Apr 14, 2019

Research Officer (Cocaine), P4 - Vienna

Employer: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Location: Vienna

Deadline: 19 April 2019
Job Opening Number: 19-Social Affairs-UNODC-113433-R-Vienna (E)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Drug Research Section (DRS), Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna, Austria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief, DRS. The incumbent will also work in close collaboration with other officers/analysts of both the project CRIMJUST in the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB) of the Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) and RAB in Vienna and in the field.

Responsibilities

The Research Officer will be responsible for the implementation of UNODC’s mandate in the area of research and analysis on cocaine markets and trafficking routes, in particular the activities established under the project “Strengthening criminal investigation and criminal justice cooperation along the cocaine route in Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa” (CRIMJUST).

The incumbent will perform the following specific tasks:
•Lead, coordinate and monitor in close cooperation with CRIMJUST and RAB teams - the implementation of the research programme on cocaine markets and trafficking routes, including thematic and regional components and contribute to the overall implementation of the CRIMJUST project activities related to the collection and analysis of data on cocaine markets and trafficking routes.
•Monitor cocaine markets, conduct periodic research and analysis on trends, routes and patterns used in cocaine trafficking, and support related information exchange and cooperation among Member States.
•Produce studies on cocaine markets and trafficking routes, based on the findings of data collection on drugs, scientific literature and other high quality sources, including national, regional and global data, where appropriate.
•Develop, undertake or commission, coordinate, support or guide research projects and studies and related reports and outputs on specific topics.
•Liaise and coordinate with other relevant research programmes on drug demand and drug supply and develop and maintain partnerships with governmental, international and other institutions, including with other UN programmes and departments.
•Formulate or contribute to the formulation of data collection programmes, development of indicators, methodology, and analytical tools to support the research work.
•Organize and prepare a variety of written outputs, including background and working papers, analytical and technical reports and studies, briefings and presentations, as well as research-based reports to governing and technical bodies; contribute to the preparation of thematic research studies and reports on cocaine markets and trafficking routes by drafting parts of the studies and/or by reviewing drafts of others based on their relevance and quality.
•Support national, regional and global analytical efforts on cocaine markets and trafficking routes and related areas, with a view to strengthening national capacities and producing periodic reports on cocaine markets and trafficking routes.
•Participate in regional and national workshops, training seminars, and other technical assistance activities aimed at raising awareness, knowledge and skills of national focal points and practitioners to collect data, share findings and promote information exchange and cooperation based on these data.
•Develop and contribute to the development of methodologies to collect data and produce estimates related to cocaine markets and trafficking routes.
•Coordinate and guide the work of staff and consultants as needed.
•Provide substantive inputs to technical assistance activities linked to cocaine research work, and participate, where appropriate, in relevant field missions, training, workshops and seminars, as needed.
•Perform other work-related duties as required

Competencies

•Professionalism: Has proven research skills, including the ability to formulate research questions, identify appropriate methodologies for data analysis, evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques and assess reliability of data sources. Is familiar with the use of qualitative and quantitative evidence, is able to draw conclusions based on available evidence and assess policy implications of research findings. Is able to propose innovative research solutions and methods and formulate new strategies and methodological approaches to identify emerging trends. Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to cocaine markets and related fields. Has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Is able to use sound judgment, to identify issues and participate in the resolutions of issues/problems. 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.
•Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honour commitments. Deliver outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Support subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sociology, statistics, geography, economics, criminology, other social sciences or related humanities field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with additional two 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 quantitative and qualitative research, in standard social science research protocols, methods and tools, is required. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in areas related to the research, collection and analysis of data on drug markets at the regional or international level is required. Track record of research publications on drug issues, as first or contributing author, is required. Experience in the use of database management tools and data analysis software is required. Practical research experience in the field of organized crime or counter-terrorism, with a focus on data analysis and security/strategic policy development, is highly desirable. Experience in international comparative research including at the field level is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Spanish with excellent drafting skills in both languages is required. Knowledge of French or Portuguese is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This is a project post funded for 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.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Vienna is classified in the H category (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 or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, 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.

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.

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.


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