Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Data Development and Dissemination Section (DDDS), Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Drugs Monitoring Platform) and under the general guidance of the Chief, DDDS.

For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

The incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Drugs Monitoring Platform (DMP) web-application, a complex, multi-faceted online project based on critical IT infrastructure which serves as the ‘backbone’ to support all project activities ranging from the collection, storage, processing and dissemination of drug-related data through tables, charts and maps aiming to provide a global real-time picture of drug trafficking. She/he will review, improve, and optimize its user-friendliness and the efficiency to also serve as a data warehouse and dissemination platform for individual drug seizure and other drug related data in order to improve understanding of selected drug trends.

Within assigned authority, the Information Systems Assistant (DMP) will be responsible for the following specific duties:
• Improve and revise the DMP application by performing all aspects of its regular upgrading by checking the latest developments, programming, install software according to specifications, carrying out testing, debugging and implementing new application systems releases, modules and functionalities while ensuring adherence to UN established standards for IT technologies, programming languages and tools.

• Improve DMP performance, overall user-friendliness and usability of the data contained in the application.
• Ensure appropriate arrangements for DMP operability and security; update and maintain user roles and implement multi-layered user access policy; monitor DMP application using appropriate monitoring tools and produce monitoring reports on access and usage of the application.

• Develop the DMP’s Drupal workflow for content management and presentation of data, using Application Programming Interfaces (API)s with data web applications to undertake improvements in line with the DMP’s data production pipeline.
• Analyze and consult on effective components, content structures, meta data, loading speed, readability and cross-device optimizations.
• Independently liaise with users to define and specify requirements as needed; serve as focal point with UNOV ITS regarding the server and necessary reconfigurations, upgrades and security updates; maintain communication with the relevant departments based in New York to ensure the application complies with OICT standards.

• Prepare technical manuals and guidelines for deployed application systems (DMP and others) and hold technical presentations for colleagues in RAB and other staff as needed.

• Undertake modifications to application architecture to ensure integration of multi-themed crime datasets. Assist with the development of standard operating procedures for the DMP, and draft necessary guidelines to implement and restructure the IT-component of the DMP project by including ways of refining the already existing application.

• Undertake expansion of DMP dashboards and data visualization objects including integration of UN approved WMS (e.g. maps via open layers, leaflet or ArcGIS, charts and other objects) to improve analysis and dissemination of drug trafficking data; revise structure of the SQL database to develop an automatic system to ensure relational linkages between UNODC data-sources with data externally collected.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field including deep knowledge and implementation of the most advanced and up-to-date IT solutions; perform benchmarking and propose new acquisitions.

• Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge of organizational information infrastructure, including hardware, software and application systems. Knowledge of relevant programming language(s) and ability to use programming skills to develop information systems and of system development workflow and document flow processes. Ability to respond to changing requirements and assignments. Is able to apply sound judgement in the context of assignments given. Has some knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drugs and crime related issues. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. 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.
• 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.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. A recognized first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be accepted in lieu of two years of required work experience.

Job – Specific Qualification

Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite, i.e. is required, for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application.
The GGST is a proctored entry-level examination at the duty station. Any travel expenses incurred in order to take the examination are the responsibility of the candidate and will not be reimbursed by the Organization.
Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test [in English] at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years (or 5 years in combination with a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)) of work experience in database management for data dissemination including the design, development and maintenance of Content Management Systems (e.g. Drupal), web development, management of large datasets, knowledge of business intelligence, analytics and especially User Interface development or related area is required.

Experience with database management tools, information systems applications and computer programming (e.g. SQL and/or Oracle relational database design) as well as information systems architecture, including key data warehouse concepts is required.

Experience with Drupal migration and Integration of RESTful web services and the management of large databases and multi-source is required.

Experience in mapping software, such as ArcGIS, open layers and leaflet, is required.

Experience in the dissemination of drug and crime related statistics is desirable.

Experience in working with the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for 3 months with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

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.

Education qualification exceeding the specified requirement of this job opening including university degrees and certificates shall not give rise to additional entitlements or benefits, or facilitate a move to the Professional category. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only a few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=GP

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.