UNODC·May 19, 2026

Knowledge Management Research Associate

Under the direct supervision of the Management and Coordination Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Research support: Assist in the design and execution of research activities and knowledge...

On-siteInternationalAssociate UCoS from Apr20263. Good health and well-being
On-site

Colombia

Bogota

Duration

273 days

Positions

1 Available

Deadline

Jun 7, 2026

8 days left

🎯

Sustainable Development Goal

3. Good health and well-being

General Information

Description of assignment title

Knowledge Management Research Associate

Assignment country

Colombia

Expected start date

Aug 15, 2026

Sustainable Development Goal

3. Good health and well-being

Volunteer category

Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Host entity

UNODC

Type

onsite

Duration

273 days

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Bogota

Assignment Details

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of the UNODC is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights, and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism. Strategic Objectives (Thematic Areas) The UNODC organizes its objectives into five key thematic areas (often called pillars) to address interconnected global challenges: Addressing the World Drug Problem: - Ensuring access to controlled medicines while preventing diversion and abuse. - Promoting evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care for drug use. - Combating illicit drug cultivation, production, and trafficking. Preventing and Countering Organized Crime: - Strengthening legal frameworks to disrupt organized criminal groups. - Combating crimes such as trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, and firearms trafficking. - Addressing cybercrime and environmental crimes (e.g., wildlife trafficking). Preventing and Countering Corruption and Economic Crime: - Promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency in public and private sectors. - Combating money laundering and recovering stolen assets (asset recovery). - Supporting the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Preventing and Countering Terrorism: - Promoting international cooperation to investigate and prosecute terrorist acts. - Preventing violent extremism and countering the financing of terrorism. - Ensuring legal responses to terrorism comply with human rights standards. Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: - Strengthening the rule of law and access to justice. - Improving prison conditions and promoting rehabilitation/reintegration. - Preventing violence, particularly against women and children.

Context

UNODC in Bogotá has an evidence-based Prevention and Treatment Department. The department supports local policies, train professionals, and lead community initiatives for youth and families (e.g., in the locality of Ciudad Bolívar). Their focus is on public health, human rights, and improving treatment quality standards (QALAT). The team manages projects at the regional, national, and Bogotá levels, implementing prevention programs, working with populations at risk of psychoactive substance use, and conducting research and knowledge management. The UN Volunteer will support research activities, contribute to the drafting of technical documents on drug use, and assist with context analysis, and data collection.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Management and Coordination Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Research support: Assist in the design and execution of research activities and knowledge management strategies related to psychoactive substance use. Technical drafting: Draft, review, and edit technical documents, briefs, and reports focused on drug use prevention and treatment. Context analysis: Contribute to context analysis to monitor trends, risks, and developments in the drug consumption landscape at local (Bogotá) and national levels. Data management: Support data collection, capture, and verification processes to ensure accurate information for decision-making. Project implementation: Assist in the execution of prevention programs and initiatives targeting populations at risk of substance use.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

0 years

Nationality

Open to all nationalities

Assignment Requirements

Relevant experience

0 years

Language Requirements
EnglishPreferred
Working knowledge
SpanishRequired
Fluent
Required education level

Bachelor's degree

Area(s) of expertise

Economics and finance, Education, Social work

Driving license

-

Competencies and values
Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication ​​Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Technological Awareness Working in Teams
Skills and experience
Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 12 months) in: Research methodology: Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, including the design of data collection tools and fieldwork. Data analysis: Data processing and analysis, with the ability to interpret complex information and conduct context analysis regarding social or health trends. Technical writing: Drafting and editing skills for technical documents, with experience in preparing reports, policy briefs, or academic articles. Thematic knowledge: Previous experience or knowledge in public health, substance use prevention, or working with vulnerable populations is highly desirable. Information management: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and experience in managing databases or capturing data for monitoring and evaluation purposes. Skills: - Ability to investigate social phenomena - Ability to manage large databases - Teamwork

Additional Information

Living conditions and remarks
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and the main administrative center. It is a family duty station offering a wide range of amenities, including shopping centers, cinemas, cultural events, and a vibrant gastronomic scene. The city is located at 2,640 meters (8,660 ft) above sea level. The climate is mild to cold ("eternal autumn"), with average temperatures ranging between 7°C and 19°C (45°F–66°F). It is advisable to bring warm clothing and be prepared for frequent rain. Bogotá has excellent high-complexity medical facilities and hospitals. While yellow fever vaccination is required for travel to certain lower-altitude areas of Colombia, it is not necessary for staying in Bogotá. There is a wide availability of apartments in various neighborhoods (e.g., Chapinero, Usaquén, Teusaquillo). The cost of living is generally affordable compared to Europe or North America, though it varies by area. As in any major metropolis, security requires awareness. Petty crime (pickpocketing) exists in public spaces. UN Volunteers are expected to comply with UN security guidelines, such as using authorized transportation companies and avoiding specific restricted areas. Traffic congestion is significant. Public transport includes the TransMilenio system and SITP buses. For safety and convenience, it is recommended to use taxis or recognized ride‑hailing apps rather than hailing vehicles on the street
Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity without distinction.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to vaccination requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), in line with the applicable host entity policy.

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