Drug Policy Associate

Details

Mission and objectives

UNODC’s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.

Context

The post is located in Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS), Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB) Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Coordinator, Synthetic Drug Strategy.
The UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy (SDS) provides a framework for countries to strengthen their responses to the challenges posed by synthetic drugs through the adoption and implementation of comprehensive, balanced, effective and science informed actions. Through the framework of the SDS, UNODC leverages various in-house expertise and cross UN collaborations to provide capacity building and technical assistance to countries around the world, coordinating global efforts. As part of the SDS portfolio, UNODC has also developed the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs to assist countries in implementing the guidance found in the SDS, which serves as a one-stop shop to bring together interagency tools and resources covering multiple areas of expertise on synthetic drugs on a single platform. The purpose of the assignment is to support the ongoing development of the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs as well as the implementation and outreach of the UNODC Synthetic Drug Strategy (including Opioid Strategy) portfolio.
The Laboratory and Scientific Services (LSS), through its Global Scientific and Forensic Programme, aims to strengthen forensic capacity and skills worldwide by providing tailored scientific services to deliver cross-cutting solutions to address drugs, crime and terrorism.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV will:
 Undertake activities in the context of supporting the Branch on drug policy matters related to the work of UNODC.
 Support drafting of a variety of written outputs, such as such as background papers, correspondence with governments, working papers, mission reports, analyses, briefing notes, presentations, policy briefs, regular and ad hoc reports, studies, summary reports, manuals, guides, toolkits, and responses to technical internal/external queries on drug policy. Draft parts of, or contribute to, the preparation of progress and assessment reports.
 Support preparation of policy briefs on various drug-related issues and assist with preparation and delivery of online policy workshops for UNODC Field Offices.
 Support the drafting of policy advice to requesting Governments, including preparation of material in support of policy assistance during country missions.
 Support the revision of UNODC model legislative provisions on drug control.
 Support the development of national drug policy guidelines.
 Undertake research on various drug policy and legal issues pertaining to the work of DLSSB.
 Support the Branch with activities related to the regular and reconvened sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as well as thematic discussions during intersessional periods, including support with organization of side events, attendance at meetings and drafting summaries.
 Collect and analyse data to identify trends or patterns and develop presentations and background materials through various visualization methods.
 Support the work of the Branch in the context of the UN common position on drug-related matters and the UN system task team, and in the delivery of programme of work. Develop information materials related to drug policy, including on the UN common position on drugs.
 Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
 Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
 Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
 Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
 Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
 Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
 Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Results/expected outputs:
o Provisions of timely, efficient, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support to DLSSB on drug policy and legal issues.
o Development of high-quality written outputs and documents and successful organization of events, meetings, and online workshops.
 Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
 A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.