Database Assistant (SC5)

Drug trafficking routes evolve rapidly in response to changes in drug markets and to activities of law enforcement authorities. While individual countries are usually well equipped to monitor national trends, they do not always possess the capacity to capture international trafficking routes and their evolution in real-time or over a certain time-period. UNODC is strengthening its available online tool for data collection, visualization and dissemination tool, the Drugs Monitoring Platform (DMP), to provide national authorities and other stakeholders with real-time information for monitoring drug trafficking trends.

The DMP is a common system that relies on information sharing to strengthen the global availability of information on various aspects of drugs supply and demand. It aims to provide information on drug trends in near real-time, while utilizing innovative methods to process and visualize data, provide geographical insights on drug trafficking, and monitor changes in drug markets based on individual drug seizure data.  Based on the mandate on drugs as conferred by Member States, the DMP contributes to strengthening UNODC’s collection, analysis and dissemination of data aimed at enhancing national capacities to respond to the world drug problem in a timely and effective manner.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The Database Assistant will be responsible for supporting the online platform for drug-related data collection and dissemination known as the DMP, including the compilation, harmonization and quality assurance of drug-related statistical data specifically with the aim to populate the platform. The incumbent will carry out the following duties:

• Collect, process, validate, deduplicate and incorporate large datasets (obtained from media and other website(s) monitoring and through other big data harvesting techniques), in particular individual drug seizures data from multiple countries, into the online database, while ensuring consistency and accuracy of data and following relevant data management procedures;
• Identify and solicit further data sources for inclusion in the Platform and verify against other seizure data sources.
• Support the revision of existing/historical data contained within the Quality Control Cloud application and DMP, including data anonymization and deduplication.
• Test and validate bug fixes and new features implemented in the Quality Control Cloud application and the DMP website prior to launch into production.
• Perform testing of key DMP data processing features, corrections, analytical visualization updates and provide feedback for updating relevant workflows and other methodological documentation.
• Support the maintenance and updating of the seizure repository of sources.
• Provide analytical feedback on the quantity and quality of web scraped data.
• Perform other duties as may be required in the scope of the current position and in conjunction with the needs of the UNODC Information Centre.
  

Competencies

Core values:

Professionalism: Has demonstrated sensitivity to geo-political issues and adaptability to complex political environments; ensures adequate preparation of reports and papers on technical issues. Possesses up-to-date knowledge and practical experience of UN programme policies, guidelines and procedures. Has proven professional knowledge in area of expertise. 

Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations, including impartiality, fairness, honesty and trustfulness, in daily activities and behavior.  Resists undue political pressure in decision-making. Stands by decision that are in the Organization‘s interests even if they are unpopular.

Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats men and women equally. Does not discriminate against any individual or group.   
 

Core Competencies:

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Has highly developed communication skills (spoken, written, public speaking and presentation) including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions and prepare reports on short notice.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify the priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foreseen risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time effectively.   

Technology Awareness:
Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications (e.g. word processing, graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, Internet, etc). Solid knowledge and practical experience related to administration and accounts.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree related to computer science, statistics, mathematics or related sciences is required or a combination of relevant education and professional experience, particularly in the area of data management.
  

Experience:

• At least one year of experience in data entry, processing and analysis or related area preferably in international organizations. Experience in data collection, compilation, processing, verification, validation, including working with large and multi-source datasets is required. Previous work experience within the United Nations system would be an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Good command of spoken and written English and Russian is required.

Computer skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and a strong knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications is required. Knowledge of R, Python is desirable.

Others:

Good communication, organizational capacities and problem-solving skills are desirable. Knowledge of various administrative procedures of the United Nations system and in particular, UNODC, would be desirable.