The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). The incumbent of this Nairobi-based position will primarily report to the Chief, Information Communications and Technology Services (ICTS), Division of Administrative Services (DAS), United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).

Within delegated authority and under the Direct Supervision of Chief UNON, ICTS/Chief Regional Technology Centre, the incumbent serves as Deputy Chief of ICTS and Chief, Infrastructure and Conference Technology Support and performs the following functions: • Conceptualizes, develops strategy for and oversees the design and implementation of secure major infrastructure and conference technology initiatives; manages/oversees multiple and concurrent tasks for on-going capital projects that often involve innovative technical architecture, enhance ICT service operations, business continuity planning aligned with Global Information Communications and Technology (ICT) strategy implementation roadmap. • Ensures the development of standards, procedures and practices to ensure all ICT requirements for United Nations conferences held at UNON are fulfilled, from congress system, audio-visual system to web content distribution systems. Leads and directs ICT conference area team to provide ICT services for UNON conferences. Coordinates directly with all other sections at ICTS to ensure services delivery is provided as per conference requirements. • Provides innovative technology thought leadership for the critical capital project of new large conference facilities aligned with emerging technologies, industry best practices and evolving conferencing business needs. • Provides authoritative technical and policy advice on ICT infrastructure on evolving business environment and the implications of various alternatives to Common Back Office clients, on-going capital projects and other related issues; identifies and plans for future needs; develops and disseminates best practices. • Supervises, coordinates and negotiates the services required to enable the management and operation of interdependent administrative, financial, human resources and other information systems. • Develops and monitors performance measures; ensures that projects meet established time and cost parameters and standards of technical quality. • Leads and directs a team of information systems officers; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. • Manages & monitors ICT budgets and procurements, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, preparing bid documents and arranging contracts. • Develops innovative solutions to resolve intricate problems and major incidents that impact a critical area of the organization’s work. • Ensures the development of standards, procedures and practices to ensure a stable and effective systems environment. Sets up, controls and oversees design and optimization of usage of the Primary Technology Centre (PTC) and Secondary Technology Centre (STC) and associated environmental monitoring systems. • Provides recommendations for ICTS for ICTS budget planning, Cost recovery revenue monitoring, inputs to development of the annual Programme of work, client relationship management, KPI reports etc. • Keep abreast with new emerging technologies and drives modernization, efficiencies and digital transformation, which bring service delivery efficiencies, aligned with UN 2.0 objectives, AI use case in UN agencies etc. and contribute to Innovations and improved business solutions at UNON. • Serves as Officer-in-Charge (OiC), during the absence of Chief ICTS.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems. Ability to develop and oversee large centralized or decentralized institutional systems. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters. Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives. Ability to advise senior management on complex systems development and related matters of significant importance to the institution. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters. Ability to improve processes and approaches. Demonstrates adaptability to changing priorities. Knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Shows pride in work and achievements and 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 and 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. 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. 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. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Not available.

A minimum of ten (10) years international experience within the ICT Sector with managerial and contract management skills is required. Experience with handling ICT requirements for large international conferences for a minimum of ten (10) years is required. Experience in leading large scale change management projects related to ICT and/or conference technology upgrades and resources realignment projects, including briefings or presentations to senior management and external stakeholders on key initiatives and projects for a minimum of ten (10) years is required. Proven experience in leading cloud-based endpoint management, smart cloud hosting (cloud & on-prem) and business process automation projects using AI, robotics powered automation platforms for a minimum of four (4) years is desirable. Broad experience with congress systems, A/V equipment and experience with their integration for a minimum of two (2) years is desirable. Experience in data strategy development/implementation, data-driven change or digital transformation efforts for a minimum of four (4) years is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: “fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ” Knowledge of” equals a rating of ” confident” in two of the four areas.

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

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.

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