Chief of Service, Laboratory and Scientific Services

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 Laboratory and Scientific Service, Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna, Austria. The Chief of Service will work under the direct supervision of the Director, DPA.

For more information on UNODC please visit our website on 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 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, crime, including wildlife and forest crime and terrorism. The Service includes the operation of the United Nations Narcotics Laboratory, Vienna, established by General Assembly resolution 834 (IX) (1954). Within delegated authority and the overall policy guidance set by the Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Lead and supervise UNODC’s scientific and forensic services, including strategic direction, programmatic focus, work programmes, projects and activities in the areas of drugs, crime and terrorism. Ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion.
• Direct, oversee and co-ordinate the work of the Service with other UNODC substantive offices, with other organizations of the UN system, the intergovernmental bodies, academic institutions and other relevant partners. Provide substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others on scientific and forensic issues.
• Provide 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, INCB and CND officials, including queries related to eventual review and scheduling of drugs and chemicals under the International Drug Conventions.
• Develop, maintain and disseminate scientific and laboratory standards and tools e.g., methodological guidelines, reference publications and training curricula and materials. Direct, guide and oversee the preparation of technical and analytical reports and manuals for which the Service is responsible.
• Lead and oversee the provision of quality forensic science services in UNODC technical cooperation activities across all mandate areas;
• Mainstream forensic/scientific best practices and results into international drug and crime policy frameworks, as well as market and trend analysis, ensuring scientific validity of materials, policies and information originating from UNODC.
• Improve national forensic capabilities and laboratory resources and promote the integration of forensic laboratories and scientific services into national and regional crime and drug control frameworks. Identify and develop UNODC strategy’s and methods of approach for scientific-technical cooperation activities, oversee the provision of quality assurance support to improve national laboratory performance, promote international collaboration of scientists in liaison with relevant international, regional and national organizations and institutions.
• Report to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and other policy-making organs on 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.
• Ensure that the outputs produced by the Service maintain high quality standards, that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, meet require standards and comply with relevant mandates. Ensure that laboratory, scientific and forensic findings, results and best practices are fed into policy and strategy development process across the office and in international drug and crime policy frameworks.
• Advocate effective utilization within UNODC and beyond, of scientific knowledge, based on the best-available research and data, in addressing global issues on drugs, crime and terrorism.
• Assist the Director in preparing the work programme of the Service, in formulating programme objectives and determining priorities to be addressed in the laboratory and forensic science sector and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Manage the financial and human resources of the Service and undertake and oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for its functioning, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, 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 and develop staff under his/her supervision.
• Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Service and across organizational boundaries.
• Lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive-related issues. Manage the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
• Participate in international, regional or national meetings and provide programmatic/substantive expertise on scientific and technical issues related to the office’s mandates.
• Represent UNODC as an observer on the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence.
• Represent the Division at international, regional or national meetings.

• Perform other duties as required.

  Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: 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. 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 within and outside the organization 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 confidences in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to theirs; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

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

Work Experience A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience with an excellent performance record in laboratory and scientific programme management and implementation, including several years at the international level, is required. 10 years of senior level work experience in providing expert scientific advice and policy guidance on international drug control and crime prevention is required. Proven track record 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. Exposure to 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 the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage

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

Special Notice This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2021. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will 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. .

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.