Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is within the Liquidation Team of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), at Bamako. The Chief of Unit, Information Systems and Telecommunications will report to Chief Field Technology Section. The incumbent provides specialist advice to Senior Management on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of communications and information technology strategies, policies and procedures; Plans and oversees the management of all major communications and IT systems projects within the liquidation entity; Manages and supervises the work programme of the Unit under her/his responsibility; Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies; specialist advice to the liquidation entity leadership for technology innovation initiatives and provides required change management capacity.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: Provides management and coordination of the Unit responsible for the delivery of all Telecommunications and Information Systems and services deployed by field missions: this will include voice, video, data, and other related systems and services. Supervises direct report supe1visors of the respective Telecommunications sub-units and the Information Systems sub-units within the liquidation entity and provides overall supervision for all staff in the Telecommunications and Information Systems Unit. Manages the maintenance and repair programs. for Telecommunications and IT systems, networks and equipment. Establishes performance standards for telecommunications and IT equipment and services and recommends corrective operational measures to improve quality and performance. Coordinates the preparation of request for proposals, technical specifications and statement bf works for the acquisition of various telecommunications and IT equipment and services; Performs technical evaluation of the bids and proposals. Coordinates with OICT OSD UNHQ GSC at UNLB and UNSBV and other field missions on matters related to CITS support. Acts as a focal point for inter-agency emergency field security telecommunications. Ensures effective coordination with various UN agencies to maximize possibilities of interagency collaboration in the field of telecommunications and information systems and technology. Coordinates the preparation of annual cost estimates and budget proposals for the liquidation entity’s telecommunications and information systems and services; Manages, controls, and exercises the budget upon its approval. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Managerial Competencies: 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 is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Certifications in relevant areas of Information Systems or Telecommunications is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in information and telecommunications systems or related areas, including experience in developing and overseeing large centralized and globally distributed institutional systems is required. The minimum years are reduced to 7 (seven) years for candidates who possess a first level university degree. Experience with Camp Surveillance and Camp Protection Systems is required. Two years’ experience providing services in information and telecommunications systems or related areas in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in budget, staffing and performance. management and reporting is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Position is temporarily available within the Liquidation Team until 330/11/2024, subject to budget approval. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless: (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The 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 according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (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.