Drug Prevention and Treatment Researcher

Support research activities and technical document drafting on drug use.

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UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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Application deadline 2 months ago: Sunday 7 Jun 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support research activities and technical document drafting on drug use.

You have:

  • Experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, including the design of data collection tools and fieldwork.
  • Experience or knowledge in public health, substance use prevention, or working with vulnerable populations is highly desirable.
  • Strong skills in data processing and analysis, with the ability to interpret complex information and conduct context analysis regarding social or health trends.
  • Excellent drafting and editing skills for technical documents, with experience in preparing reports, policy briefs, or academic articles.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and experience in managing databases or capturing data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNODC based in Bogotá has an evidence-based prevention and treatment area. UNODC supports local policies, train professionals, and lead community initiatives for youth and families. Focus is on public health, human rights, and improving treatment quality standards (QALAT). The area manages projects at the regional, national, and Bogotá levels, implementing prevention programs, working with populations at risk of psychoactive substance use, and conducting research and knowledge management.

The UN Volunteer will support research activities, the drafting of technical documents on drug use, context analysis, and data collection.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator of the Drug Use and Treatment Area, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Research Support: Assist in the design and execution of research activities and knowledge management strategies related to psychoactive substance use. • Technical Drafting: Draft, review, and edit technical documents, briefs, and reports focused on drug use prevention and treatment. • Context Analysis: Conduct context analysis to monitor trends, risks, and developments in the drug consumption landscape at local (Bogotá) and national levels. • Data Management: Support data collection, capture, and verification processes to ensure accurate information for decision-making. • Project Implementation: Assist in the execution of prevention programs and initiatives targeting populations at risk of substance use.

Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Experience (up to three years) in: • Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, including the design of data collection tools and fieldwork. • Experience or knowledge in public health, substance use prevention, or working with vulnerable populations is highly desirable.

Skills • Strong skills in data processing and analysis, with the ability to interpret complex information and conduct context analysis regarding social or health trends. • Excellent drafting and editing skills for technical documents, with experience in preparing reports, policy briefs, or academic articles. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and experience in managing databases or capturing data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and the main administrative center. It is a family duty station offering a wide range of amenities, including shopping centers, cinemas, cultural events, and a vibrant gastronomic scene. The city is located at 2,640 meters (8,660 ft) above sea level. The climate is mild to cold ("eternal autumn"), with average temperatures ranging between 7°C and 19°C (45°F–66°F). It is advisable to bring warm clothing and be prepared for frequent rain. Bogotá has excellent high-complexity medical facilities and hospitals. While yellow fever vaccination is required for travel to certain lower-altitude areas of Colombia, it is not necessary for staying in Bogotá. There is a wide availability of apartments in various neighborhoods (e.g., Chapinero, Usaquén, Teusaquillo). The cost of living is generally affordable compared to Europe or North America, though it varies by area. As in any major metropolis, security requires awareness. Petty crime (pickpocketing) exists in public spaces. UN Volunteers are expected to comply with UN security guidelines, such as using authorized transportation companies and avoiding specific restricted areas.Traffic congestion is significant. Public transport includes the TransMilenio system and SITP buses. For security and convenience, the use of radio taxis or recognized ride-hailing apps is recommended over hailing taxis on the street.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods? This question assesses your familiarity with different research methodologies relevant to the role. Highlight specific projects where you've applied these methods, including any tools or frameworks used.
How do you ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis? The interviewer wants to understand your approach to data integrity and precision. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to draft a technical document or report. What was the process like? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to stay current on trends in drug use prevention? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a context analysis you conducted? What were the findings? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you work in teams when executing prevention programs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What has been your experience in working with vulnerable populations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What approaches do you take to effectively communicate complex information to non-experts? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org