Programme Officer, Energy Security
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Vienna
Austria
December 21, 2025
Full-timeDecember 21, 2025
Chief, Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB)
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Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is part of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization focuses on promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights, and operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals. The RAB specifically focuses on research, analysis, and statistical work related to drug and crime trends, and collaborates with various UN entities, academic institutions, and think tanks to enhance its research capabilities and outputs.
Job Overview:
The Chief of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB) will lead and supervise UNODC’s research, analysis, and statistical work programmes, projects, and activities. The incumbent will ensure that all programmed activities are executed in a timely manner and will coordinate the work of different sections within the branch, as well as with other UNODC offices and external partners. This role involves formulating programme objectives, determining priority areas for research, and providing expert advice to senior management on substantive and technical issues. The Chief will oversee the preparation of flagship publications and ensure that the outputs produced by the branch maintain high quality standards. Additionally, the incumbent will manage financial and human resources, undertake administrative tasks, and lead efforts to collect and analyze data to identify trends for data-driven decision-making.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief will be responsible for leading and supervising the research, analysis, and statistical work programmes of UNODC. Key responsibilities include:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of UN scientific, analytical, and publication practices, particularly in relation to drug control and organized crime. Proven negotiation and diplomatic skills are essential, along with the ability to present complex issues clearly and provide authoritative advice. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers, plan and organize branch work, and apply UN rules and regulations effectively. Additionally, candidates should show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.
Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, indicating the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.
Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in social-science research, research management, and programme management is required. Candidates should have experience in managing and supervising staff and work teams, with at least 6 years of this experience gained at the international level. Direct experience in researching drug and crime-related matters, as well as experience in designing and leading research using standardized qualitative methods, is desirable. Proven experience in fundraising for international research projects and in data analytics or related areas is also advantageous.
Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, and proficiency in it would be beneficial. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.
Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job ad but are typically aligned with UN standards and practices.
The position is located within the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is part of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization focuses on promoting justice, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human rights, and operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals. The RAB specifically focuses on research, analysis, and statistical work related to drug and crime trends, and collaborates with various UN entities, academic institutions, and think tanks to enhance its research capabilities and outputs.
Job Overview:
The Chief of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB) will lead and supervise UNODC’s research, analysis, and statistical work programmes, projects, and activities. The incumbent will ensure that all programmed activities are executed in a timely manner and will coordinate the work of different sections within the branch, as well as with other UNODC offices and external partners. This role involves formulating programme objectives, determining priority areas for research, and providing expert advice to senior management on substantive and technical issues. The Chief will oversee the preparation of flagship publications and ensure that the outputs produced by the branch maintain high quality standards. Additionally, the incumbent will manage financial and human resources, undertake administrative tasks, and lead efforts to collect and analyze data to identify trends for data-driven decision-making.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief will be responsible for leading and supervising the research, analysis, and statistical work programmes of UNODC. Key responsibilities include:
- Directing and coordinating the work of various sections within the branch and with other UNODC offices and external partners.
- Formulating programme objectives and determining priority areas for research and analysis.
- Providing expert advice to senior management on programmatic and technical issues.
- Overseeing the preparation of UNODC’s flagship publications and technical reports.
- Leading the development of data collection and research on drug and crime trends.
- Ensuring high quality standards for outputs and compliance with mandates.
- Managing financial and human resources, including budget preparation and performance reporting.
- Guiding staff development and performance evaluation.
- Leading data collection and analysis efforts to support decision-making and reporting.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of UN scientific, analytical, and publication practices, particularly in relation to drug control and organized crime. Proven negotiation and diplomatic skills are essential, along with the ability to present complex issues clearly and provide authoritative advice. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers, plan and organize branch work, and apply UN rules and regulations effectively. Additionally, candidates should show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.
Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, indicating the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.
Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in social-science research, research management, and programme management is required. Candidates should have experience in managing and supervising staff and work teams, with at least 6 years of this experience gained at the international level. Direct experience in researching drug and crime-related matters, as well as experience in designing and leading research using standardized qualitative methods, is desirable. Proven experience in fundraising for international research projects and in data analytics or related areas is also advantageous.
Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, and proficiency in it would be beneficial. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.
Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job ad but are typically aligned with UN standards and practices.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
