Project Officer (Counter Narcotics and Forensic Intelligence)

Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 134,636 USD and 173,585 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 UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG) with duty station in Kabul, Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Project Officer (Counter Narcotics and Forensic Intelligence) will work under the overall guidance of the Representative of COAFG and the direct supervision of the Law Enforcement Coordinator in COAFG.

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

Responsibilities The incumbent will provide advice and guidance to the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to build their capacity in investigating activities related to illicit drugs by strengthening the capabilities of the forensic laboratory under the CNPA of Afghanistan and by enhancing the capacity of the CNPA to provide scientific support to drug control activities. Within assigned authority the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

•Develop the “forensic intelligence” capabilities of the CNPA forensic laboratory through method development and regional and international cooperation;

•Develop and implement forensic capabilities to enhance intelligence-led law enforcement operations domestically and internationally;

•Provide substantive input and mentoring to the development and strengthening of the CNPA’s drug analysis and forensic laboratory, for court reporting purposes, and to provide tools to assist the CNPA in their operational activities in drug and precursor control;

•Provide scientific support, with respect to illicit drugs and precursors, to the precursor control unit and other sections of the CNPA and the international law enforcement community;

•Develop and implement forensic drug intelligence capabilities for the analysis and identification of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals;

•Provide expert advice to and coordinate with Governmental officials (CNPA) to establish relevant work plans, and manage, monitor and coordinate implementation;

•As required, provide substantive guidance, input and support to UNODC and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the area of counter narcotics law;

•Maintain contact and promote collaboration among national and regional law enforcement, laboratories, scientific and forensic institutions; establish and/or promote networks for the exchange of information; review, appraise and promote best practices and methodologies;

•Monitor and control the budget and revise as necessary; validate the supply of equipment and monitor expenditures; plan and prepare schedule and delivery timetables for training and equipment requirements; identify and prioritize requirements for the provision of technical, legislative and administrative assistance, as well as the provision of training;

•Attend policy-making and expert group meetings to monitor, analyze and advise on substantive issues related to the Forensic Laboratory and participate as a resource person in workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings;

•Manage the implementation of all activities, including organizing training seminars, national workshops, law enforcement training courses; prepare and manage the preparation of all general and administrative arrangements including the elaboration of funding requests and liaison with national authorities and international organizations outside of UNODC; provide advice to trainers, computer personnel, resource people, consultants, etc. in their preparations for participation in activities; participate as a resource person and subject matter expert in workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings;

•Prepare concept notes, other proposals, revisions, and periodic progress reports in compliance with UNODC standards, in order to mobilize resources and funding based on the experiences gained and the results produced through the envisaged activities;

•Prepare terms of reference for project/programme staff and consultants; recruit, train and coordinate the work of local support staff; identify consultancy needs, develop terms of reference for the proposed consultancies and participate in the identification, selection and recruitment process;

•Prepare and manage the preparation of all necessary progress reports and implementation delivery rate reports; prepare documentation and coordinate relevant submissions prepared by other UNODC offices or consultants, including documentation such as background materials, training courses and meeting documents, briefing notes, working papers etc;

•Perform other work-related duties, as required.

Competencies •Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to intelligence led law enforcement, forensic science and the scientific areas of drug and precursor control. Has knowledge of policies and practices in international drug control and crime prevention, as well as of the mandates of UNODC. Has knowledge of and specialization in the relevant substantive and functional areas with thorough research and analytical skills. Has professional competence in technical assistance issues, programme/project development and implementation and is able to provide effective support on a broad range of technical assistance issues. Has demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgement. Is able to network with senior government counterparts and other stakeholders. Has demonstrated ability in resource mobilization. Is able to organize and coordinate conferences/meetings, training and other workshops. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. 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.

•Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in organic, analytical, pharmaceutical or forensic chemistry is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience related to the technical/scientific areas of forensic drug analysis and control in a government, the academic or private sector, is required. Specialized practical experience in drug and precursor analysis and the work of forensic laboratories in general, is required. Work experience in programme/project development and monitoring is required. Practical experience in analytical method development and training activities is required. Experience at the international level, in the development and implementation of drug control and forensic intelligence programmes is desirable. Experience in preparing technical and substantive publications is desirable. Experience working with programme policies, guidelines and procedures within the United Nations system or other similar international organizations is desirable. Practical experience in law enforcement mentoring and training is desirable. Experience in the development and implementation of programmes and projects in a conflict or post conflict environment is desirable. Work experience with relevant government institutions in West and Central Asia, and in particular in Afghanistan, with profound knowledge of the specificity of the region is desirable.

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

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

Special Notice 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 is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

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.

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.

Kabul is classified in the E category and a non-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.