Secretary of the Board and Chief
Organizational Context
This position is within the Secretariat to the International Narcotics Control Board (SINCB), part of the Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna. The role reports substantively to the INCB Board and administratively to the Director of DTA, overseeing the INCB Secretariat's operations.
Job Purpose
The Secretary of the INCB is responsible for supporting the Board's mandate under international drug control treaties. This involves implementing Board decisions, acting on its behalf between sessions, and conducting negotiations with governments. The role requires initiating diplomatic actions to ensure national compliance, advising governments on treaty implementation, and representing the Board in international forums. As Chief of the INCB Secretariat, the position involves formulating and executing the substantive work program, managing activities, and ensuring high-quality outputs. This includes leading teams, coordinating work across the UN system, preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, and managing administrative tasks such as budgeting and staff performance evaluation.
Responsibilities
Provide support for the INCB's mandate activities under international drug control treaties. Implement and coordinate Board decisions, acting as the Board's representative between sessions. Conduct negotiations and maintain relations with governments on behalf of the Board. Initiate diplomatic actions to facilitate national compliance and recommend remedial measures. Advise governments on treaty implementation and evaluate compliance. Represent the Board in international, regional, and national meetings, providing substantive expertise and engaging in discussions. Formulate and implement the Secretariat's work program, overseeing activities, ensuring timely execution, and coordinating efforts within the UN system. Lead, supervise, and review the work of the Secretariat staff. Coordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies. Ensure high-quality, objective, and data-driven outputs from the Secretariat. Lead data analysis efforts for planning and decision-making. Assist in work program preparation, prioritization, and resource allocation. Oversee programmatic and administrative tasks, including budgeting, performance reporting, and staff recruitment and development. Manage, guide, develop, and train supervised staff. Foster teamwork and inter-organizational communication. Lead and manage the organization and substantive preparation of meetings and seminars.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in law, criminal justice, medicine, health sciences, or administration is required. Experience in national and international drug control is essential. Demonstrated strong leadership in team and technical area management, and experience managing intergovernmental processes and servicing intergovernmental bodies are also required. Experience with data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Expert knowledge in national/international drug control and treaty implementation. Ability to produce, review, and edit reports. Negotiation skills with diverse individuals. Data analysis and interpretation for decision-making. Application of UN rules and regulations. Planning and organizing work strategically. Client orientation and relationship management. Performance management, delegation, and staff development. Judgment and decision-making in complex situations.