Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the Director-General/ Executive Director (ODG/OED) of the United Nations Office at Vienna/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOV/UNODC) in Vienna, Austria. Under the overall guidance of the Chief, ODG/OED and Strategy Advisor to the Executive Director, the incumbent reports to the Programme Management Officer as first reporting officer and to the Senior Legal Adviser as second reporting officer.

For more information on UNOV and UNODC, please visit our websites: www.unov.org and www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Associate Programme Officer will contribute to the overall secretariat functions of ODG/OED and will be responsible for the following key areas:

-Assist in the preparation, monitoring and implementation of the schedule of the Director General/Executive Director (DG/ED), including meetings and missions, by liaising with relevant units at UNOV/UNODC, with Headquarters and with Permanent Missions.

-Assist in planning and organizing special events that require the participation of the DG/ED, coordinating action with the other functional areas of the ODG/OED and the Protocol Officer in particular.

-Accompany the DG/ED to meetings, provide necessary support and generate meeting minutes when required.

-Assist with the request and review of briefing materials intended for the DG/ED, requesting inputs from relevant units, ensuring quality and adherence to deadlines. Prepare briefing notes, minutes of meetings and speaking points, review and draft correspondence for the signature of the DG/ED.

-Process incoming and outgoing correspondence, prioritize it for action by the DG/ED and monitor responses to and from internal and external partners.

-Liaise with relevant functional units of UNOV/UNODC to obtain timely information needed for deadline-driven projects, reports, speeches and other deliverables intended for internal and external audiences.

-Support in establishing and maintaining a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the decisions of the DG/ED.

-Prepare graphic presentations and other deliverables on UNOV/UNODC for the DG/ED in collaboration with the Research and Trend Analysis Branch and substantive units as appropriate.

-Keep abreast of major policy and substantive issues related to drug control, crime prevention, criminal justice and other aspects of the work and activities of UNOV/UNODC.

-Perform other work related duties as assigned.

Competencies

-Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of the activities and mandates of UNOV and UNODC. Has knowledge and understanding of concepts, theory and applications relating to current and emerging governance, pubic administration and development management. Has knowledge of programme management policies and procedures. Is able to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Has conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Is able to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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.

- 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 & 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, international relations, political science, law, management or 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), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration, governance, development management or related area, preferably in an international organization, is required. Previous work experience in an international organization or within the United Nations system (both at headquarters and in the field) is highly desirable. Work experience in the areas of drug control, crime prevention and criminal justice policies is desirable. Experience working for high ranking officials is desirable. Experience in coordinating and liaising with Member States, intergovernmental bodies or high level government officials is also desirable. Experience in programme management is an asset.

No experience is required for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Languages

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

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year and any 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Vienna is classified in the "H" category and as a family duty station.