Acting Chief

Vacancy Announcement Number                                                  12/95

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Post Number                                                                          To be determined

Functional Title and Grade                                                          Acting Chief, D-1

Department/Service                                                                  Central Support Services

Deadline for Applications                                                           7 October 2012

Estimated start date: as soon as possible

Duration : initially 6 months with the possibility of extension

United Nations Core Values:  Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity.

Candidates will be expected to move periodically to new functions throughout their careers and are subject to the assignment by the Secretary-General to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.

SUMMARY OF MAIN DUTIES

The post is located within the Division of Administration, UNOG. Under the general guidance of the Director of Administration (DOA) the incumbent is responsible for (a) directing and overseeing the operation, maintenance and repair of UNOG buildings and technical infrastructure and  the effective management of office space; (b) exercising control over and overseeing the efficient provision of service in the areas of procurement, contracting and office supplies, local transportations, freight and travel services, and property management; and  (c) the efficient execution of mail operations, messenger services, diplomatic pouch activities, and the provision of catering and cleaning services. In this context the incumbent is accountable to the DOA for:

-     Ensuring that the Central Support Services (CSS), UNOG is managed in an effective and efficient manner within the authorized resource framework, while adhering to existing regulations, rules, and relevant guidance documents. This entails, but is not limited to exercising control over the efficient planning, organization and supervision of all CSS functional areas and related operations;  providing effective support to the Section/Unit Chiefs in the realization of their respective tasks and projects; overseeing the general administration of CSS, including planning of staffing needs, selection of staff and handling staff management issues for its organizational units (200+ staff); and directing the preparation of budget estimates and the management of regular and extra budgetary funds.

-     Formulation of programme objectives and guidance concerning the direction, coordination and supervision of the activities of CSS and the formulation of related operational and programme activities.

-     Identifying and addressing strategic management support issues to enhance the service delivery capacity of CSS, and providing authoritative guidance and leadership to the respective staff of CSS.

-     Supporting the development and implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing delivery of client focused services in terms of quality, timeliness and efficiency, taking due account of opportunities to leverage technical innovation. This includes the preparatory work for the implementation of UMOJA and IPSAS and other Change Management initiatives.

-     Directing the preparatory work for the required overall renovation of the Palais des Nations, referred to as the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP), to address health and safety concerns, enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness. Overseeing the development of relevant concept papers and the draft implementation plan for the proposed project.

-     Fostering a level of rigor and transparency in conducting business through the strict adherence to the applicable regulations and rules; instilling a culture of accountability and responsibility demonstrated by all CSS personnel, be enhancing the professional and ethical standards; and keeping staff informed about strategic direction, priority activities and organizational developments, through timely and transparent communication.

-     Performing other tasks as requested.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of UN operations, policies, rules and procedures in the field of management. Proven ability to produce reports and papers on policy and politically sensitive issues; ability to review and edit the work of others. Sound political judgment and diplomatic skills. Experience in using standard UN software applications including IMIS and experience in applying IPSAS rules is desirable.

Managing performance: Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work of others; ability to make timely decisions; ability to coach, mentor, motivate and develop staff and encourage good performance.

Vision: Ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicate links between organization strategy and the Division’s goals; establish and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.

Leadership: Strong managerial/leadership skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex management policy and programme issues; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills. Tact in negotiating skills; good judgment and decision-making skills- 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. 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.

Judgment/decision-making: Mature judgment and initiative; imagination, resourcefulness, energy and tact; proven ability to provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals.

Communication: Excellent drafting ability and communication skills in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French and working knowledge on the other; ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of intergovernmental bodies; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business or public administration, engineering, economics, law, human resources management, financial management or related field. A first-level university degree in the foregoing disciplines in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

EXPERIENCE

At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, logistics, engineering, information technology or communications, at least 2 years at an international level is required. A minimum of 5 years of significant managerial responsibility is also required, preferably in the delivery of central support services. Experience in working in an international organization and in the area of project management is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGES

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, is required and working knowledge on the other is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

how to apply

Applicants are requested to transmit their Personal History Profile (PHP on http://careers.un.org application process), letter of motivation (and two latest PAS reports for UN staff) by email to division-administration@unog.ch and crp@unog.ch

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

While this temporary assignment will provide the successful applicant with an ideal 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.

External applicants may be considered when it is not possible to identify suitable internal candidates of the same department/office.

Please note that external candidates are generally not entitled to be appointed at the advertised level of this temporary vacancy and will therefore be graded in accordance with the current recruitment guidelines.  This means that the grade may be at a lower level than that of the advertised level of the post. For information on the provisions for special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17.

Date of issuance: 24 September 2012