(From time to time, DRCNet passes along the employment opportunities
that come to our attention. The following is not a joke. In fact it is,
word for word, the release of the British Government in its search for
a "Drug Czar". Please see our synopsis of the British Medical
Journal editorial regarding this search under International News. Like
the BMJ, DRCNet would certainly like someone who shares our perspective
to apply for the job. Any takers?)
UK ANTI-DRUGS CO-ORDINATOR (Also known as "Drug Czar")
"A high profile role in the battle against drugs"
The government wishes to appoint a senior figure to coordinate its strategy
against drugs in the UK. You will report directly to the President of the
Council and the Cabinet Ministerial Sub-Committee on Drug Misuse, and will
have direct access to the Prime Minister as necessary.
This is a challenging, high profile role operating within a sensitive
and important area of public concern, which will involve working closely
with government departments, agencies from the statutory, voluntary and
commercial sectors, local action groups, the media and other key opinion
formers. Key functions will include renewing existing government strategy
and making recommendations for its development, so as to assure coherence
at a national and international level and explaining government action
to the widest possible audience through the media and other channels. The
work will entail travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.
We are looking for an exceptional individual with proven leadership
skills and substantial experience of coordinating policies and operations
within the drugs field or comparable area of public policy. Strong powers
of influence and the ability to communicate with and mobilise people from
all sectors of the community will be essential. A key factor in your success
will be getting added value from resources not under your direct control.
The post will be based in Whitehall, and is a three year fixed term,
full-time appointment as a special expert adviser. Salary to be negotiated
dependent on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
For further details and an application form (to be returned by 5 September,
1997), please telephone Recruitment and Assessment Services (01256) 468561
(24 hours) or Fax (01256) 383786/383787. Please quote reference #3402.
