Switzerland: Chief of Section, Field Information Services, P5
Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 06 Aug 2013
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Field Information Services Section (FISS) and is based in Geneva. The Chief of Section reports to the Chief of the Information Services Branch Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA in New York.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Chief of Section will be responsible for the following:
Provides policy guidance to the Chief of Branch, on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and intra and inter-divisional/departmental policies and procedures, particularly with respect to information and technology services and support for OCHA and partner field operations.
Plans and oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Section; ensures that substantive work programmes and programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion, coordinating diverse projects in the Section, and, in liaison with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate.
Manages, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Section under his/her responsibility. Co-ordinates the work carried out by the Section to ensure delivery of information and technology solutions to, and support for, OCHA and partners in the field; to include ensuring information management staff meet standard OCHA operation and field requirements.
Ensures that the outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards and that products, services, support and solutions meet client needs. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Section under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental and inter-agency bodies such as the Inter-Agency Steering Committee (IASC) and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
Prepares inputs for the work programme of the Branch/Service/Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates.
Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance - Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. - Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch and across organizational boundaries.
Participates in international, regional or national meetings as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Extensive knowledge of OCHA and the UN humanitarian system, knowledge of how information management supports humanitarian response in both natural disaster and complex emergency contexts. Knowledge of humanitarian information management systems, including geographic information systems, related to the provision of humanitarian assistance. Working knowledge of policies and processes of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee or other policy-making organs as appropriate. 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; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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.
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.
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.
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 social sciences, international development, international affairs, information management science or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Additional certifications and courses in information management are desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively professional experience in humanitarian affairs or related fields, including substantive experience in the management of humanitarian information and reporting, of which at least five years has been at the international level preferably within the United Nations common system. Professional field experience (preferably in the context of inter-agency coordination in the field) is also highly desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. This vacancy is subject to availability of post. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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.
How to apply:
Please apply through the United Nations Careers webpage: https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.U...
