Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer (Regional Coordinator, Synthetic Drugs Strategy)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Cairo, Egypt. This position will support the Synthetic Drug Strategy managed by the Portfolio Management and Outreach (PMO) team of the Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS), Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB) Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA). The work will be carried out in close coordination with the Synthetic Drug Strategy team in Vienna. The incumbent will work under the technical guidance of the Programme Management Officer (Synthetic Drugs) and the supervision of the Representative of the ROMENA. For more information on UNODC, please visit: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will support regional coordination, promotion and implementation of the activities of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy (SDS) and LSS Global Forensic Science and Services Programme, responsible for the following specific duties: • Develop workplans for the timely achievement of programme outcomes and outputs. • Guide and orient the work and contributions of consultants, programme personnel, donors, institutions and counterparts in the region towards the accomplishment of the Synthetic Drug Strategy objectives. • Prepare jointly with UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy team as appropriate, all necessary programme progress reports and implementation delivery rate reports. • Coordinate the preparation of information materials (brochures, web-stories, posters, etc.) in support of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy; disseminate materials to governments, donors, NGOs, and the general public, as appropriate. • Engage with SDS implementing countries in the region to promote and implement the guidance presented in the Synthetic Drug Strategy and maximize the utility of the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs. • Work with countries in the respective region to develop, articulate and implement national synthetic drug strategies that are modelled after the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy, encouraging comprehensive approach involving whole of government coordination and maximize the utility and knowledge of the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs. • Coordinate and represent UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy field level activity on synthetic drugs within UNODC and across various partner UN agencies and regional bodies as the African Union (AU), Organization of American States/Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS/CICAD), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), etc, ensuring coordination at the regional level. • Act as field level focal points for the Synthetic Drug Strategy responsible for regular briefings to donor community and enhance direct reporting on impact. • Work hand in hand with policymakers to ensure adoption of national legislation that is supportive of effective comprehensive responses to the synthetic drug problem. • Work with assigned countries in the respective region to identify tailored and measurable national action plans on synthetic drugs, guided by the framework of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy. • Produce semi - annual situation analysis and implementation reports on related UNODC and other implicated agencies’ related activities in the region. • Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Initiate and coordinate outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities. • As required, guide and coordinate the work of other professional and support staff members, mentor and guide consultants, interns and Associate Experts in their work. • Support and participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials 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.). • 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. • Perform other work - related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence, knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to international drug control and, in particular to synthetic drugs and related emerging trends. Has good understanding of United Nations programme policies, guidelines and procedures and knowledge of relevant programmes and mandates of UNODC. Has strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, including proven ability to communicate effectively with government officials. Is able to conduct data collection using various methods. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Has 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. Is able to draft reports and papers clearly and concisely. Has good understanding/conceptual knowledge of information systems and electronic communication platforms. Is able to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Is able to work in a multi-cultural environment. 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 in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; 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. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, social sciences, criminology, management or a related field, 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 experience in drug control and crime prevention is required. Work experience in project management and partnership building is required. Work experience in an international or regional organization is desirable. Work experience in development, implementation and reporting on national action plans related to drug control 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 the position advertised, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment will be 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. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.  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. Cairo is classified in the A 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, 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.