Chief of Section, Statistics (Temporary)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), specifically in the Data, Analytics and Statistics Section (DASS) of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), which is part of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA). UNODC was established in 1997 and operates globally with a mission to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization focuses on research, analysis, and the dissemination of information related to drugs and crime, aiming to promote international cooperation and effective responses to these issues. UNODC employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, providing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to enhance national and regional responses to drug-related and criminal challenges.

Job Overview:
The Chief of DASS is responsible for overseeing the data and statistical programs related to drugs and crime, ensuring the effective management of the data collected and disseminated by the organization. This role involves planning and directing the section's work program, which includes the collection, processing, validation, dissemination, and analysis of relevant data. The incumbent will provide both technical and managerial supervision, guiding team members in identifying and interpreting trends using advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques. The Chief will also be tasked with preparing reports and manuals, ensuring high-quality standards in research outputs, and managing international data collection activities. The position requires collaboration with UNODC field offices and stakeholders to build national capacities for data collection and analysis, as well as the development of innovative statistical methods and visualization products to communicate findings effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing guidance to the Chief of Branch on statistical programs related to drugs and crime.
• Planning and directing the section's work program on data collection and analysis.
• Supervising team members in identifying and interpreting trends using statistical methods.
• Preparing reports and dissemination platforms for drug and crime statistics.
• Ensuring high-quality standards in research outputs.
• Managing international data collection activities and maintaining the UNODC statistical data system.
• Overseeing the production and dissemination of drug and crime statistics for UNODC publications.
• Collaborating with field offices for national capacity building in data collection.
• Developing innovative statistical methods and quantitative models. 1
• Coordinating the design of visualization products for data findings. 1
• Preparing progress reports for presentation to various UN commissions. 1
• Liaising with experts and institutions to coordinate statistical activities. 1
• Representing the organization at international meetings. 1
• Advising senior management on trends in drugs and crime. 1
• Managing and supervising staff, including performance evaluations. 1
• Recruiting staff with attention to geographical and gender balance. 1
• Fostering teamwork and communication among staff. 1
• Leading efforts to collect and analyze data for decision-making. 1
• Performing other work-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in statistical analysis and data management, with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level. This experience should include the development of large programs of socioeconomic statistics and the use of advanced statistical analysis methods. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in managing complex databases and quantitative modeling, as well as experience in solving problems related to weak data sets, particularly in the context of drugs and crime. Additionally, experience in managing and supervising teams is essential, along with a proven track record of working with drugs and crime statistics. Familiarity with data analytics or related fields is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, data science, data analytics, information management, sociology, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level. This experience should encompass the development of large programs of socioeconomic statistics, advanced statistical analysis, and management of complex databases. Candidates should also have experience in addressing challenges related to weak data sets, particularly in the context of drugs and crime, as well as experience in managing teams and coordinating work efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position available until 31 December 2025, subject to the availability of funding. The actual filling of this position is contingent upon funding availability. Candidates who are current staff members of the United Nations Secretariat may be considered for a temporary assignment. The position is classified in the H category (family duty station), and the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.