Scientific Affairs Officer

Job Title: Associate Scientific Affairs Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS), 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 incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Chief, Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB) and the direct supervision of a Scientific Affairs Officer (LSS).

For more information on UNODC, please visit https://www.unodc.org/

Responsibilities

Within limits of assigned authority, the Associate Scientific Affairs Officer will contribute to the further development and delivery of UNODC normative, technical assistance and expert advisory services in the laboratory and forensic science sector, ensuring that member states have access to, and use, quality laboratory and forensic science services, to internationally accepted standards, in their efforts against drugs and crime; and promote the use of forensic science data and information in drug control policies and crime prevention frameworks.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participate in the development, maintenance and dissemination of scientific and laboratory standards and tools e.g., methodological guidelines, reference publications and training curricula and materials, including the organization and follow-up of relevant expert meetings, as appropriate.
• Provide support to the provision of expert advice on substantive and technical issues related to the scientific aspects of the international drug control conventions, as well as mandates in the areas of law enforcement and crime prevention.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of integrated technical cooperation activities in the field of forensic science in partnership with various UNODC work programmes and those of international partners.
• Support activities to improve national forensic capabilities and laboratory resources and promote the integration of forensic laboratories and scientific services into national and regional crime prevention and drug control frameworks.
• Provide assistance to activities to strengthen the capacity of drug analysis laboratories in the identification and analysis of substances under international control, including synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances, and their metabolites and precursor chemicals.
• Support further development of the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific work programme through substantive scientific participation in the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), organization-wide strategic initiatives, in particular the Synthetic Drug Strategy, and the UNODC Early Warning Advisory on New Psychoactive Substances.
• Prepare/draft a variety of written outputs, such as background papers, analyses, briefings, presentations, regular and ad-hoc reports, scientific articles as well as official responses to internal/external requests for scientific information and guidance.
• Assist in the preparation of progress and assessment reports and work plans.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Perform other work-related duties and ad hoc tasks, such as the provision of ad-hoc expert advice, research and development work, and the compilation and systematic analysis of information in areas of interest, as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to scientific areas of drug control.

Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control, as well as the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Has knowledge of major aspects of the work of analytical/forensic laboratories and of UNODC's activities in this area.

Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.

Is able to analyse data, conduct complex evaluations and propose meaningful actions to improve performance.

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:

Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally; demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts and senior officials in related functional areas; 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

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in forensic science, chemistry (organic, analytical or pharmaceutical), or related disciplines is required.

A first-level university degree 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 (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Job-Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of professional experience in drug control and/or crime prevention OR the successful completion of the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.

Practical work experience in laboratory analysis of drugs in seizures or biological specimen, and evidence chain of custody is desirable.

Work experience in areas related to drug control and/or crime prevention is desirable.

Practical work experience in education and training activities is desirable.

Work experience with programme policies, guidelines, and procedures in the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is funded from extra budgetary resources.

Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year.

Extension of the appointment will be subject to the availability of funding.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.

In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations.

Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest.

Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

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).

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