Chief, Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vienna. The Branch comprises the Research Innovation and Partnership Section (IPS), the Research and Knowledge Production Section (RKPS), the Data, Analytics and Statistics Section (DASS), and the Geospatial Analysis and Programme Delivery Section (GPS). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Director, DPA. For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Lead and supervise UNODC’s research, analysis, and statistical work programmes, projects and activities. • Ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion. Direct, oversee and co-ordinate the work of the different Sections within the Branch with other UNODC substantive offices, with other organizations of the UN system, and with think tanks, academic institutions and other relevant partners. • Formulate programme objectives and determine priority areas and themes to be addressed by the research, analysis, and statistical teams for each programme cycle. • Provide expert advice to Senior Management of UNODC and other senior officials on programmatic, substantive and technical issues related to the research, trend analysis and statistical areas. • Direct, guide and oversee the preparation of UNODC’s flagship publications, as well as the technical and analytical reports and studies for which the Branch is responsible. • Lead and oversee the development and promotion of data collection for, and research and analysis of, drug and crime trends. • Ensure that the outputs produced by the Branch maintain high quality standards, that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, and that they comply with relevant mandates. • Ensure that research and scientific findings are fed into the policy and programme development processes across the Office, in coordination with relevant UNODC colleagues. • Manage the financial and human resources of the Branch. Undertake and oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Branch, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budge/programme performance, resource mobilization, evaluation of staff performance, and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. Manage, guide and develop staff under his/her supervision. • Lead team members efforts to collect and analyse data and provide insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensure that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Has good understanding of the UN scientific, analytical, and publication practices. Has familiarity with matters related to drug control, organized crime, and crime prevention. Has the ability to present complex and difficult issues clearly and concisely and to provide expert advice and guidance to senior management as well as to more junior staff. Has proven negotiation and diplomatic skills and the ability to provide sound and authoritative advice on the basis of carefully researched facts. Has ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Has proven ability to plan and organize the work of a branch and ability to integrate its work into the work of the Office as a whole. Is able to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which he/she has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, law, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in social-science research, research or knowledge management and programme management is required. Experience in management, coordination and supervision of staff and work teams is required. Of the minimum years of experience, at least 6 years gained at the international level is desirable. Direct work experience in researching drug and crime related matters is desirable. Work experience in designing and leading research using standardized qualitative methods is desirable. Proven work experience with fund raising for international research projects is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).