Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Country Office for Afghanistan (COAFG), Division for Operations (DO) in Kabul. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Drug Demand Reduction and HIV Prevention) in Afghanistan, the overall supervision of the Representative in Afghanistan, and technical supervision of the Programme Officer (Drug Dependence Treatment) of the Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS), Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Programme Officer (Drug Prevention and Treatment in Afghanistan) will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Support the management, monitoring, and reporting of project results of the INL funded project “Drug Use Prevention, Treatment and Care for Afghan People”. Review field systems and processes, including site visits to ensure proper implementation, identify needs and solutions, and recommend future actions. • Provide substantive support to the development, implementation and evaluation of other assigned programmes/projects on drug demand reduction, particularly on drug dependence treatment and care, in Afghanistan; participate in monitoring and analyzing the project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up actions. • Contribute to managing the implementation of the activities of the global programmes of PTRS in Afghanistan, jointly with national/local project staff, under the overall supervision of COAFG and the technical supervisory guidance of PTRS, including project progress and implementation delivery rate reports, as well as liaise with regional, national and donor authorities, United Nations agencies and other international and regional organizations. • Support the programming of drug demand reduction activities, particularly on drug dependence treatment and care, in collaboration with the relevant counterparts. Support initiatives to summarize and disseminate scientific evidence in the field of drug demand reduction, particularly on drug dependence treatment and care. • Provide technical advice to relevant counterparts in Afghanistan on drug demand reduction activities, particularly on drug dependence treatment and care. • Identify and enter into agreement with international research institutions as appropriate to support the adaptation, monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based drug demand reduction programming, particularly on drug dependence treatment and care. • Contribute to the coordination of policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Assess available drug-related data collection tools, reporting mechanisms and treatment systems, train data collection focal points and develop and support relevant national and regional reporting mechanisms. • Provide technical inputs, advice and support, where applicable, to the Countering corruption Sub-Programme (Sub Programme 3) of the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, where there is connectivity with Sub-Programme 3 of the Country Programme for Afghanistan. • 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. • Liaise with key counterparts, stakeholders and resource persons, as well as with bilateral and multilateral partners involved in research and data collection, drug use prevention, drug dependence treatment and care. • Closely coordinate with colleagues from the region on drug demand reduction, drug information system and other health related topics and activities. • Contribute to and participate in meetings and national/regional events related to drug use prevention, drug dependence treatment and care as well as data collection, research and monitoring and evaluation in the area. • Initiate and coordinate advocacy initiatives for key stakeholders; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Organize and/or participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, local counterparts and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinate activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Guide trainers, experts, computer specialists, consultants and other resource persons in their preparations for, and participation in project activities. • Act as a resource person and /or moderator in workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings. Support the visibility of UNODC work in the country by developing human-interest stories/success stories of UNODC work in the field. • Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drug demand reduction, particularly drug dependence treatment and care. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems related to these issues. Possesses conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. • 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. • 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in health, especially medicine and addiction medicine, human or social sciences (epidemiology, public health, psychology, sociology, social work, education) or related area, 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.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in drug demand reduction, project or programme development, management, administration or related area is required. Work experience with particular focus in the field of drug demand reduction, especially in drug dependence treatment is desirable. Experience working in the context of inter-agency partnerships within the United Nations system, or an international organization 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 and knowledge of Pashto or Dari is desirable. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This temporary position is available for 364 days. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. Kabul is classified in the E category (non – 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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.