Consultant (Review of categories of industries related to Equipment)

Result of ServiceReport – A review of categories of industries involved in the manufacture, trade and distribution of specialized equipment used in the illicit manufacture of drugs. Annotated outline and methodological approach • Draft report - review of categories of industries involved in the manufacture, trade and distribution of specialized equipment. • Final report of review, incorporating input, if any, and including a comprehensive list of sources consulted. • Participation and contribution to INCB activities/ events relating to equipment industry, as required. Work LocationAustria Expected duration15/7/2025-15/11/2025 Duties and Responsibilities1.Background of the assignment: INCB is an independent and quasi-judicial control organ, established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, for monitoring the implementation of the international drug control treaties. Article 13 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988, provides a basis for international action and cooperation to prevent equipment from reaching illicit laboratories, requesting Governments to take such measures as they deem appropriate to prevent trade in and the diversion of equipment for illicit production or manufacture of drugs, and to co-operate to this end . A variety of equipment and materials are required for the illicit manufacture of drugs, precursor chemicals and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Addressing the unlawful supply of specialized equipment globally disrupts the end-products supply. Cooperation with the private sector will be critical to prevent the diversion of equipment to illicit channels and for identifying and reporting suspicious orders. In order to engage the relevant equipment industry partners in the process, it is important to know the nature and extent of the legitimate industries and operators that supply, adapt or trade in specialized equipment of possible interest to traffickers. This includes potential stakeholders from the private sector (e.g., manufacturers, importers/exporters, wholesalers, distributors, refurbishes, and any operators involved in custom-made equipment and second-hand distribution), online marketplaces, as well as specialized equipment-related (trade) association(s), where they exist. 2. Purpose of the assignment: In the framework of its initiatives and activities aimed at strengthening cooperation between Governments and the relevant sectors of their national industry, with a view to preventing the diversion of specialized equipment into illicit drug manufacture, as well as enhancing political commitment to that effect, INCB intends to carry out a review of the categories of industries involved in the manufacture, trade, and distribution of specialized equipment. While there is a wide range of equipment that could potentially be used in illicit drug manufacture, for the purpose of the assignment, “specialized equipment” primarily refers to equipment included in the INCB International Monitoring List of Equipment (IMLE) , e.g. tableting and encapsulating machines, punches and dies, reaction vessels, specialized glassware, heating mantles. The review would look at the different categories of industries relevant for this purpose and attempt to obtain an overview of the global markets related to equipment, their geographical distribution and how they operate. The industries concerned (subsequently referred to as ‘relevant industries’) could be: - Relevant industry manufacturing, trading and (re)distributing specialized equipment. - Relevant operators that modify or produce customized equipment. - Industry and other entities (e.g., universities, schools) that may be involved in second-hand distribution and auctioning of equipment. - Other related industry in the supply chain of specialized equipment, that are likely to be susceptible from the point of view of diversion, including online marketplaces. - Major global centers relevant for the aforesaid categories of industry; and - Relevant industrial associations. In this context, INCB seeks a consultant for conducting a review of the different categories of relevant industries involved in the manufacture, trade and distribution of specialized equipment used in the illicit manufacture of drugs. Ideally, the consultant should have knowledge of relevant industries at the global level. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree( Masters degree or equivalent) in the field of chemistry, pharmacy, engineering (industrial, chemical), law, economics, 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. At least 5 years of practical experience in the chemical, equipment, or pharmaceutical industry sector, in academia related to pharmaceutical, chemistry or technology, in clandestine laboratory investigations, or related working experience is required. Working experience with governmental control mechanisms in respect of drugs, precursor chemicals and/or illicit drug manufacturing equipment and/or advisory functions related to international trade in equipment, chemicals and pharmaceutical products is desirable Proficiency in basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) is required. Familiarity with INCB’s role in international drug and precursor control is desirable. Substantive knowledge of the practices in the legitimate manufacture of, trade in and use of equipment in chemistry or pharmaceutical technology, and of governmental control mechanisms in respect of precursors, equipment and drugs is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, with excellent drafting skills, is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.