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CHIEF OF UNIT, INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Multiple locations

  • Organization: UNDOS - United Nations Department of Operational Support
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Mid/Senior level - Mid/Senior - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
    • Information and Telecommunication TechnologyInformation and Telecommunication Technology
  • Closing Date: Closed

Special Notice

The United Nation Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations.
The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Chief of Unit, Information Systems and Telecommunications, FS-6 roster.
The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.

Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located outside of Headquarters, and particularly in the peacekeeping missions. The grade of the Chief, Information Systems and Telecommunications is related to the size and complexity of the mission/office, and may range from FS6 to D1. The Chief, Information Systems and Telecommunications reports directly to the Head of Administration in peacekeeping missions. There is a functional reporting relationship to the Information and Communications Technology Division, Department of Field Support at United Nations Headquarters.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief, Information Systems and Telecommunications, FS6 will be responsible for the following duties (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Chief, Information Systems and Telecommunications):

• Manages the, Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) Unit/Section.

• Plans and directs all major Information Systems and Telecommunications systems projects within the mission; monitors the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of the various networks and systems; maintains high standards in the delivery of IST services to all clients in the mission.

• Plans and prepares the inputs for the work program of the service; provides leadership, guidance, and mentoring for the senior staff, and fosters teamwork and improved communications among all staff of the service; leads the development of training modules and other training activities in all aspects of IST;

• Coordinates and oversees delivery of Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) training to staff and other users in the mission;

• Takes the lead in the preparation of the mission’s Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) budget; coordinates the generation of reports to the relevant UNHQ finance and budget review bodies as required;

• Manages the acquisition of goods and services; coordinates needs assessments and the establishing of benchmarks, and the preparation of SOWs and RFPs in coordination with the Procurement office to establish and manage contracts;

• Supports the implementation of innovative business improvements through the introduction of new technologies; ensures proper change management procedures and guidelines are in place and adhered to;
• Ensures proper inventory control and asset management of Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) systems and services in coordination with the mission’s Property and Inventory Control Unit; oversees all the Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) resources and manages them in accordance with the approved ratios;

• Maintains active communication with ICTD and the global/regional service centres supporting the mission.

• Actively engages with civil, police and military components of the mission to ensure coordinated and high quality IST and GIS support according to their operational needs;

• Serves as the main liaison, and represents the section/service, with its clients; negotiates and coordinates with relevant national authorities with respect to, Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) policy and related matters; ensures effective coordination with various UN agencies in order to maximise possibilities of inter-agency collaboration in the field of Information Systems and Telecommunications;

• Serves on various committees and review bodies within the mission as required;

• Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:
Knowledge of Information Systems and Telecommunications Technologies for large and complex organisational environments; ability to organise and manage diverse and cross-functional groups, across geographically dispersed locations, for institutional systems in conflict and post conflict areas; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyse and evaluate critical systems matters; knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, procurement and human resources policies and procedures; ability to provide specialized advice on a broad range of Information Systems and Telecommunications (IST) issues to the Senior Management of the Mission; ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others; ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Accountability:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Managerial Competencies:

Leadership:
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Managing Performance:
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Certification/diploma of other supplemental academic qualifications or training in the Information Systems or Telecommunications industry is desirable.

Work Experience

At least 10 years (or 5 years with a bachelors degree) of progressively responsible experience in information systems and telecommunications technology is required. Experience in supporting the implementation of innovative business improvements through the introduction of new technologies is desirable. Four (4) years of experience as supervisor is desirable. Four (4) years’ experience in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organisation or non-governmental organisation – in a conflict or post-conflict setting, or similar experience in a military operations environment is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable, Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE 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.

This vacancy is now closed.