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 Survey Officer will undertake the following substantive duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the data collection process, which involves coordinating with survey teams, ensuring data accuracy, and managing data entry processes;
• Implement procedures to clean and validate survey data, identifying and rectifying inconsistencies or errors in the data collected;
• Perform data analysis and provide support in interpreting survey data. This involves creating visualizations, tables and graphs to communicate key insights;
• Identify opportunities to improve data collection methods, database efficiency, and overall processes to enhance the quality and usability of survey data;
• Develop financial and human resources plans for survey activities;
• Design questionnaires for conducting various field surveys as per outcome and output indicators including CAPI questionnaires;
• Undertake recruitment and training of field surveyors and survey coordinators;
• Design and develop frontend and backend database applications;
• Carry out technical activities involved in implementation of remote sensing surveys, such as crop interpretation, making of agricultural masks and verification of satellite images;
• Assist in preparation of maps using Geographic Information Systems GIS;
• Produce graphical representation of statistical data or results in map format using GIS;
• Presentation and report writing;
• Carry out any other tasks assigned by the project supervisors.

Education:

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

Experience:

• With Master’s degree 3 years and with Bachelor’s degree 5 years of professional work experience in organizing and implementing surveys, or experience in other related research activities is required ;
• Experience in data analysis and report drafting is required;
• Experience in implementing CAPI surveys is required;
• Experience in interpretation of satellite remote sensing images and map making using GIS is required;
• Experience in crop monitoring using remote sensing and GIS 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; excellent command of CAPI survey tools (such as Kobo); 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.