Scientific and Medical Specialists in Drug Dependence Liability

Purpose of consultancy

To contribute to reviewing drug dependence liability relating to new psychoactive substances (NPS), controlled medicines, and other types of psychoactive substances. This includes, but is not limited to, cannabinoids, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and other psychoactive substances and medicines that are considered to have central nervous system effects.  

Background  

WHO holds a mandate within the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances to advise the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the appropriate level of international control of substances.  In this regard, WHO carries out annual scientific reviews of the health risks and benefits of the use of psychoactive substances. Set criteria for the assessment of psychoactive substances include: 

• Evidence of dependence potential of the substance.
• Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse.
• Therapeutic applications of substances with psychoactive effects.

Deliverables

• Scientific reviews in the area of drug dependence liability.
• Ad-hoc participation in working group meetings and consultations on psychoactive substances.
• Preparation of other technical written materials including scientific briefings.
• Preparation of oral scientific presentations and webinars.
• Technical editing and/or peer review of scientific materials.

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• For band level B:
• Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) in biological sciences, behavioural sciences, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine, epidemiology or public health. 
• For band level C:
• Advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) in biological sciences, behavioural sciences, chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine, epidemiology or public health.

Experience

Essential:

• For band level B:
• At least 7 years relevant experience in drug abuse liability testing, drug dependence treatment, use of controlled medicines, clinical or policy research relating to drug dependence or in a closely related field relating to drugs with abuse and/or dependence potential. 
• For band level C:
• Over 10 years relevant experience in drug abuse liability testing, drug dependence treatment, use of controlled medicines, clinical or policy research relating to drug dependence or in a closely related field relating to drugs with abuse and/or dependence potential.
• Experience as a peer reviewer or editor for scientific journals.

Desirable:

• Experience providing scientific advice at a national or international level.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

• A strong publication record in English as a primary author in at least one of the following relevant scientific fields, with specific knowledge on psychoactive substances:
• Chemistry (substance identification by INN, chemical or other common name and trade names, other identifying characteristics, CAS registry number, general information on synthesis, preparation and properties, ease of convertibility into controlled substances).
• General pharmacology (including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, dependence potential, and abuse potential).
• Toxicology (including adverse reactions in humans).
• Epidemiology (including nature and magnitude of public health problems related to abuse and dependence).
• Therapeutic use (including therapeutic applications, extent of therapeutic use, epidemiology of medical use and non-medical use, abuse and dependence).
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant national and international databases and other key sources of evidence for the review of psychoactive substances.
• Ability to search and synthesise scientific literature. 
• Knowledge and understanding of drug dependence liability evaluation and drug scheduling policies at national or international level.

Languages required:

Essential:  

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: 

• Expert knowledge of another UN language.

Location 

Off-site – Home based.

Travel 

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level B - USD 350 - 499 per day.
Band level C - USD 500 - 625 per day.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract: 

11 months (daily contract duration per month varies depending on the specific Terms of Reference).