Regional Project Officer (Epidemiology) at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

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We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Regional Project Officer (Epidemiology)

Location: Abuja
Type of Contract: FTA Local
Post Level: NO-B

Background

• This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG).
• The National Project Officer Epidemiology will contribute to activities in the framework of the project “Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on illicit drug trafficking, organized crime related to it and drug abuse in West Africa”.
• The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and overall guidance of the UNODC Representative.

Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following tasks:

• Liaise with key national counterparts, stakeholders and resource persons, as well as with bilateral and multilateral partners involved in epidemiological research and data collection related to extent of drug use, drug dependence and treatment demand, drug related morbidity including HIV and AIDS and other indicators as relevant;
• Provide technical assistance to the counterparts on data collection in the field of epidemiology of drug use and health consequences and other areas as relevant;
• Closely collaborate with the relevant Sections and Branches at UNODC (Country office, Regional Office and at Statistics and Surveys Section, Research and Trend Analysis Branch and Drug Prevention and Health Branch at UNODC Headquarters);
• In the substantive field of epidemiology, prepare costed annual workplans, ToRs for recruitment and contracting of consultants and subcontractors, as well as detailed plans for training courses, seminars, workshops, meetings and for provision of equipment in the country when required;
• Contribute to the identification of national and regional implementation partners in the and solicit their support for implementation of project activities, contribute to regular communication with national and regional counterparts and project partners;
• Monitor the implementation of grant components of the projects;
• Assist in the preparation of documentation on epidemiology of drug use and health consequences including HIV/AIDS, and analyze and collate papers and reports, including background materials, documentation on training courses and meetings, data for evaluation, briefing notes, working papers etc., of the project activities in the country;
• Carry out general administrative arrangements for the project component of epidemiology, including preparation of funding requests and briefs, project progress and implementation delivery rate reports, as well as liaise with regional, national and donor authorities, UN agencies and other international and regional organizations;
• Act as an additional resource person and /or moderator in regional workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings in the substantive field of epidemiology;
• Contribute to and participate in meetings and national events related to epidemiology of drug use including data collection, research and monitoring as well as on drug use prevention, drug dependence treatment and care;
• Perform other tasks and assignments as necessary.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of approaches, tools, and methodologies in drug epidemiology essential to planning and executing effective drug use monitoring systems and setting up of national Drugs Observatory; ability to produce a variety of written communication products in a clear and concise style;
• 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;
• Team Work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions. Solicits inputs by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise. Is willing to learn from others.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in health, human or social sciences (epidemiology, public health, psychology, medicine, social work,) or related studies in combination with qualifying experience.

Experience:

• Essential: Experience in epidemiology or public health. Minimum of 5 years of professional work.
• Desirable: Work in the field of drug epidemiology, drug monitoring systems, and health system data collection treatment or drug demand reduction policy, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, programme management experience (with UN or other international organizations) will be an asset.
• Previous work experience or collaboration with UN environment would be an asset. Experience and knowledge of the West African context and of the Senegalese context would be an advantage.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the post advertised, fluency in English (and preferable French) both oral and written is required;
• Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

Application Closing Date
8th June, 2015

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online