The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, and the United Nations lead programme on terrorism. Established in 1997, UNODC has approximately 500 staff members worldwide.

Its headquarters are in Vienna and it operates 20 field offices as well as a liaison office in New York and a permanent presence in Brussels.

The mission of the UNODC is to contribute to the achievement of security and justice for all by making the world safer from crime, drugs and terrorism. UNODC works to educate the world about the dangers of drug abuse and to strengthen international action against drug production, trafficking and drug-related crime. It also works to improve crime prevention and to assist with criminal justice reform in a number of countries. As part of its mandate UNODC deals with monitoring and analysing global drug and crime trends and related issues and serves as a repository of analytical and scientific expertise in drug control and crime prevention.

The Afghan Opiate Project (UNODC) provides one of the most comprehensive analysis on transnational trafficking of Afghan opiates. The first project report Addiction, Crime and Insurgency: the transnational threat of Afghan opiates was focused on Afghanistan and the region. This report was the first-ever comprehensive and global assessment of the links between Afghan Opiates, insurgency and transnational organised crime. In 2010, in addition to analyzing global opiate flows, the project conducted in-depth research on acetic anhydride (AA) flows to Afghanistan and the groups involved in the trade.

The results of this study were presented in the latest report of the Afghan Opiate Trade Project (The Global Afghan Opium Trade: A Threat Assessment) published in July 2011.

In addition to research activities, the Afghan Opiate Trade Project provides capacity building to enhance data/information collection and implementation of research activities in local governments located along the trafficking routes between supply and main heroin markets. In the framework of this project one national research officer is planned to be recruited and located in Ukraine.

He/She will cover the entire Eastern European region and will monitor opiate and precursor trafficking related issues (e.g. data collection on supply, demand, trafficking and interdiction). He/She will also assist requesting countries to enhance narcotics related research capacity in the region.

The improved knowledge on opiate trade in/to/from East Europe will help to understand the opiate trafficking from Northern Afghanistan to Europe via Central Asia and Russian Federation. The findings will be reported in the global opiate and precursor trafficking update planned to be published in November 2012. If needed, this regional analysis can be continued, in order to monitor heroin trafficking flows from East Europe to West and Central Europe in 2013.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the day-to-day management supervision of the UNODC Regional Advisor in Ukraine and an overall substantive guidance of the Afghan Opiate Project Manager at the Studies, Threat Analysis Section of the UNODC/HQs in Vienna, the National Research Officer will contribute to the development of UNODC’s data collection/monitoring capacity on drug and crime related issues and will be responsible for the preparation of studies and threat assessments on countries of the Eastern European region.

The studies/assessments will focus on trans-national drug/crime issues and analyze their linkages with economic development, security and governance issues.

The information contained in the reports will assist the international community in identifying, and responding to drug control and crime prevention priorities and adapting technical assistance.

The National Research Officer will in particular perform the following tasks:

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of the Afghan Opiate Trade Programme in East Europe and its close by region
• Routinely collect, review and analyze substantive and statistical information and reports from UNODC and other UN offices, governmental institutions, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations (IGOs/NGOs), media reports and other relevant sources
• Identify, select relevant sources, information and data and ensure correct usage of data and information resources as they relate to individual studies/assessments
• As Afghan Opiate Trade Programme Focal Point for East Europe produce analytical and periodical research reports on drug and precursor trafficking to/from East Europe
• Monitor seizures/drug related arrests data in East Europe and register/maintain on-line database updated
• Undertake substantive research and contribute to the development and implementation of regional/country studies/threat assessments on drugs/crime and their linkages with governance, security and development issues in the region of assignment, including in particular relevant trans-national issues
• Provide research capacity building in the countries and regional institutions working on drugs/crime related topics where requested; Undertake research, including fieldwork, using standard social science research tools and practices
• Provide expertise for preparing survey questionnaires, survey reports and presentations
• Contribute to the development of indicators through the identification of appropriate data sources and production of relevant methodology in consultation with international and governmental experts, academic and research institutions
• Prepare written outputs, such as background and working papers, analytical notes, presentations, as well as research-based reports to governing and technical bodies
• Contribute generally to the preparation and publication of UNODC information, estimates and reports on drugs and crime, by preparing/drafting specific analysis on the Eastern European countries
• Provide substantive inputs to technical assistance projects and participate in relevant field missions, training, workshops and seminars and respond to demands for information on specific topics
• Work very closely with other UNODC projects in at country, regional and global levels, and with other key international institutions/agencies/programmes such as OSCE, EC, EUBAM, GUAM etc in East Europe
• Participate in dissemination and briefing activities on assigned topics. Undertake other assignments as may be required

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

National partners, officers and technical staff of UNODC; representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, experts.

Results Expected:

• Provide well-researched and sound analysis and advice on drug and crime related developments in countries and regions and/or in the required specialized substantive area.
• Deliver outputs in a timely manner.
• Ability to make recommendations on the selection of statistical and research methods and techniques, including the promotion of surveys/studies to collect information on drugs and crime in the region/country and on relevant specific topics.
• Ability to recommend operational strategies to be used and advise on their cost-effectiveness.
• Ability to provide in-depth analytical information on regional/country illicit markets.

Competencies Professionalism:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime and drugs related issues and knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
• Knowledge of and specialization in substantive and functional areas with very good analytical skills. Ability to use sound judgment.
• Strong research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques, draw conclusions and assess impact on the social development and policy issues.
• 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.
• Good communication skills to liaise negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders, including with other implementing agencies.
• Proven ability to draft a variety of written outputs for both general and technical audience and deliver presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues and defending recommendations.

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.
• Proven ability in working in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team.

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.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments;
• delivers outputs for which one 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.

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.

Commitment to Continuous Learning:

• Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession;
• actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally;
• contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates;
• shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Technological Awareness:

Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, Internet etc Keeps abreast of available new technology and shows willingness to learn new applications.

Required Skills and Experience Education:  an advanced university degree in statistics, policy research and analysis, international relations, social sciences, law enforcement or in any other relevant discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluating and research related to drugs and crime related programmes.
• Experience with UN, international organization and/or projects would be an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English, Russian and Ukrainian.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. This is a locally recruited position and no expatriation benefits will apply.

All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from undp.org.ua/en/vacancies.

Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment. Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 07/02/2012

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. We regret that we will not be able to acknowledge all unsolicited general applications for employment.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.