With the trafficking of Afghan opiates through Central Asia, the countries on the route face considerable challenges also related to drug use and its health consequences. Prevention of drug use and treatment of drug use disorders are evidence-based demand reduction strategies, supported by UNODC in line with the International Standards for Drug Use Prevention and the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders.
In order to assist Member States in Central Asia to implement evidence-based prevention and drug dependence treatment and care programmes, UNODC – Regional Office for Central Asia (UNODC ROCA) in close coordination with the UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section is implementing segments of UNODC global projects on drug use disorder treatment and prevention of drug use, aiming at creating enhanced awareness and sustained commitment in targeted Member States, increased access to quality and affordable drug dependence treatment services thus contributing to reduce negative health and social consequences of drug use.
- More specifically, and focusing on the field of the prevention of drug use and treatment of drug use disorders, he/she will be responsible for the following duties:
• Management of the segments on drug use prevention and treatment of drug use disorders (demand reduction) programmes in the region in line with UNODC guidelines and standards;
• Acting as substantive focal point with national stakeholders on the implementation of the demand reduction activities in Central Asia;
• Supporting partnerships, resource mobilization and advocacy activities at programme level under the drug demand reduction portfolio
- Management of the segments of drug demand reduction programmes projects in the region in line with UNODC guidelines and standards of UNODC:
• Implement, under the technical supervision of UNODC/PTRS team all project programme activities, including the organization and conduct of regional and national training seminars and workshops on prevention of drug use and treatment and care of drug dependence;.
• Prepare costed annual workplans, ToRs for recruitment and contracting of consultants and subcontractors, as well as detailed plans for training courses, seminars, workshops, meetings and for provision of equipment in the region as required.;
• Monitor and control the project budget for the regional segments, and prepare budget revisions as required;
• Prepare and submit inputs for donors and internal reports including quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports;
• Monitor the implementation of grant components of the projects.
- Providing substantive inputs on the implementation of the demand reduction activities in the Central Asian region
• • Identify national implementation partners and solicit their support for implementation of project activities;
• Ensure regular communication with national counterparts and project partners.;
• Act as an additional resource person and /or moderator in regional workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings in the field of drug demand reduction.
- Supporting partnerships, resource mobilization and advocacy activities at programme project level under the drug demand reduction portfolio, with a specific focus on treatment of drug use disorders
• Be familiar with drug demand reduction activities of interest and need for development for national and regional counterparts;
• Identify resource mobilization opportunities for drug demand reduction and bring it to the attention of substantive and senior management.;
• Support advocacy efforts on drug demand reduction activities carried out by UNODC;
- Supporting the implementation of the UNODC Regional Programme for Central Asia, including Uzbekistan
• Ensure UNODC office national representation including on drug demand reduction activities.
• Assist and support the Regional Representative and the Programme Officer in ROCA as well as UNODC/PTRS in the preparation of relevant documentation, and analyze and contribute to written outputs, collate papers and reports prepared by UNODC (consultants, or project parties in the field of drug demand reduction (including background materials, documentation on training courses and meetings, data for evaluation, briefing notes, working papers, resource mobilization papers, etc.).;
Ensure regular exchange of information and /experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices.
Competencies
Core values:
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours. Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular.
Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Shows pride in work and in achievements as well as persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
Respect to Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Do not discriminate against any individual or group. Treats men and women equally.
Core Competencies:
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; tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Has highly developed communication skills (spoken, written, public speaking and presentation) including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions and prepare reports on short notice.
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 and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies the priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources to complete work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary; uses time effectively.
Required Skills and Experience
- Master's or equivalent in health, public health, human, social and political sciences, psychology or related studies.
- At least three years of relevant programme/ project experience in public health or related area is required at the national or international level.
Work experience in public health, psychology or related area of work, including drug demand reduction and especially treatment of drug dependence is required. Knowledge and practical experience in operations relating to administration and finance would be desirable.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English and Russian with excellent drafting skills. Knowledge of Uzbek language and other Central Asian languages is an advantage
Computer skills
- Excellent drafting skills for routine correspondence and proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Others:
Knowledge of administrative procedures of the United Nations system would be desirable.