Survey Officer

Job Description

Job Family
Social Affairs

Job Opening Number
22-Social Affairs-UNODC-187380-R-Kabul (E)

Staffing Exercise
N/A

Description
Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office in Afghanistan (COAFG), Division for Operations (DO) in Kabul. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the Country Representative, Afghanistan and technical supervision of the Chief of the Data Development and Dissemination Section (DDDS), Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs (DPA).

For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Survey Officer will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Design survey research instruments, including questionnaires, data collection tools, protocols, standard operating procedures and training materials.
• Establish and manage suitable organizational and operational arrangements to implement survey programmes according to the highest quality standards and in line with existing international guidelines, including for monitoring quality of survey operations.
• Compile and analyse data and other information necessary for the preparation of research reports and other technical documents related to population-based survey topics, including the collection and analysis of statistical data and other information; guide and support qualitative research and draft summary results.
• Organize and ensure quality of collection, validation, compilation, and dissemination of statistical data on drug and/or crime-related topics by analysing available data sources, selecting, and implementing methods for checking collected data, and selecting and implementing appropriate methods for data processing for incorporation into databases.
• Produce tables, charts and other data visualization items as well as written analysis from datasets, to be used in reports, in particular on population-based surveys and develop high-quality analytical survey-based reports on select drug and/or crime related topics for dissemination purposes.
• Use statistical models and tools to validate raw data and prepare a final data set for analysis; analyze data from external sources and contrast them with the findings from survey data.
• Undertake outreach activities, fact-finding and advisory missions in support of survey implementation, providing presentations, technical support and other inputs.
• Liaise with officials of governments, representatives of national, regional and global organizations, organizations of the UN system etc., on selected issues related to the implementation of specific survey and/or research programmes, related action plans or other initiatives, and provide technical advice on a range of related matters.
• Provide training, capacity building and technical support on survey methodologies for national experts and technical staff in the field on data collection and analysis on survey implementation.
• Support research activities conducted by headquarters, by providing inputs to the research design of interventions, timely addressing concerns related to challenges encountered during the implementation phase and reviewing outputs.
• Ensure coordination with respective programmes and other stakeholders to promote activities and monitor, backstop and assess the implementation of technical cooperation programmes / projects; oversee the work of national staff working on survey implementation.

Perform other work-related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Has knowledge of specialised tools and software for quantitative data analysis. Ability to determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Is able to conduct independent methodological research and analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) on crime and drugs. Is able to design and implement population-based surveys. Is able to establish effective relationships with external partners to set up proper survey implementation mechanisms for conducting survey programmes and to ensure their quality and independence. Is able to identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, statistics and other social science or related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in data and policy analysis, crime statistics, sociological research or related area is required.

Experience in survey methodology development and implementing population-based surveys is required.

Experience in using statistical software packages (STATA, R) is required.

Substantive experience in analysing statistical data on drugs and/or crime and experience in drafting written analytical reports is desirable.

Experience in project management as well as evidence-based policy formulation is desirable.

Experience in training National Statistical Offices in low- or middle-income countries is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English, is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a project post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Kabul is classified an E and a non-family duty station.

Deadline: 01 September 2022