Drug Policy Associate

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

The post is located in 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). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Coordinator, Synthetic Drug Strategy.

The UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy (SDS) provides a framework for countries to strengthen their responses to the challenges posed by synthetic drugs through the adoption and implementation of comprehensive, balanced, effective and science informed actions. Through the framework of the SDS, UNODC leverages various in-house expertise and cross UN collaborations to provide capacity building and technical assistance to countries around the world, coordinating global efforts. As part of the SDS portfolio, UNODC has also developed the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs to assist countries in implementing the guidance found in the SDS, which serves as a one-stop shop to bring together interagency tools and resources covering multiple areas of expertise on synthetic drugs on a single platform. The purpose of the assignment is to support the ongoing development of the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs as well as the implementation and outreach of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy (including Opioid Strategy) portfolio.

The Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS), through its Global Scientific and Forensic Programme, aims to strengthen forensic capacity and skills worldwide by providing tailored scientific services to deliver cross-cutting solutions to address drugs, crime and terrorism.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV will:  Undertake activities in the context of supporting the Branch on drug policy matters related to the work of UNODC.  Support drafting of a variety of written outputs, such as such as background papers, correspondence with governments, working papers, mission reports, analyses, briefing notes, presentations, policy briefs, regular and ad hoc reports, studies, summary reports, manuals, guides, toolkits, and responses to technical internal/external queries on drug policy. Draft parts of, or contribute to, the preparation of progress and assessment reports.  Support preparation of policy briefs on various drug-related issues and assist with preparation and delivery of online policy workshops for UNODC Field Offices.  Support the drafting of policy advice to requesting Governments, including preparation of material in support of policy assistance during country missions.  Support the revision of UNODC model legislative provisions on drug control.  Support the development of national drug policy guidelines.  Undertake research on various drug policy and legal issues pertaining to the work of DLSSB.  Support the Branch with activities related to the regular and reconvened sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as well as thematic discussions during intersessional periods, including support with organization of side events, attendance at meetings and drafting summaries.  Collect and analyse data to identify trends or patterns and develop presentations and background materials through various visualization methods.  Support the work of the Branch in the context of the UN common position on drug-related matters and the UN system task team, and in the delivery of programme of work. Develop information materials related to drug policy, including on the UN common position on drugs.  Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;  Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs: o Provisions of timely, efficient, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support to DLSSB on drug policy and legal issues. o Development of high-quality written outputs and documents and successful organization of events, meetings, and online workshops.  Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.  A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

international relations, political science or related fields, is required. Knowledge of the international drug control system, international drug conventions and of the international drug policy commitments is desirable. Experience in undertaking drug policy analysis and drafting of policy documentation is desirable. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.

The UNV will be based in Austria, Vienna. This is the location of UNODC HQ enabling the UNV to work, gain insight and collaborate closely with a many different parts of the organization. Austria is a well-developed country with a high standard of living, good communications infrastructure, banking and medical facilities.

As this is an international UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.

Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2284.81 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days