Background

To assist Member States in South-Eastern Europe to implement evidence-based prevention and drug dependence treatment programmes, UNODC Programme Office in Serbia, on the front of drug demand reduction is supporting the implementation of two UNODC global projects. The first one aims at implementing evidence-based drug use prevention programmes to prevent drug use, crime and delinquency among young people by strengthening and improving the capacity of families and children in selected sites in the region. The second aims at creating enhanced awareness and sustained commitment to increased access to quality and affordable drug dependence treatment services thus contributing to reduce negative health and social consequences of drug use including HIV.

Within assigned authority, the Regional Advisor will be responsible for leading the implementation of UNODC’s Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation initiatives aimed to improve drug preventive activities as well as drug dependence treatment and care, as well as to achieve maximum coordination of expertise with national stakeholders.

Regional Advisor will be responsible for backstopping day-to-day implementation of the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe as it pertains to prevention of drug use, treatment of drug use disorders and access of medications under international control for medical purposes..

This position is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Serbia (POSRB), with duty station in Belgrade (Serbia), Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe (ROSEE), Regional Section for Europe, West and Central Asia (RSEWCA), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the UNODC Regional Representative for South-Eastern Europe and the direct supervision of the Global Programme Coordinator from UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS). The incumbent will work closely with UNODC Headquarters in Vienna.

Duties and Responsibilities

As member of a team, the incumbent will provide support by coordinating the work of consultants. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the operations team, other programme staff and other UN Agencies, UNODC HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, donors, private sector and civil society ensuring successful programme implementation.

The incumbent will be working under the overall policy guidance of and direct supervision and general management of the UNODC Regional Representative for South-Eastern Europe and technical guidance and supervision of the Global Programme Coordinator from UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS).

The incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

Managing of the segments of UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation supporting the sub-programme and projects in the region in line with UNODC guidelines and standards of UNODC:

• Implement, under the technical supervision of PTRS team all programme activities, including the organization and conduct of regional and national training seminars and workshops on prevention of drug use and treatment and care of drug dependence;
• 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 region as required;
• Prepare monitoring reports (monthly, biennial and annual), background documents, mid-term evaluations and the final evaluation as well as any other required reports;
• Supervise and coordinate the work of Project Assistant located in UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade.

Acting as substantive focal point with national stakeholders on the implementation of the drug demand reduction activities in South-Eastern Europe:

• Identify national implementation partners and solicit their support for implementation of project activities;
• Ensure regular communication with national counterparts and project partners;
• Act as an additional resource person and /or moderator in regional workshops, seminars, training courses and meetings in the field of drug demand reduction;
• Cooperate and coordinate closely with governments, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and donors for the development, implementation and evaluation of drug demand reduction projects;
• Monitor and analyze specific aspects of project implementation; review documents and reports;
• Provide support and guidance to other UNODC offices in the region to enhance their capacity, understanding and programming skills in the field of drug demand reduction;
• Undertake research and data collection, provide inputs into and prepare various written outputs, including but not limited to reports, briefing notes, background materials, project documentation (including project documents, project revisions, workplans, logical frameworks, budgets, etc) and others.

Supporting the implementation of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe, in particular in Serbia:

• Support public awareness activities and promotion of the UNODC work in Serbia and in the region;
• Ensure regular exchange of information and experience with other projects, cross-learning and sharing results and good practices;
• Perform other duties as required, in particular in the context of the implementation and future development of the RP SEE and its sub-programmes;
• Participate in the work of the UNCT in Serbia;
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

• Demonstrate integrity by modeling the UN’s value and ethical standards;
• Promote the vision, mission and strategic goal of UNODC;
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Conceptual analytical and evaluate skills to conduct independent research and analysis.
• Conceptual and analytical skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to lead and support implementation of drug demand reduction projects;
• 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; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a team and team spirit.
• Demonstrates strong IT skills and displays the knowledge in utilization of specific software such as Umoja and Lotus notes or similar.
• Excellent organization skills, ability to work independently, accurately and meticulously and to deliver efficient quality outputs.
• Ability to manage large volumes of work under time pressure is essential.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards.
• Ability to deliver when working under pressure and within changing circumstances.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Required Skills and Experience

• Masters degree in management, international relations, political sciences, social sciences, or others required;
• Bachelor`s degree in management, international relations, political sciences, social sciences, or others is required with additional 2 years of relevant experience maybe accepted in lieu of Masters.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in project management, preferably in the field of drug demand reduction, and financial and budget management in international organization with Master’s degree OR at least 7 years of relevant working experience with Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations.
• Experience of working in an international setting or with international partners is an asset.
• Substantial previous experience in working with senior government officials, donor representatives on policy and strategic issues is an asset.
• Proficiency in current office software applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and related information technology software and hardware (i.e. servers, internet, etc.).
• Familiarity with United Nations administrative procedures is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in Serbian and English and good drafting skills are required. Working knowledge of at least one of the other languages spoken in the country/region is an asset.