Chief of Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located at the Intergovernmental Meetings Unit (IMU) of the Secretariat to the Governing Bodies (SGB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs and international crime. The organization operates globally, with a mission to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support countries in their efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. UNODC employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various international partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Unit will be responsible for managing and supervising the activities of the Intergovernmental Meetings Unit. This includes ensuring that all activities are executed in a timely manner and are well-coordinated with other staff within the Secretariat. The incumbent will support the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), serving as Deputy Secretary to these commissions. The role involves preparing documents for various legislative bodies, overseeing treaty-related work, and identifying actions to be taken following the adoption of resolutions by these bodies. The Chief will also assist in organizing intersessional meetings, provide substantive services to subsidiary bodies, and oversee the preparation of mandated publications. The position requires a strong understanding of UN policies and the ability to analyze data to support decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Unit will manage and supervise the activities of the Unit, ensuring timely execution and coordination with other staff. Responsibilities include supporting the CCPCJ and CND, preparing documents for legislative bodies, advising on follow-up actions post-resolutions, organizing intersessional meetings, serving as Secretary for intergovernmental meetings, providing substantive services to subsidiary bodies, overseeing mandated publications, and identifying funding opportunities. The Chief will also manage staff, promote a culture of respect and accountability, ensure compliance with UN regulations, and analyze data for insights to support planning and reporting. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the United Nations' work in drug control, crime prevention, and criminal justice. They should be able to produce high-quality reports and papers, analyze extensive policy documentation, and apply UN rules and regulations effectively. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and the ability to manage performance within the team. They should also be able to incorporate gender perspectives in their work and ensure equal participation of all genders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or economics 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:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international work related to crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control is required. Candidates should have experience providing policy guidance and technical advice to Member States, servicing meetings of intergovernmental bodies, and preparing relevant documentation. Experience in fundraising and project administration in an international context is also required, along with desirable experience in serving as Secretary of intergovernmental meetings and in data analytics.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French or Spanish is desirable, providing candidates with an advantage in communication and collaboration within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.