Senior Specialist - Head of Team - Drugs Operational Coordination, EU Drugs Unit

at  Europol

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

This selection procedure is intended to establish a reserve list of successful candidates. It is envisaged to start using the reserve list in Q3/Q4 of 2024.
Europol retains the right to make use of the reserve list to select candidates for similar posts within the organisation, should business needs require so.

PURPOSE OF THE POST:

The incumbent will supervise, coordinate and give guidance to the Drugs Operational Coordination Team and be responsible for the development of the activities related to fighting international drugs production, supply and distribution, with a focus on operational, strategical and analytical support to MS priority investigations. S/he will be also responsible for the implementation and further development of the Operational Task Force concept in the area of international drug related organised crime.
This will be achieved by supporting MS investigations and operations, providing a high level of expert guidance, identifying requirements of the competent authorities, proposing initiatives and delivering timely, relevant products and services to Europol stakeholders.
In addition, the holder of the position supports the activities of EMPACT dedicated to the respective EU law enforcement priorities.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

The incumbent carries out the following main functions and duties:

GENERAL HEAD OF TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the work of a group of individuals by effective and efficient planning, prioritisation, and scheduling of tasks and responsibilities;
• Monitor progress of work in line with key performance indicators; ensure work being produced is of high quality and meets business needs; apply corrective measures where needed;
• Define and supervise the accurate and timely execution of processes and procedures to ensure adherence to corporate policies, fundamental rights, standards and data protection regulations;
• Set clear expectations and objectives and direct work towards a common goal;
• Identify, address and propose resolutions to issues affecting the team;
• Provide constructive feedback, guidance and support and coach team members;
• Encourage continuous learning and development of team members;
• Create an open, honest and inclusive team culture with respect for diversity, where team members are encouraged to perform at their best.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote information flow and enhance Europol’s ability to exploit criminal intelligence with the aim of supporting drug related organised crime investigations of the MS;
• Ensure the delivery of operational, strategic and analytical support by the Drugs Operational Coordination Team to priority operational and strategic activities and investigations from MS and third parties aimed at fighting international drugs production, supply, distribution and related high risk organised crime groups affecting the EU and its internal security, including horizontal support from other Europol specialised Units;
• Support the Head of the EU Drugs Unit and Head of Department ESOCC in the implementation, monitoring and development of the HVT/OTF concept and related policies and act as Europol’s point of contact for participating MS and third countries;
• Promote a holistic operating model related to the criminal investigations on drugs related organised crime related to high-risk criminal networks, utilizing the HVT/OTF concept and other procedures that focus on detecting the criminal activities of the individuals who pose the highest security risk and the criminal groups and networks they form;
• Lead or take a key role in project-oriented activities, including the activities of EMPACT drug priorities, with a specific emphasis on international criminal networks involve in drugs production and supply affecting the EU;
• Identify opportunities, initiate and assist the production of analytical reports (operational, tactical and strategic) and other relevant intelligence products;
• Establish close contacts with the MS and third-party Liaison Officers to encourage and support operational activities in the field of responsibility;
• Support the Head of Unit with regard to planning and implementation of operational support initiatives, as well as in policy development and other strategic matters in the field of drug related organised crime;
• Support the Head of Unit to promote the achievement of Europol’s objectives in the area of drug related crime by supporting case prioritization processes, monitoring workflows, maintaining the Unit’s service delivery and reporting on results and activities;
• Represent Europol at specialised events, organize and facilitate working groups, meetings or conferences to increase awareness and provide expert knowledge and advice in the area of drug related organised crime;
• Perform any other duties in the area of competence as assigned by line management.

The main tasks of ESOCC are to:

• Provide operational support to prioritised cases and High Value Target (HVT) investigations;
• Coordinate the implementation of the HVT/Operational Task Force (OTF) concept in Europol;
• Support the implementation of EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threat) priorities;
• Support the development of the strategic intelligence picture on serious and organised crime