Roster of consultants - Scientific and medical specialists in Drug Dependence Liability

Purpose of consultancy

To contribute to reviewing drug dependence liability relating to new psychoactive substances (NPS), controlled medicines, and other types of psychoactive substances. This includes, but is not limited to, cannabinoids, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and other psychoactive substances and medicines that are considered to have central nervous system effects.

Background

WHO holds a mandate within the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances to advise the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the appropriate level of international control of substances. In this regard, WHO carries out annual scientific reviews of the health risks and benefits of the use of psychoactive substances. Set criteria for the assessment of psychoactive substances include:

• Evidence of dependence potential of the substance.
• Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse.
• Therapeutic applications of substances with psychoactive effects.

Deliverables

• Scientific reviews in the area of drug dependence liability.
• Ad-hoc participation in working group meetings and consultations on psychoactive substances.
• Preparation of other technical written materials including scientific briefings.
• Preparation of oral scientific presentations and webinars.
• Technical editing and/or peer review of scientific materials.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• For band level B:
  • Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) in biological sciences, behavioural sciences, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine, epidemiology or public health.
• For band level C:
  • Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) in biological sciences, behavioural sciences, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine, epidemiology or public health.

Experience

Essential:

• For band level B:
  • At least 7 years relevant experience in drug abuse liability testing, drug dependence treatment, use of controlled medicines, clinical or policy research relating to drug dependence or in a closely related field relating to drugs with abuse and/or dependence potential.
• For band level C:
  • Over 10 years relevant experience in drug abuse liability testing, drug dependence treatment, use of controlled medicines, clinical or policy research relating to drug dependence or in a closely related field relating to drugs with abuse and/or dependence potential.
  • Experience as a peer reviewer or editor for scientific journals.

Desirable:

• Experience providing scientific advice at a national or international level.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

• A strong publication record in English as a primary author in at least one of the following relevant scientific fields, with specific knowledge on psychoactive substances:
  • Chemistry (substance identification by INN, chemical or other common name and trade names, other identifying characteristics, CAS registry number, general information on synthesis, preparation and properties, ease of convertibility into controlled substances).
  • General pharmacology (including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dependence potential, and abuse potential).
  • Toxicology (including adverse reactions in humans).
  • Epidemiology (including nature and magnitude of public health problems related to abuse and dependence).
  • Therapeutic use (including therapeutic applications, extent of therapeutic use, epidemiology of medical use and non-medical use, abuse and dependence).
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant national and international databases and other key sources of evidence for the review of psychoactive substances.
• Ability to search and synthesise scientific literature.
• Knowledge and understanding of drug dependence liability evaluation and drug scheduling policies at national or international level.

Languages required:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Expert knowledge of another UN language.

Location

Off-site – Home based.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level B - USD 350 - 499 per day.
Band level C - USD 500 - 625 per day.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

11 months (daily contract duration per month varies depending on the specific Terms of Reference).

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html

For roster VNs:

The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) upon conclusion of the selection process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.