Chief, Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch

Contract

This is a D-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 128,707 USD and 162,415 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna, Austria. The Chief of Branch reports to the Director, DPA.

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

Responsibilities The incumbent will be responsible for guiding and coordinating the delivery of UNODC normative, technical assistance and expert advisory services in the laboratory, forensic science and health 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, crime, including wildlife and forest crime and terrorism. The Branch includes the operation of the United Nations Narcotics Laboratory, Vienna, established by General Assembly resolution 834 (IX) (1954) and implementation of the substantive work programme on drug use prevention and health.

Within delegated authority and the overall policy guidance set by the Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: - Formulate and implement the substantive work programme of the Branch by improving national forensic capabilities and laboratory resources and promoting the integration of forensic laboratories and scientific services into national and regional crime and drug control frameworks. Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Branch as well as the provision of quality assurance support to improve national laboratory performance, ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinate work in the different areas within the Division, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate, and promote international collaboration of scientists in liaison with relevant international, regional and national organizations and institutions. - Lead, supervise and carry out the work programme of UNODC’s Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch, including strategic direction, programmatic focus, work programmes, projects and activities in the areas of drugs, crime and terrorism. Co-ordinate, direct and oversee the work carried out by different work units under the Branch/ with other UNODC substantive offices, with other organizations of the UN system, and other agencies and intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations system, academic institutions and other relevant partners. Provide programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others on scientific and forensic issues and ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion. - Co-ordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate and reports to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and other policy-making organs on the development of policy approaches and positions of scientific relevance; scientific validity of proposals and materials; scientific and technical issues related to the international conventions, including developing/ maintaining convention schedules. - Lead the establishment and scaling up of evidence-based drug use prevention, treatment care and rehabilitation of drug use disorders and ensure access to controlled substances for medical purposes while preventing their diversion and abuse; - Lead the development and implementation of legislation, strategies, training and service delivery that address health with a focus on drug dependence and on HIV/AIDS in the criminal justice system - Report to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. - Ensure that laboratory, scientific and forensic findings, results and best practices produced by the Branch maintain high-quality standards and are fed into policy and strategy development process across the office and in international drug and crime policy frameworks. Ensures that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensure that all outputs produced by the Branch meet required standards and comply with relevant mandates before completion and mainstreams forensic/scientific best practices and results into international drug and crime policy frameworks, as well as market and trend analysis, drug use prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring scientific validity of materials, policies and information originating from UNODC and compliance with the relevant mandates. - Assist the Director in preparing the work programme of the Branch, in formulating programme objectives and determining priorities to be addressed in the laboratory and forensic science sector, identifying and developing UNODC strategy’s and methods of approach for scientific-technical cooperation activities, and leading and overseeing the provision of quality forensic science services in UNODC technical cooperation activities across all mandate areas, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. - Oversee the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Branch, by managing the financial and human resources of the Branch, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. - Provide oversight on staff recruitment ensuring due process and compliance and implementation of HR policies related to gender and geographical balance - Manage, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision and develop, maintain and disseminate scientific and laboratory standards and tools, e.g. methodological guidelines, reference publications and training curricula and materials. Directs, guides and oversees the preparation of technical and analytical reports and manuals for which the Branch is responsible. - Advise and support UNODC regional and country offices in the development and implementation of work relating to drug use prevention and health. - Support countries that are affected by illicit crop cultivation through analysis, policy advice and technical assistance for alternative development to reduce the engagement of rural farmers in illicit crop cultivation and increase the level of services to promote sustainable livelihoods and income per capita; - Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch and across organizational boundaries advocating effective utilization within UNODC and beyond, of scientific knowledge, practices in drug use prevention and health, based on the best-available research and data, in addressing global issues on drugs, crime and terrorism. - Lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manage the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars. - Participate in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on scientific and technical issues related to the office’s mandates, or hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions by providing expert advice and policy guidance to senior management of UNODC and other senior officials of national, regional and international organizations on programmatic, substantive and technical issues related to scientific aspects of the international drug control conventions as well as mandates in the areas of law enforcement and crime prevention. Ensure the scientific credibility, legitimacy, relevance and integrity of UNODC work. Respond to scientific queries from collaborating scientists, national authorities, regional and international organizations, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND) officials, including queries related to eventual review and scheduling of drugs and chemicals under the International Drug Conventions. - Represent the Division at international, regional or national meetings and UNODC as an observer on the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. - Perform other work related duties as required.

Competencies - Professionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Expert knowledge in the laboratory and forensic science field and on scientific/technical issues related to the international drug control conventions, notably on issues related to the scheduling of drugs and chemicals under the 1961, 1971 and 1988 conventions; expert knowledge of scientific and forensic issues pertaining to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime, and the development of policy approaches and positions of scientific relevance on both. Ability to advise on and co-ordinate technical cooperation activities; demonstrated ability to collaborate with a range of stakeholders on scientific issues as relevant to UNODC mandate areas; experience in leading, promoting and participating in collaborative research and institutional strengthening; demonstrated knowledge of relevant issues as evident from scientific papers published in peer reviewed journals and experience in scientific programming, scientific assessments, and provision of scientific advice to member states and senior management within the UN system, as well as demonstrated experience in the policy domain. Clear understanding of, and familiarity with, issues of relevance to both developing and developed countries in the utilization of scientific and forensic services in drug control and crime prevention frameworks, prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation of drug use disorders, and the prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

  Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in pharmacy, chemistry, medicine or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

  Work Experience A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience with an excellent performance record in laboratory and scientific programme management and implementation or related field, including several years at the international level.

  Ten years of senior level work experience in providing expert scientific advice and policy guidance on international drug control and crime prevention is required.

  Proven experience in scientific leadership, including a substantial record of publication in leading scientific journals and of providing advisory services to governmental, intergovernmental, scientific or industry fora, is required.

  Experience in international diplomacy and demonstrable advisory and negotiation capacity is required.

  Proven work experience in drugs/medicines regulation, or drug use prevention and treatment, or care of HIV/AIDS for persons who use drugs is desirable.

  Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organization including their technical cooperation and related implementation systems and processes is desirable.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

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

  Special Notice 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.

Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 January 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Viet Nam.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.

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.