Associate Research Officer (Programme Development and Coordination)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime, and terrorism. The organization operates globally, with a focus on providing support and guidance to countries in need, particularly in the areas of drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice. UNODC aims to promote international cooperation and develop effective strategies to combat these issues. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to achieve its mission. UNODC is committed to upholding the principles of the United Nations and ensuring that its operations are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Associate Research Officer will play a crucial role in the planning, organization, coordination, and delivery of research programs within the UNODC framework. This position requires the individual to assist in the preparation of program documents, including budgets and concept notes, and to coordinate activities with colleagues while following up on actions. The officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring specific programs and projects, contributing to the development of mechanisms for monitoring program implementation, and producing project reports for donors. The role involves conducting research on critical areas related to drugs and crime, such as trafficking in medical products, drug trafficking, smuggling of migrants, and terrorism in West and Central Africa. The Associate Research Officer will also be expected to analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights through various data visualization methods. Additionally, the officer will prepare written outputs, maintain reference information on specific topics, liaise with member states and NGOs, and participate in field missions. The position requires a proactive approach to maintaining awareness of political developments related to drugs, crime, and terrorism, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into research efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Research Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Participating in the planning, organization, coordination, and delivery of research programs.
• Assisting in the preparation of program documents, including budgets and concept notes.
• Coordinating the development, implementation, and monitoring of specific programs and projects.
• Conducting research on critical areas related to drugs and crime.
• Analyzing data and identifying trends or patterns.
• Preparing various written outputs, including background papers and sections of reports.
• Developing and maintaining reference/resource information on specific topics.
• Liaising with member states, NGOs, and researchers to obtain and provide data and information.
• Participating in field missions and providing substantive and administrative support. 1
• Supporting expert group meetings, panel discussions, and conferences. 1
• Maintaining awareness of political developments related to drugs, crime, and terrorism. 1
• Participating in the recruitment and selection of project personnel. 1
• Performing administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the work unit's services. 1
• Undertaking training activities, both internally and externally. 1
• Performing other work-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, economics, law, social sciences, criminology, or related fields. 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. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as political science, economics, law, social sciences, or criminology. A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with additional qualifying experience, or if the candidate has passed specific UN examinations.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional work experience in drugs and crime research or a related area is required. Candidates who have successfully completed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) will also meet the experience requirement. Desirable experience includes project coordination, program development, and supporting member states in the Global South in producing and analyzing drugs and crime data. Experience in conducting research within the United Nations or similar international organizations is also desirable, particularly in areas such as organized crime, terrorism, and trafficking.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, both of which are required for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic is considered desirable. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in these languages according to the UN Language Framework, which outlines the minimum required levels for each skill.

Additional Notes:
The position is temporary and may involve frequent research missions across West and Central Africa, including remote border areas. The role requires a commitment to gender mainstreaming in research and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to manage conflicting priorities effectively and demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their work.