Programme Coordinator (Drug Demand Reduction and HIV Prevention)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG), with duty station in Kabul, Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan (ROCA), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Programme Coordinator will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the Representative of COAFG. The incumbent will also work on substantive matters in close cooperation/consultation with the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries, the project core team, the Drugs, Laboratory and Scientific Services Branch (DLSSB) and the Regional Section for Europe, West and Central Asia (RSEWCA) at UNODC Headquarters in Vienna. For more information on UNODC, please visit the following website: www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

The Programme Coordinator manages the health portfolio (Drug Demand Reduction and HIV/AIDS Prevention) in the UNODC Country Office in Afghanistan and develops it further towards the envisaged strategic outcomes. S/he will provide country level strategic programmatic guidance regarding the implementation of the country’s prevention of drug use, the treatment of drug use disorder, and HIV prevention initiatives as well as solutions strategies within available resources. Within assigned authority, the incumbent will perform the following specific tasks: • Provide overall management of the Drug demand reduction and HIV Prevention portfolio in the country with focus on strategic outcomes as defined in the UNODC Country Strategy 2024– 2025 and in alignment with the global UNODC policies and strategies. • Lead development of multi-year COAFG health section programmatic strategies and annual plans considering UNODC corporate priorities. • Support the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the multiple donors funded drug demand reduction and HIV prevention projects’ implementation including in prisons and other closed settings in Afghanistan. • Provide guidance to the planning, management, and coordination of the Sub-programme 3 strategy as per the project document, prepare detailed costed work plans in close consultation with all relevant UNODC sections at HQ. • Ensure that operations, financial management, procurement, logistics, liaison, and communication activities performed are conducted according to UNODC rules and regulations, standards and procedures. • Guide the COAFG Health section in ensuring a consistent application of the framework for implementing with partners, including the effective implementation of the policy on selection and retention of partners, management of partnership agreements, risk-based project performance monitoring, and risk-based project audits, among others. • Lead, manage, supervise and guide programme staff/personnel including national staff, trainers, resource personnel, consultants etc. and identify additional needs. Create an inclusive and diverse work environment which fosters civility and respect among colleagues and uphold zero tolerance to harassment, including sexual harassment/exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. • Manage the recruitment of staff and non-staff personnel and ensure effective utilization and development of human resources. • Take the lead in promoting DDR and HIV prevention initiatives; promote the expansion of the Programme, lead fundraising activities, facilitate collaborations with relevant stakeholders and entities. • Review and analyse plans, donor reports, concept notes and proposals, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures, and standards. • Facilitate timely project reviews, revisions, monitoring and completion of related reporting obligations, the latter related both to UNODC and to individual donors, as applicable, and in accordance with UNODC project management policies and guidelines. • Facilitate data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has demonstrated professional competence in drug demand reduction and HIV prevention programme development, implementation and advocacy. Has good knowledge of programmatic and operational aspects of drug use prevention and treatment, HIV prevention among people who use drugs, including their international dimensions. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and contribute to the resolution of problems/issues. Strong analytical and evaluative skills to manage programme operations in a complex environment, formulating options, proposing and implementing solutions. Is able to supervise and to review the work of others. Demonstrated abilities to liaise, negotiate and advocate with key stakeholders and other implementing agencies to advance relevant issues. Has proven ability to write technical reports and reviews and conduct presentations by clearly formulating positions on issues and defending recommendations is required. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Has sensitivity and adaptability to local environment, hardship, and security/emergency situations… Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public health, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, sociology, education or related studies, is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of professional work experience in drug demand reduction, HIV prevention and treatment is required. Work experience in planning, project /programme management, implementing and monitoring/evaluation in humanitarian context including the allocation and management of resources is required. Work experience in field operations is required. Work experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors, donor relations and fund raising is required. Work experience in the treatment of women, children and adolescents affected by drug use disorders is desirable. Work experience in the area of drug demand reduction in prisons, detention facilities or juvenile detention facilities is desirable. Experience of working with civil society organizations for drug treatment is desirable. Experience in preparing reports for senior officials, management and donors is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview.

Special Notice

This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Afghanistan is classified in the E category, non-family duty station.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.