Note: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by
Canada and is addressed to candidates with Canadian nationality.
Candidates must be max. 32 years old as of 31 December of the year of application (i.e. born on or
after 01/01/1994)

II Duties, responsibilities and Output Expectations 

Within delegated authority, the Junior Professional Officer will assist in:
 a) Preparing policy advice ultimately intended for the Director-General/Executive Director
(DG/ED) and managers.
 b) Drafting messages/documents/papers/studies/reviews to maximize the quality and lead
time of policy advice provided to support UNODC activities.
 c) Drafting of any kind of written materials on policy matters ultimately intended for the
Director-General/Executive Director (DG/ED) and managers.

 d) Reviewing drafts, policy statements and policy aspects of correspondence intended for the
DG/ED in order to ensure formal and substantive accuracy.
 e) Requesting, reviewing and compiling briefing materials, for the DG/ED’s meetings and
missions.
 f) Liaise with substantive units of UNOV/UNODC to obtain timely information on projects,
reports, activities and events which require the DG/ED’s attention.
 g) Taking part in reviewing publications submitted to OED, drafting comments and compiling
comments from colleagues across OED to help prepare the submission to the DG/ED.
 h) Helping to review and process IOMs and other internal submissions to ODG/OED for
consideration and possible approval by the DG/ED.
 i) Attending events and meetings to take notes and produce concise readouts.
 j) Conducting research as needed.
 k) Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

III Training component: Learning elements and expectations
On completion of the assignment, the JPO will have / be able to:
a) Draft a broad range of documents on policy affairs;
b) Draft detailed policy advice on matters relevant to UN activities;
c) Significant experience in addressing a variety of policy issues being addressed by the UN and in particular by UNOV and UNODC;
d) Knowledge of policy and procedural aspects of the work of the United Nations to counter drugs, crime and terrorism worldwide;
e) Knowledge of the drug control, crime-related, anti-corruption and counter-terrorism treaties that
UNODC is mandated to support;
f) Knowledge of the work and functioning of the UNODC governing bodies and of the intergovernmental bodies established to support the implementation of the above-mentioned treaties;
g) Experience in the functioning and management of the Office of an Under-Secretary-General;
h) Experience in supporting the work of the Director-General/Executive Director of UNOV/UNODC.

IV Supervision
Title of Supervisor: Acting Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Director-General/Executive Director, United Nations Office at Vienna/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Policy Coordination Officer (team
leader)

Content and methodology of supervision:
Establishment of a Work Plan: During the first month of the assignment, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will work jointly with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed upon work plan. The final work
plan will be discussed and mutually agreed to by the JPO and his/her supervisor. Evaluation: The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will serve as a primary
platform to evaluate of the JPO’s performance. Regular informal performance evaluation will take place
periodically. Supervision and guidance will be provided on a continuing basis.

V Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, international
relations, political sciences, social sciences, law, management or related field is required. A first-level
university degree in combination with two years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the
advanced university degree.

Work Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience within a
government or an organization active in international affairs is required.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Excellent command of another UN official language
is desirable.

Other skills:
Word, Excel, Content Management Systems. Excellent drafting and interpersonal skills.

UN competencies:

PROFESSIONALISM: 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.

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 the 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.

PLANNING & 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.
Workforce Diversity
The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent and encourages all
qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious
backgrounds, to apply.

VII How to apply
Applicants should submit their application electronically directly to the
Organization.
Please apply online

This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by
Canada and is addressed to candidates with Canadian nationality.