VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT -National Research Expert - UNODC CMR, National UN Volunteer Expert

General
Description of assignment title
National Research Expert

Assignment country
Cameroon

Expected start date
01/02/2025

Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Expert

Host entity
UNODC CMR

Competitive recruitment

Advertisement end date:01/01/2025

Duration
12 months
(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments
1

Duty stations
Yaounde

Details
Mission and objectives
UNODC's mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997. Its mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. UNODC is working with Member States to promote justice and the rule of law and build resilient societies. UNODC has its HQ in Vienna, Austria, and operates in more than 80 countries around the world through its network of 115 field offices as well as liaison offices in New York and Brussels with 2,400 UNODC personnel globally.

Context

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both societies at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures, volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.
In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.
The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and in Vienna, Austria. UNODC is s a world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It operates through 54 regional offices, covering more than 150 countries. Its regional office for Western and Central Africa (ROSEN) is located in Dakar, Senegal and has been active in the region for more than 20 years. Currently ROSEN covers 22 countries and has established 13 field offices.

The Research and Awareness Unit produces evidence-based analysis on drugs and crime in West and Central Africa to inform policy making. The Unit works with member states to develop their capacity to produce, collect, share and analyze drugs and crime related data.

As part of the Research and Awareness Unit, the National Research Expert will develop, organize, implement and evaluate activities under a project on trafficking in medical products in Central Africa. The National Research Expert will be based at the UNODC Country Office in Cameroun in Yaoundé.

Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Research Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV National Research Expert will:
Organization and support training activities:
- Coordinate and deliver the organization of national and regional workshops aimed at strengthening the capacity of the project stakeholders on the production of data relating to drugs and crime, in particular the trafficking of medical products.

Data collection and analysis:
- Conduct fact-finding missions on medical product trafficking in target countries (Cameroon and neighboring countries, to be determined);
- Conduct research interviews and transcribe these interviews;
- Collect data and official documents (regulations, court decisions, investigation reports, etc.) from law enforcement, judicial and health authorities, and centralize them in data collection tools and other research databases.

Establishment, structuring and evaluation of focal point capacities:
- Participate in needs assessments for capacities of national and regional and regional structures involved in combatting drugs and crime, in particular trafficking in medical products. The consultant will play a key role in establishing, structuring and monitoring the network of focal points and/or coordination committees at national level, while ensuring that they are set up and function properly to strengthen data production.

Coordination and liaison with stakeholders:
- Liaise with law enforcement agency focal points, health authorities, pharmaceutical regulatory bodies and other key stakeholders at national level, facilitating the coordination of data collection and sharing efforts. The consultant will ensure smooth communication with the regional office research team and between national and regional stakeholders, and the proper coordination of training and research activities.

• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active team member of the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNODC and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
o Stakeholder consultation: Key stakeholders are consulted as part of the mapping and capacity assessment, facilitating a thorough understanding of the local context and dynamics on drugs and crime, particularly the trafficking of medical product trafficking.
o Contribution to the production of an inception report on trafficking in medical products: An initial report is produced, identifying the national and regional structures and focal points needed to combat trafficking in medical products.
o Identification and establishment of focal points: Focal points or coordinating committees are identified and/or established to ensure a collaborative and structured approach to data collection and production.
o Production and collection of data and official documents: in close collaboration with national authorities, data on drugs and crime, particularly trafficking in medical products, is produced and collected using the tools developed under the project. The number of national data submissions increases, and a significant percentage of these submissions will be deemed sufficient according to UNODC quality standards, thus reinforcing the integrity of the information collected. Key documents that could be useful for the study, such as regulations, court rulings and investigation reports, are collected and shared on a regular basis.
o Organization of field missions and interviews: Research missions arecarried out to collect data, verify information and document evidence, including on the trafficking of medical products. Interviews will be conducted with stakeholders and transcribed in detail.
o Organization and facilitation of training workshops: 1/ A capacity-building workshop is organized in Cameroun and at least one other neighboring country, adapted to the national context of CEMAC member states. This workshop will cover : a/ Knowledge of international, regional and national legal frameworks relating to the trafficking of medical products; b/ Joint identification, classification and detection skills; d/ Data production and collection skills. 2/ A regional workshop is organized, focusing on experience sharing and data analysis between CEMAC member states' focal points on trafficking in medical products, in order to produce and collect data, adopt a common methodology, and collectively produce knowledge.
o Production of activity reports: The consultant contributes to the drafting of activity reports to synthesize the progress and results of the project, thus ensuring adequate documentation and effective monitoring of the activities carried out.
o Collaboration and coordination: Regular liaison and coordination is established with focal points and coordinating committees, fostering a collaborative framework for data collection and production, in particular to facilitate joint identification of seized medical products. Close collaboration is maintained with other researchers and the UNODC national offices present in the target countries to ensure harmonization of activities. Constant communication with the regional office research team and other UNODC experts is maintained..
o A gender perspective is integrated into the project across all its components, including participation in project activities and the production, collection and analysis of gender and sex-disaggregated data.
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed


Eligibility criteria
Age
18 - 80

Required experience
7 years

Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
15 years

Languages
French, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Law, political or social sciences, public administration or area related to drugs and crime

Competencies and values
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience
• Master’s degree in a relevant area, e.g. Law, political or social sciences, public administration or area related to drugs and crime, particularly the trafficking of medical products;
• At least 15 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in research, data-collection and analysis and capacity building on drugs and crime research, or other relevant programmes; experience in researching trafficking in medical products is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in drugs and crime, particularly trafficking in medical products, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise
Administration, Development programmes, Legal affairs

Driving license
All applications must be submitted ONLINE at :  https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1776336088341760