Associate Policy Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in Brussels, Belgium, at the UNODC Liaison Office (BRULO). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the BRULO Representative and the additional supervision of the Chief of the Co-financing and Partnership Section (CPS), Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch (PAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at Headquarters, Vienna, Austria. For more information on UNODC, visit www.unodc.org. ResponsibilitiesWithin assigned authority, the incumbent will provide coordinative and substantive support to all UNODC policy discussions and fund-raising activities conducted with the European Union institutions and agencies, other Brussels-based organizations, and the Belgian authorities. The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Keep abreast with political and programmatic developments in European Union institutions/agencies, other Brussels-based organizations, and Belgium regarding all UNODC mandate areas; • Support the identification of new or growing priorities within counterpart institutions/agencies, linkages with UNODC mandates, and relevant interlocutors for engagement; • Support the facilitation and organization of political dialogues, briefings, awareness-raising and other types of events for European Union institutions/agencies, other Brussels-based organizations, and Belgium, including in the development of related materials; • Contribute to the preparation/drafting of a variety of written outputs, such as background papers, policy briefs, correspondence with governments/organizations, working papers, analyses, presentations, policy and project proposals, regular and ad hoc reports, studies, summary reports, manuals, guides, toolkits, etc. for European Union institutions/agencies, other Brussels-based organizations, and Belgium; • Liaise, at the technical level, with counterparts, focal points and other relevant staff to ensure that events and related logistical arrangements (participation, reception of information packages, etc.) as well as other activities run smoothly, and that UNODC programmatic and policy objectives are achieved in a timely manner; • Liaise with relevant technical units at UNODC Headquarters and in the field to collect input, support the building of UNODC positions and offers, and convey latest developments of interest to UNODC colleagues; • Assist in the identification of policy dialogue and programming/cooperation opportunities, and assist in the mobilization of additional resources for the implementation of UNODC mandates; • Participate in conferences, deliver presentations, and disseminate information on UNODC and its initiatives and results; • As needed, provide logistical/substantive support to various UNODC teams for the implementation of their projects, be they in Brussels or elsewhere; • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UNODC mandate areas. Has a good understanding of transnational organized crime (TOC), terrorism and corruption. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Is able to apply judgement in the context of the assignment given, plan own work, coordinate the work of others and manage conflicting priorities. Is able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, law, political science, social science or a related field 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 the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P). Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in liaising and engaging with European Union officials for policy development and technical assistance purposes on one or more UNODC mandate areas OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Work experience in setting up and maintaining momentum of policy dialogues with the European Union on one or more UNODC mandate areas is desirable. Experience with the European Union, or other international organizations, is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. Special NoticeThis position is funded from extra budgetary resources. 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 will be subject to the availability of funding. 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. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. 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. Brussels is classified as a H and family duty station. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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 FeeTHE 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.