including in relation to relevant grants and financial management, project and budget revisions, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions. Liaise with relevant parties and ensure follow-up actions.
• Contribute to the mobilization of policy support, the financial resources needed for the equipment related initiatives and the overall development of the project.
• Guide and coordinate the work of assigned project staff, including consultants;
• Participate as resource person in technical working groups, inter-agency task forces, workshops, seminars, training courses. Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, delivering presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Lead and/or participate in complex technical and fact-finding missions, including provision of guidance to counterparts, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Advise in the organization and/or delivery of specialized technical services for Governments in order to assist with their implementation of the provisions of article 13 of the 1988 Convention as well as the provisions of resolutions of the UN’s subsidiary bodies relating to equipment.
• Advise Governments and other counterparts on the programmes of work, policies and strategies in assigned areas and in the implementation of relevant resolutions of CND (Commission on Narcotic Drugs) and ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council).
• 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.
• Perform other work-related duties as required

Competencies

Professionalism: Has good knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drug and precursors control and related trends, including control and monitoring measures applied at the national and regional level. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Narcotics Control Board. Has strong conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Is able to identify key issues, opportunities and risks and to analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has proven ability to communicate effectively with government officials. Has very good research skills, knowledge and experience in the use of various research and data collection methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is able to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given and to provide effective specialized advice. Has demonstrated project management skills. 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

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, pharmacy or related field 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in national or international drug and/or chemical control, clandestine laboratory investigations or national forensic (illicit drug) laboratory work is required.

Experience in the use of Microsoft Office/ 365 (Word, PPT, Teams, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is required.

Work experience with the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable.

Experience with governmental control mechanisms in respect of drugs, precursor chemicals and/or illicit drug manufacturing equipment is desirable.

Operational or work experience in international criminal investigations, law enforcement and/or regulatory matters is desirable.

Experience with Power BI or Power Apps is desirable.

Experience in project management policies and cycles, and hands-on experience in managing/backstopping complex projects is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, is required. 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

This position is funded from project funds. 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 is subject to extension of the mandate and/or 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.

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.

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.

Vienna is classified a H and a family duty station.

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.