Chief , Information And Communications Technology And Disaster Risk Reduction Division

Chief , Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, D1

Department/ Office

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION DIVISION

Duty Station

BANGKOK

Posting Period

21 October 2011-20 December 2011

Job Opening number

11-ECO-ESCAP IDD-20949-R-BANGKOK

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

Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP's role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership, through its analytical, normative and technical cooperation, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

The incumbent reports directly to the Executive Secretary of ESCAP and supports Member States in the development of framework and policies related to information and communication technology, and manages the work programme comprising activities related to policy advice, ICT applications, space applications, and disaster risk reduction.

Responsibilities

- Leads, formulates, supervises and implements the work programme of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD).

- Coordinates and oversees the preparation of documentation for presentation to intergovernmental bodies, both substantive and administrative, and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.

- Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget and programme performance, programmatic and substantive issues.

- Supports Member States in the development of a legal and regulatory framework and competition policies related to investment and the provision of information, communication and space technology infrastructure and services; supports national efforts in the application of ICT in various economic and social sectors, particularly for strengthening the competitiveness of products and services.

- Ensures that the outputs produced by IDD maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced meet required standards and comply with the relevant mandates.

- Supports the Executive Secretary in planning, preparing, and implementing the IDD-related aspects of the work programme of ESCAP, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.

- Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars; coordinates regional preparations for the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and oversees implementation of the recommendations of WSIS.

- Represents the secretariat at intergovernmental, inter-agency and inter-division levels on issues relating to ICT and disaster risk reduction; organizes substantive servicing of meetings of intergovernmental bodies and develops effective partnerships with other UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, civil society institutions, academia, the private sector, etc. with a view to maximizing synergies.

- Oversees programmatic and administrative aspects of the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets in a results-based budgeting framework, reporting on programme performance.

- Manages the staff selection process, taking due account of geographical balance, and manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision.

- Fosters teamwork and communication among staff Division and across organizational boundaries.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter in the fields of information, communication and space technology infrastructure and services, disaster risk reduction, and application of ICT in various economic and social sectors; Proven ability to produce reports and papers on policy recommendations, technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.

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.

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.

Managerial Competencies:

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 public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences, or related field. Experience in managerial and policy-making positions and performing executive and administrative functions required. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant issues in the developing countries of the Asian and Pacific region highly desirable. Effective oral presentation skills and collaborative negotiation skills an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English with excellent drafting ability is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

An assessment and/or competency based interview are required for this post.

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.