United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) within the framework of Country Programme for Afghanistan and through its project on “Illicit Crop Monitoring (AFGF98)” has been implementing the annual Afghanistan opium survey that provides its national and international stakeholders information on opium cultivation, production, poppy eradication verification and drugs prices in Afghanistan. The primary objective of AFGF98 project is to obtain reliable information on opium cultivation, production and prices in Afghanistan. These objectives are achieved through ground-based surveys as well as satellite imagery studies. The project has been providing this information in timely manner since 2002 in the form of reports of the winter opium survey and annual opium surveys, which are widely disseminated. The AFGF98 Project also serves as a primary pillar of the Country Office for Afghanistan for undertaking technical studies, research and surveys into under-researched areas concerning narcotics, associated organized crime, drug-use related health problems and socio-economic factors.

In view of the above and the changing circumstances in Afghanistan, UNODC Country Office for Afghanistan is implementing comprehensive and robust surveys on drug related matters that can provide the evidence base to stakeholders to design and implement interventions in the area of substance use, the treatment of drug use disorders and health consequences of drug use, as well as broader issues related to drug cultivation and trafficking.

Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Representative and direct supervision of the Social Affairs Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the Research, Trends, and Analysis Branch at UNODC HQ in Vienna, the programme staff at COAFG and external counterparts, the National Programme Coordinator will undertake the following substantive duties and responsibilities:

• Support the Head of the Research and Survey Unit in managing the implementation of surveys in Afghanistan;
• Collect, analyse, and synthesize background data and information aligned with program objectives, providing strategic insights for decision-making;
• Develop comprehensive training materials for data collection, ensuring alignment with best practices and program goals;
• Design, organize and implement training sessions for data collection teams, ensuring skill development and capacity building;
• Oversee and coordinate field data collection activities, ensuring that survey coordinators and surveyors deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality data and lead relevant corrective measures;
• Design, organize and implement focus group discussions and key informant interviews, ensuring the collection of valuable qualitative data;
• Design and implement detailed work plans to ensure timely and effective achievement of program objectives and outcomes;
• Conduct in-depth data analysis and contribute to research reports and outputs on drug use, production, and trafficking in Afghanistan, supporting evidence-based policy recommendations;
• Organize and actively participate in meetings, including high-level, and provide translation services, draft meeting minutes, and ensure comprehensive follow-up on action items;
• Manage, monitor and follow-up on program implementation through systematic field visits, progress analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders to assess program impact and outcomes;
• Prepare detailed financial reports, budgets, and program revisions, ensuring compliance with UNODC and donor requirements;
• Prepare periodic activity progress reports and donor reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with UNODC and donor guidelines;
• Provide other day-to-day operational and management support to ensure the effective execution of program activities;
• Foster and strengthen collaborative initiatives between UNODC, other UN agencies, NGOs, and donors, promoting partnerships and resource mobilization for project success.

Education:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or Agricultural Economics or other job-related fields is required.

Experience:

• With Master’s degree 5 years and with Bachelor’s degree 7 years of professional work experience in supporting project management; including experience in financial/administrative management at national or international level is required;
• Experience in organizing and implementing surveys and/or other related research activities is required;
• Experience in data analysis and report drafting is an asset;
• Experience in implementing CAPI surveys is an asset;
• Knowledge or prior experience in the field of illicit drug use, drug production and/or drug trafficking is an asset;
• Knowledge of UN Policies and procedures and possessing strong diplomatic skills is an advantage;
• Working experience with non-governmental and civil society organizations is an asset;
• Relevant work experience with UNODC or UN is advantage.

Languages:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and excellent knowledge of Afghanistan’s official languages (Pashto or Dari) are required.

Other Skills:

• Excellent command of MS Office particularly MS Word and MS Excel; and familiarity with UN office systems is preferred.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
• In-depth knowledge on development issues;
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, and reporting;
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development
• programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
• Strong IT, KOBO and ODK skills;
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side) and affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change.

Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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.

The application comprises a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the post, and a UN Personal History Form (P11), which can be downloaded from https://www.unodc.org/coafg/en/work-opportunities.html

Interested and qualified Afghans national candidates should email their applications (indicating on the subject line the vacancy number and the title of the position applied for) to unodc-afghanistanvacancies@un.org  

Please note that incomplete Personal History Form (P.11) & applications received after the closing date (30 November 2024) will not be given consideration. 

Only short-listed candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for test and/or competency-based interview. 

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.