Snr IT Project Serv Specialist

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior IT Project Services Specialist

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Reporting directly to the CIO and Director of the Division of Information Systems and Telecommunications (DIST), Senior IT Project Services Specialist joins the DIST Senior Management Team to drive the implementation of UNHCR¿s project approach and framework, including the technical aspects of the Project Management Life Cycle (PMLC).  The incumbent through his/her overall accountability for the implementation and operational oversight of the PMLC will help UNHCR to maximize the value of its projects through consistency, delivery excellence, and efficiency in project execution.  S/he will deliver Project Services to the organization, which entails support to projects and the implementation of the PMLC and will include providing guidance, tools, and templates.  The incumbent is accountable for the onboarding, training, and continual capacity building of UNHCR¿s Project Managers.  S/he will also manage the capacity and assignments of resources to projects and will drive the key relationships needed to ensure that the PMLC and the resulting projects executed by UNHCR, are transparent and auditable. 
The Senior IT Project Services Specialist directly supervises Project/Programme Managers and Project Control resources assigned to IT programmes and projects.
The incumbent will work closely and drive strategic relationships with:
- Project Managers across the organization to ensure that projects are led and managed in a cost effective and efficient manner
- Business Relationship Management Service (BRMS) to ensure future demand is captured in pipeline planning and to assist in the preparation of the updated portfolio.
- Transformation and Change Service (TCS), specifically the Head of the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) and the Secretariat of the Transformation Governance Board to communicate changes to the PMLC.
- Governance Risk and Compliance Officer in oversight efforts & liaise with PMs on ¿get well¿ plans, or project improvements.
- CISO & Data Protection Officer to make improvements to the PLMC to meet evolving data & security requirements, as well as assessing projects against the relevant requirements.
- Communications Officer within DIST to ensure communications requirements are embedded into the PMLC.
- Global Learning and Development Centre on training initiatives for project managers & relevant stakeholders.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

PM's & Project Control
- Ensure project managers are clear on their role and can independently execute successful projects through the onboarding and ongoing training of Project Managers (PMs) and Project Controllers working for UNHCR.
- Work closely with the Global Learning Centre to develop and execute appropriate trainings for stakeholders involved in various stages of the PMLC.
- Advise and guide PMs & Business Coordinators around the execution of projects.
- Work on staffing and resourcing projects with PMs, Business Analysts, and project controllers.
- Coordinate the relevant PM¿s, Project Control, BRMS etc. ensure excellence in the project updates presented to UNHCR¿s Transformation Governance Board.
- Manage the team of project control resources to ensure effective project administration, controls, reporting and communication.
- Manage of framework agreements for project staffing and resources and coordinate the team of project managers.

PMLC
- Drive the implementation and ongoing improvement of UNHCR¿s PMLC (i.e., the project approach and framework).
- Ensure that the PMLC effectively enables projects which contain technology elements adhere to IT policies and guidelines (i.e., security, data, communications etc.) and incorporate a sustainable business as usual support model.
- Work closely with BRMS to manage and update pipeline of activities and ensure successful project start-up and initiation.
- Support project execution consistency through standardized templates and processes (i.e., scope, schedule, budget, risk, compliance, and quality).
- Facilitate the execution of regular Gate Reviews with GRC, PMs & Business Coordinators in line with the PMLC.
- Analyse project execution trends (i.e., scope, schedule, budget, and risk), identifies opportunities for improvement and incorporate lessons learned into the PMLC.

PMO related
- Update scorecard for the monthly meeting of the Transformation Governance Board.
- Track & provide feedback on common trends/issues in projects as well as cross-cutting themes, dependencies, and risks.
- Review lessons learned & root cause assessments on based on project artifacts.
- Undertake post project analysis for benefit identification and delivery.
- Inform the PMO of any significant recurring deviations in the execution of the PMLC.
- Conduct Project Risk Assessments for prioritization to facilitate TGB decision-making.

DIST Management
- Prepare and maintain the consolidated operational dashboard based on individual project scorecards.
- Report to the Senior Leadership Team on the on updates/developments of the PMLC and the performance of the ongoing projects.
- Engage with senior IT in the strategic planning process for DIST on the risks and benefits of specific project activities.

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Information & Communications Technologies; Computer Science;         Information Systems;
Information Technology;                 Project Management; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
*ITIL V3 Foundation
*Project Management Prof (PMP) and/or
*Prince2-Project Management
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 9 years of experience, 7 of those in a project, programme, or portfolio management role.
Proven experience working across business, IT, financial and communication skills.
Experience managing and implementing portfolio management, project governance and reporting.
Recognized project management certification (PRINCE2, PMI, PMBOK).
Practical experience in overseeing large complex programmes and projects with multiple external vendors, including technology projects.
Proven experience in managing global and multi-cultural teams, and working with key stakeholders across an organization

Desirable
Superior understanding of technology and its application to achieve business objectives.
Project Management experience running medium to large sized ICT projects
Experience setting portfolio & project management standards for a global organisation.
Experience of how projects are initiated and run within the UN system.
Experience with Agile project management and development methodologies
Proven experience in managing remote and virtual teams
Working knowledge of other UN languages.

Functional Skills
*IT-IT Project, Program, or Portfolio Management
*IT-IT Project Management Software
IT-IT Service Delivery Management
IT-IT Applications Development Lifecycle Methodology
SO-Presentation skills
SO-Interpersonal skills
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X006L3 - Policy Development & Research Level 3

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that the closing date for vacancies advertised in the March 2022 Compendium is Thursday 21 April 2022 (midnight Geneva time).

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