Database Assistant

Drug trafficking routes evolve rapidly in response to changes in drug markets and to activities of law enforcement authorities. While individual countries are usually well equipped to monitor national trends, they do not always possess the capacity to capture international trafficking routes and their evolution in real-time or over a certain time-period. UNODC plans to strengthen its available online tool for data collection, visualization and dissemination tool, the Drugs Monitoring Platform (DMP), to provide national authorities and other stakeholders with real-time information on the drug trafficking situation and trends.

The Drugs Monitoring Platform is a common system that relies on information sharing to strengthen the global availability of information on various aspects of drugs supply and demand. The DMP aims to provide information on drug trends, while utilizing innovative methods to process and visualize data to generate real-time information, provide geographical insights on drug trends and improve early warning threat identification. Based on the mandate on drugs as conferred by Member States, the DMP contributes to strengthening UNODC’s data collection, analysis and dissemination of information to enhance knowledge on drugs.

The position is located in the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Drugs Monitoring Platform Programme Officer and day-to-day supervision of the UNODC ROCA Programme Officer and DMP Database Officer

The Database Assistant will be responsible for supporting the online platform for drug-related data collection and dissemination known as the DMP, including the compilation, harmonization and quality assurance of drug-related statistical data specifically with the aim to populate the platform. The incumbent will carry out the following duties:

• Collect, process and upload large datasets, in particular individual drug seizures data (IDS) into the online database, ensuring accuracy of data by following relevant data management procedures;
• Compile, validate and verify IDS obtained from media monitoring, with other open sourced information and data reported officially to UNODC by UN Member States;

• Conduct additional quality control procedures including examining data for errors and inconsistencies as well as identifying and eliminate duplicate entries;
• Assist with identifying and soliciting further data sources for inclusion in the Platform;
• Assist with monitoring communication via the DMP inbox, including access requests and assist in managing database of contacts;
• Assist with procurement for project needs, create relevant documents in the UN ICT system;
• Perform other duties as may be required in the scope of the current position.

Core Values:

Integrity: Demonstrate the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours. Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular.

Professionalism: Substantive experience in technical functions, familiarity with data entry, processing and analysis.

Respect to Diversity: Work effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats men and women equally. Do not discriminate against any individual or group.

Core Competencies:

Communication: Ability to write in clearly and concisely. Possession of effective verbal communication skills.

Planning and Organizing:  Sound organizational skills and time management skills, ability to prioritize own work programme and to work independently or with minimum supervision, ability to deliver assignments in a timely manner.

Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing (Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.); graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications such as SPSS, use and search of information on the Internet, etc. Solid knowledge and practical experience in operations relating to administration.

Education:

Bachelor degree related to computer science, statistics, mathematics or related sciences or a combination of relevant education and professional experience, particularly in the area of data management.

Experience:

At least two years of working experience in the field of programme/project assistance preferably with international organizations.

At least one year of experience in data entry, processing and analysis or related area preferably in international organizations. Experience in data collection, compilation, processing, verification, validation, including working with large and multi-source datasets. Previous work experience within the United Nations system would be an asset.

Language Requirements:

Good command of spoken and written English and Russian

Computer skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and a strong knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of Excel VBA is desirable. Basic knowledge of graphic software is desirable.

Others:

Good communication, organizational capacities and problem-solving skills are desirable. Knowledge of various administrative procedures of the United Nations system and in particular, UNODC, would be desirable.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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