Intern - Data Analytics and Statistics Section

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. The organization aims to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNODC employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members, including experts in various fields such as law enforcement, public health, and social sciences, working collaboratively to address complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The internship is located in the Data Analytics and Statistics Section (DASS) of the Research and Analysis Branch (RAB) within the Division for Public Affairs (DPA) at UNODC. The DASS is responsible for collecting and processing data related to illicit drugs and crime, producing estimates for flagship publications and mandated reports. The intern will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the production of evidence-based knowledge on drugs and crime, including methodological development, data collection, validation, and analysis. The role requires collaboration with other UN bodies, governmental organizations, and experts to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the data collected. The intern will also assist in drafting documents and preparing statistical products for inclusion in UNODC reports and regional studies, thereby playing a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission to monitor progress towards the SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's duties may include, but are not limited to: assisting in background research and reviewing data collection instruments and methodological guidelines; analyzing trends in time series data on drugs and crime using various databases; collecting information from diverse sources; preparing statistical products and inputs for UNODC reports; assisting in the organization of international workshops and meetings related to data on drugs and crime; and carrying out other relevant assignments as required. This role is designed to provide the intern with hands-on experience in data analytics and statistics within a global context, enhancing their understanding of the complexities involved in international drug and crime statistics.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Additionally, candidates must be computer literate in standard software applications, with essential skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, Stata, and MS Access is desirable. A demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to its ideals are also required, along with the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have studies in social sciences, criminology, epidemiology, statistics, economics, data science, information technology, mathematics, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of data analytics and statistics in the context of drug and crime research. Candidates must be in their final year of a bachelor’s degree program or enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs.

Experience:
While applicants are not required to have professional work experience, some experience in research related to crime or drugs, or in a comparable study area, would be considered an asset. This internship is particularly suited for students or recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, especially in areas related to data analysis and research methodologies.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
Internships with the United Nations are unpaid and require a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Austria may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.