The United Nation U.N office in Beirut, Lebanon is looking for ‘Information Systems Officer’ This position is in the Information and Communications Technology Section of the Resource Management and Service Delivery Division (RMSDD) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA – unescwa.org), Beirut, Lebanon. The Chief, Information and Communications Technology Section reports to the Director, RMSDD.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
- Plans and directs information systems development, data visualization, web portals and mobile solutions design and implementation, office automation and document management projects.
- Directs new projects required by both administrative and substantive components of the Commission with specific focus on innovative solutions using emerging technologies, such as Robotic Process automation and Artificial Intelligence software.
- Supervises the IT operations of the Commission, namely telecommunications, infrastructure and network systems. Supervises a multidisciplinary and flexible team of internal and external members who rapidly respond to Business requirements for software solutions in several areas, to support the work of the Commission on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Tracks and monitors project progress against plan, requirements, quality measures, standard processes; liaises with stakeholders during all phases of development and implementation; monitors the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of the various networks and systems.
- Provides expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identifies the need for new systems or technology, or modifications to existing systems; develops plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation, including project plans, infrastructure design, schedules, time/cost estimates and performance measures; oversees ongoing support of technology products and services.
- Provides professional leadership and work direction to the section with the objective of delivering appropriate ICT infrastructure and services in support of the Commission’s mandate; plans and allocates work assignments, coaches, mentors and evaluates staff; participates in staff recruitment and in training development.
- Prepares the budgets for the ICT Section, the IT component of Business Continuity in the Commission and the IT component of the PACT project (access control).
- Coordinates procurement of ICT services and goods, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, overseeing drafting of technical specifications for procurement, preparing bid documents in the form of SOWs and RFPs, evaluating technically bids received, and arranging contracts.
Ensures proper inventory control and asset management of ICT systems and services.- Develops, implements and monitors ICT standards and guidelines; serves as the main liaison between the Commission and OICT or other ICT offices, negotiating and coordinating with respect to ICT governance, ICT policy and related matters; oversees the use of ICT resources and ensures that all ICT outputs of the Commission meet standards and are compliant with corporate and local ICT governance and policy, to ensure a stable systems environment and effective delivery of services; communicates and promotes the values and priorities of ICT governance to leadership as well as to internal and external partners;
- Keeps abreast of developments in the field; determines the need for testing/evaluating new products and technologies; introduces and leads technological changes, fosters innovation, and ensures proper change management procedures and guidelines are in place and are adhered to.
- Serves on various committees and review bodies as required; ensures effective coordination with various UN agencies in order to maximize inter-agency collaboration in the field of ICT.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, including the latest approaches to information technology solutions. Ability to develop and oversee large centralized or decentralized institutional systems. Knowledge of the Organization’s ICT strategy as it relates to user area(s); ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Ability to translate technology concepts into language and ideas easily understood by others; ability to provide specialized advice on a broad range of ICT issues to Senior Management; ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to organize and manage diverse and cross-functional groups; knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, procurement and human resources policies and procedures. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
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.
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
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in information and communication technology is required.
At least three years of managerial experience in a multi-cultural environment in the public/private sector is desirable.
Experience in managing information and technology projects is desirable.
Experience in formulating and implementing innovative or emerging technologies in the field of Information and Communication Technology is desirable.
Experience in overseeing the budget/cost estimates and reporting on budget performance of a unit/section is desirable.
Experience in overseeing the procurement of goods and services including outsourced contracts is desirable.
Certification in the following areas is desirable: ITIL, Intermediate level; Prince2, Practitioner level; COBIT, Practitioner level; TOGAF, Foundation level.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. In addition, Arabic is a working language at ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required.
Note: ‘Fluency’ equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and ‘Knowledge of’ equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates will include assessment(s) and a competency-based interview.
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.
