Calling all Early-Career Professionals: Apply for the Associate Research Officer Job Opening at UNODC!
Job Opening: Associate Research Officer (Programme Development and Coordination)
Location: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), Dakar, Senegal
Duration: Temporary (9 months)
Deadline: Nov 19, 2024
Organizational Setting
This position is based in the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) in Dakar, Senegal. The Associate Research Officer will report directly to the Research Officer leading the Research and Awareness team, with overall guidance from the UNODC Regional Representative, ROSEN. The UNODC is committed to addressing issues related to drugs, crime, and terrorism worldwide. For more information about the UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org.
Responsibilities
The Associate Research Officer will perform the following duties:
- Research Programme Support:
Assist in the planning, coordination, and delivery of research programs, including preparing programme documents (budgets, concept notes), coordinating activities, and tracking progress. - Programme Development & Monitoring:
Contribute to the development and monitoring of specific projects, ensuring efficient implementation, and prepare reports for internal and donor purposes. - Conduct Research:
Research critical issues related to drugs and crime in West and Central Africa, including drug trafficking, terrorism, crimes in the fisheries and mining sectors, and trafficking in medical products. - Data Collection & Analysis:
Support data collection and analysis to identify key trends. Contribute to reports using data visualization techniques such as graphs, charts, and tables. - Written Outputs:
Draft background papers, reports, publications, and other written materials, ensuring clarity and accuracy in content and formatting. - Knowledge Management:
Develop and maintain databases and information systems on key topics related to drugs, crime, and terrorism in the region. - Liaison and Coordination:
Engage with member states, NGOs, and researchers to collect data and respond to information requests. Facilitate coordination among stakeholders. - Field Missions:
Participate in field missions, providing both substantive and administrative support, including data collection and analysis. - Expert Meetings & Capacity Building:
Support expert group meetings, conferences, and training activities, including logistics, research, and delivering presentations. - Regional Awareness:
Stay informed on political and socio-economic developments affecting drugs, crime, and terrorism in the region, ensuring gender equality is incorporated into research. - Team & Staff Support:
Support recruitment and selection of project personnel and provide guidance to interns and UN Volunteers. - Administrative Support:
Assist with various administrative tasks necessary for the efficient operation of the work unit.
Competencies
- Professionalism:
Strong research, analytical, and evaluative skills, with the ability to produce high-quality written reports. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to organized crime, terrorism, and their socio-political implications. Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks efficiently. - Teamwork:
Works collaboratively within a team, values the ideas and expertise of others, and puts the team agenda before personal interests. - Communication:
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to adjust language and style for different audiences. Strong listening skills and the ability to share information openly.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, economics, law, social sciences, criminology, or a related field.
- A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
- For candidates who have completed the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P), a first-level university degree with no work experience is acceptable.
Experience
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in data analysis, policy analysis, sociological research, or a related field.
- Desirable experience includes project coordination, conducting research on organized crime, terrorism, and related areas, especially within international organizations like the UN.
- Experience with large datasets, quantitative analysis, and research publications is highly desirable.
- Experience working with member states in the Global South on data collection and analysis is an advantage.
Languages
- Fluency in both English and French is required.
- Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic is a plus.
Assessment
Candidates may be required to complete an assessment exercise and undergo a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
- This position is temporary and will last for a period of nine months, subject to the availability of funding.
- If you are an internal UN staff member, this may be processed as a temporary assignment.
- The position is open to all candidates, but female candidates are encouraged to apply to support the UN’s commitment to gender balance.
- Applicants should note that the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
United Nations Considerations
The UN is committed to ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process. Applicants must meet the criteria set forth and will be assessed based on qualifications, work experience, and performance in the recruitment process. All staff are expected to adhere to the UN’s values of respect, integrity, and diversity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application via the UN Careers Portal here
