Senior Project Manager (Consultant) - Security Telecom Project

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill a consultancy position of Senior Project Manager, Security Telecom Project based at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy with frequent travel to UN HQ and field locations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Humanitarian workers are increasingly exposed to security risks. The most complex and some of the largest operations are in conflict and insecure areas. Telecommunication services in support to the security and safety of all humanitarian staff (UN and Non-Government Agencies and partners on the ground) is of paramount importance and is generally a pre-requisite for our presence on the ground. Such services have been provided by a number of agencies to-date, and they are often the only way to communicate in remote areas. They are also one of the key tools to support people during security incidents.

In recent years, technology has radically advanced, and can help provide faster, cheaper and more effective support to humanitarian staff. WFP and partner agencies are implementing a project that will completely re-design Security Telecommunication Services, pilot it in field offices and define a new model which will then be applied globally. A Project Manager with deep experience in these areas is sought to lead this humanitarian change.

The Project Manager will be hosted by the WFP Security Team (RMQ), while establishing strong relationships with all stakeholders at field and corporate HQ levels. S/he will follow the leadership of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) and guidance of the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN) Technology Advisory Group (TAG).

JOB PURPOSE

The Project Manager will be in charge of leading the design and implementation of the project to re-design Security Telecommunication Services. The incumbent will work with internal and external stakeholders ensuring overall buy-in, will lead field pilot implementations, represent the project in international and inter-agency fora and manage project resources, partners and contractors. The final result will be a new service model approved by Inter-Agency partners, supporting technical solutions, a business model and a Directive from the United Nations Department of Staff Security (UNDSS) to mainstream it.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead all aspects of the Security Telecommunications Project, and maintain accountability for its deliverables, including:

1. Manage project deliverables, teams, resources and budget, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones and final objectives, according to project schedule and budget;
2. Collaborate with and manage all project stakeholders and partners, including Country Offices, UN Agencies, UN and partners’ networks (IASMN and ETC memberships) and NGOs, ensuring general consensus on strategies, plans, solutions and processes;
3. Establish field pilots for early testing of technologies and processes, building lessons learned directly into the model;
4. Manage all aspects of internal and external communications related to the project;
5. Lead and provide expert advice on the development of strategic work plans, ensuring compliance with wider UN strategies, policies and standards. Participate in the development of regional or global business strategies, ensuring that operational realities of the service, country or region, inform planning;
6. Ensure clarity for field security telecommunications investments, both in the interim and in terms of the new solutions;
7. Build and nurture strategic relationships with business leaders within the UN Security Management System, advocate with the business and, if required, with donors for the essential role of Security Telecommunications support;
8. If required, establish fundraising and partnering activities related to the project.

DELIVERABLES:

• Clear project roadmap for the full project duration, from design to full global roll-out and support thereon, inclusive of budget and other resources’ requirements;
• Total Cost of Ownership for the solution(s) recommended, with comparison with the current model;
• Detailed business requirements’ definition;
• Pilot projects and related lesson learned;
• Business model, including costing and investments;
• Operating model for Security Operation Centres;
• Set of specific solution and processes to utilise in different environments, of varying security and telecommunication complexities and Programmes sizes;
• Approval from all necessary inter-agency bodies, partners and stakeholders, and formalisation through a DSS directive.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education: Advanced University degree in Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering, Business or Security Management.

Experience:

• 12+ years’ international experience in UN ICT or UN security at regional / HQ / Field level (combined);
• Has led or participated in emergency missions and designed / provided Security and / or Telecommunications Services;
• Has led multi-functional and cross-geographic teams;
• Has gained considerable experience in three operational areas.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Has a full understanding of Security Communications, and supported in the monitoring and evaluation of security operations activities to assess and inform improvement of activity impact;
• Has contributed to the development of global and regional security operations strategy, and supporting policies and guidance;
• Has partnered with colleagues across humanitarian agencies to understand their priorities and provide expert advice;
• Has served as an effective spokesperson representing IT interests to other businesses;
• Has an understanding of procurement and general resource management rules in the UN.

Competencies:

• Detail-oriented, Excellent communication, Ethics & Values, Team Work, Client Orientation, Cognitive Capacity, Interpersonal Relations, Stress Resistance, Behavioural Flexibility, Leadership Capabilities.

  Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, Portuguese.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP. http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  20 March 2018

REF: VA 77303