Associate Project Officer

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS), Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna. The Associate Project Officer will work under the direct supervision and overall guidance of the Chief, Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks that might pertain at the global and/or the relevant national/regional levels and that relate to the thematic areas of work of the Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (drug prevention, drug treatment/rehabilitation and access to controlled medicines), with a particular emphasis on a social media-based drug prevention campaign undertaken in collaboration with the Prevent Alliance:

• Support the development, implementation and evaluation of the social media-based drug prevention campaign in the context of the Prevent Alliance, in close coordination with the substantive lead; review relevant documents and reports; liaise with relevant parties, and ensure follow-up actions;
• Provide, as appropriate, technical advice to the Prevent Alliance in relation to the social media-based drug prevention campaign, as well as other initiatives that the Prevent Alliance might undertake;
• Carry out arrangements for the assigned project, including 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.); liaise with current and potential new members of the Prevent Alliance;
• Support UNODC efforts to advocate for the need for evidence-based drug prevention strategies at global, regional and country levels;
• Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, briefing notes, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Provide administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.;
• Engage with experts, specialists, consultants and other resource persons in their preparations for, and participation in project activities;
• Act as an alternate resource person and/or moderator in workshops, seminars, potential training courses and meetings;
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting;
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to drug demand reduction, particularly drug prevention through social media and communication. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in their resolution. Possesses 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. Has ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Has ability 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;
• 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant health (psychology, addiction medicine, epidemiology, public health) or a social/developmental (development studies, international development/relations, sociology, education) area 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. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme support and development, management, monitoring or related area, OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP)/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required;
• Work experience in the field of drug demand reduction, with focus on drug use prevention through social media and communication is desirable;
• Work experience in applying UN standards and norms in drug use prevention is desirable;
• Work experience in the United Nations system or a similar international organization 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 is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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