CHIEF OF SERVICE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Technology Operations Service (TOS), Operations Support Division (OSD), Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). The Technology Operations Service supports local operations through the design and implementation of global technology solutions and oversees the technology operations at the ICT Global Service Centre in Valencia/Brindisi (GSC). It manages the platforms on which applications are developed in a governed, structured and secure manner. It configures and delivers products and tools to enable client mobility, flexibility and to optimize the client's digital experience. The Service enables the organization's ability to carry out its core business by coordinating complex projects globally in the area of conferencing and broadcast management, hybrid infrastructure hosting, geospatial information and operational analytics. The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) is leading the digital transformation to ensure that the Organization’s work is undertaken more effectively, efficiently, in a more secure manner through innovative technology solutions that are part of a larger interoperable technology infrastructure. OICT is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. OICT supports the principles of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of the Director of Operations Support Division, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: • Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Technology Operations Service. • Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Technology Operations Service, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Office, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate. • Leads, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the Technology Operations Service. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the Technology Operations Service and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system including but not limited to United Nations Digital and Technology Network communities of practice as assigned by the Co-Chairs; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others. • Develops, manages, monitors, and optimizes the ICT hybrid infrastructure on which the Organization’s global technology solutions, systems and applications are delivered. This includes the management of the United Nations tenant, hybrid infrastructure hosting, global engineering and conferencing and geospatial information systems for the United Nations Secretariat. • Oversees the technological environment to enable well-informed and strategic decision-making. Ensures the alignment of all operational activities with the enterprise architecture, facilitating the streamlined preparation and migration of existing solutions to a hybrid infrastructure environment. • Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. • Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. • Ensures that the outputs produced by the Technology Operations Service maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. • Supports the Director in preparing the work programme of the Operations Support Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. • Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Technology Operations Service, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. • Lead the recruitment of staff, taking due account of gender and geographical balance. • Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. • Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Technology Operations Service and across organizational boundaries. • Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars. • Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Represents the Service and the Division at international, regional or national meetings. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. 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. 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. • 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. • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. 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. • Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them. EducationAn Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in information and telecommunications systems, computer engineering or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree in the specified fields of study. Job - Specific QualificationProject management certification from a recognized project management body is required. ITIL certification is desirable. COBIT certification is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in managing complex Information and telecommunications technologies related programs of work is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience functioning at the management level in information and telecommunication systems is required. Experience in supporting field operations specifically in the domain of ICT hybrid infrastructure, managing enterprise information and telecommunication systems and applications, and overseeing geospatial information systems is required. Experience in managing global contracts with cloud service providers is required. Experience in implementing cloud strategies and FinOps initiatives for cost optimization is required. Experience in hybrid global infrastructure management is required. Experience in making recommendations to address complex business requirements through the introduction of new technologies is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).