Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vienna. The Branch comprises the Research Innovation and Partnership Section (IPS), the Research and Knowledge Production Section (RKPS), the Data, Analytics and Statistics Section (DASS), and the Geospatial Analysis and Programme Delivery Section (GPS). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Director, DPA. For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Lead and supervise UNODC’s research, analysis, and statistical work programmes, projects and activities. • Ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion. Direct, oversee and co-ordinate the work of the different Sections within the Branch with other UNODC substantive offices, with other organizations of the UN system, and with think tanks, academic institutions and other relevant partners. • Formulate programme objectives and determine priority areas and themes to be addressed by the research, analysis, and statistical teams for each programme cycle. • Provide expert advice to Senior Management of UNODC and other senior officials on programmatic, substantive and technical issues related to the research, trend analysis and statistical areas. • Direct, guide and oversee the preparation of UNODC’s flagship publications, as well as the technical and analytical reports and studies for which the Branch is responsible. • Lead and oversee the development and promotion of data collection for, and research and analysis of, drug and crime trends. • Ensure that the outputs produced by the Branch maintain high quality standards, that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, and that they comply with relevant mandates. • Ensure that research and scientific findings are fed into the policy and programme development processes across the Office, in coordination with relevant UNODC colleagues. • Manage the financial and human resources of the Branch. Undertake and oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Branch, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budge/programme performance, resource mobilization, evaluation of staff performance, and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. Manage, guide and develop staff under his/her supervision. • Lead team members efforts to collect and analyse data and provide insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensure that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has good understanding of the UN scientific, analytical, and publication practices. Has familiarity with matters related to drug control, organized crime, and crime prevention. Has the ability to present complex and difficult issues clearly and concisely and to provide expert advice and guidance to senior management as well as to more junior staff. Has proven negotiation and diplomatic skills and the ability to provide sound and authoritative advice on the basis of carefully researched facts. Has ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Has proven ability to plan and organize the work of a branch and ability to integrate its work into the work of the Office as a whole. Is able to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which he/she has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, law, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in social-science research, research or knowledge management and programme management is required. Experience in management, coordination and supervision of staff and work teams is required. Of the minimum years of experience, at least 6 years gained at the international level is desirable. Direct work experience in researching drug and crime related matters is desirable. Work experience in designing and leading research using standardized qualitative methods is desirable. Proven work experience with fund raising for international research projects is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This temporary position is available for three months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. 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, 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.