Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Research Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer (Drug Policy) and overall supervision of the Chief, Drugs Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB).

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

Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

• Provide research assistance to Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer (Drug Policy) as well as the Chief, Drugs Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch to inform the development of background notes and drug policy documents, assemble material and relevant documentation on substantive issues of interest to the Chief, e.g. for statements, briefing notes, reports and presentations.
• Maintain the Branch level filing / database system (hard copy files and electronic databases), including confidential files. Create, maintain, and ensure updating of databases. Review, store and classify all relevant documents. Provide updated lists of files.
• Research, extract, compile and summarize basic information, technical data and policy decisions with respect to specific work areas of the Branch. Prepare draft communications (letters, notes verbales, email messages) to UNODC HQ, Field Offices, other UN entities, Permanent Missions and others.
• Assist in monitoring developments/issues on subjects or areas related to the work of the Drugs Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch assigned by collecting, selecting, analysing and compiling materials from multiple sources, e.g., relevant databases, programmatic reports and documents, various online and print sources .
• Carry out quality control function for outgoing documents; proofread and edit texts for adherence for format, grammar, punctuation and style.
• 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.
• Assist in the preparation of written reports and background papers through quality assessment for accuracy, clarity and validity of various written and data inputs and their consolidation into coherent and cohesive written output for senior management review.
• Prepare a variety of presentations, tables, lists, graphs, diagrams for information and review by senior officers.
• Take notes and draft executive summaries of meetings.
• Provide administrative and research support to inform the drafting of a variety of written outputs, such as background papers, correspondence with governments, working papers, mission reports, analyses, briefings, presentations, policy proposals and documents, regular and ad hoc reports, studies, summary reports, manuals, guides, toolkits, model legislation, and responses to technical internal/external queries on drug policy.
• Perform other related administrative duties, as required, e.g., related to official travel of staff; organizing and coordinating administrative arrangements for seminars, conferences and translations.
• Maintain calendar/schedules; monitor changes and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff inside and outside DLSSB.
• Provide guidance on administrative processes and procedures related to the internal DLSSB management.
• 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 related work as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has some knowledge of the UN system, its operational activities and overall objectives of UNODC. Has ability to research and interpret a wide variety of data. Demonstrates skills in organizing, prioritizing, scheduling, planning and coordinating work. Is able to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given. Has some knowledge and understanding of issues related to drugs and crime. Demonstrates use of initiative and the ability to contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources. 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. Has some knowledge of the functions and organization of the Drugs Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch, Has some knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures. Demonstrates use of initiative and ability to make appropriate linkages in work requirements.

Planning and 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.

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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

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

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in research and administration is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

Experience in research related to drugs and crime is required.

Experience in organizing events, conferences and seminars is required.

Experience working with Member States and with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is desirable.

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

Experience in assisting with the drafting, editing and reviewing of UN documents as well as the UN legislative documentation processes and procedures 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 six (6) 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.