Head of the EMS Unit

Vacancy Announcement No: UPU/13/P5/FT-NC/22 Title: Head of the EMS Unit Grade: P5 Type of contract Fixed-Term (Non-Core) Appointment Duration:  three years	Publication Date: 9 October 2013 Application Deadline: 17 November 2013 (24 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications   Organizational Unit: Express Mail Service (EMS) Duty Station:  Bern Switzerland Scheduled date for taking up appointment:  as soon as possible
Organizational Context: The Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. EMS, an express mail service, is the fastest delivery product offered by postal operators both domestically and internationally. Members of the UPU cooperate to manage the coordination of the product features and measurement in the EMS Cooperative. The EMS Unit is the secretary to the EMS Cooperative.
Main duties: Under the authority of the Director General of the International Bureau and the supervision of the Director of DOT, the Head of the EMS Unit is a senior manager who will perform the following: - participates in the formulation of guidelines and strategies covering EMS programs. - is in charge of and makes decisions on all EMS matters in conformity with rules governing the UPU and the EMS Cooperative. - advises on the development of standards and measurement designed to meet operational needs and improve quality of service. - initiates, plans, coordinates and directs, through subordinate managers, the programs and activities of specialized groups in the accomplishment of tasks aimed at achieving the UPU objective of improving the interoperability, quality and efficiency of the physical postal network in order to keep the sector relevant to market and customer needs. - makes decisions on operational matters covering EMS. - represents the organization and acts as the EMS Cooperative Secretary and coordinates liaison with representatives of member countries during major events (EMS Cooperative General Assembly, Workshops, and the POC). Detailed duties & responsibilities: 1. Strategic duties 1.1 As a member of the International Bureau Management Committee: - Contributes ideas to the position and guidelines of the organization in terms of general policy, operations, budget and resources, staff management, etc. 1.2 As Head of EMS Unit: - Formulates guidelines and strategies subject to the approval by the EMS Cooperative and ensure their implementation in the area of EMS. - Undertakes research and analysis on quality of service results and develop strategies to improve quality of service. - Supervises cross-directorate projects. - Builds and strengthens partnerships with other directorates and other organizations in the industry. - Analyses trends in the international express market and evaluates their implications on EMS. 2. Management of the EMS Unit 2.1 Project formulation and implementation - Identifies priorities and strategic projects within the EMS Unit; supervises and coordinates their efficient and timely implementation with respect to the improvement of the EMS service and ensures their overall consistency and convergence with the strategy. - Gives instructions and coordinates with the DOT on the implementation of regional projects to improve the quality of service of EMS. 2.2 Implementation and coordination of ongoing activities - Provides pragmatic/substantive expertise and makes decisions on issues relating to the activities of the EMS Unit. - Ensures unit activities are carried out in line with the organization strategy. - Develops and implements procedures to improve workflow and productivity. - Coordinates the development of EDI messages and promotes their use with airlines and customs. 2.3 Administrative matters Oversees administrative matters necessary to the functioning of the EMS Unit, including: - supervising the preparation of the budget. - reporting to the Director of DOT and EMS Cooperative on the performance in the context of a results-based management. 2.4 Team management and organization - Proposes a clear organizational structure and ensures that job descriptions are prepared for each staff member to ensure the implementation of tasks assigned to the EMS Unit. - Prepares the work plan of the EMS Unit and allocates work assignments. - Leads, manages and motivates staff for improved performance. 3. Responsibility to UPU bodies 3.1 POC: - Acts as Secretary of the EMS Cooperative. - Advises UPU bodies in the areas of EMS. 3.2 EMS Cooperative and Board - Develops, initiates and proposes, priorities and business plans for the work of EMS. - Recruits and manages consultants and subcontractors for the EMS Cooperative when necessary. - Implements the decisions, programmes and guidelines decided by the Board and the EMS Cooperative. - Ensures all EMS Cooperative meetings are organised effectively. - Proposes and implements cooperation agreements between the EMS Cooperative and Restricted Unions or other post related organisations. 4. Communication/relationship with designated operators and other external partners - Maintains high-level contacts with designated operators with regard to their conformity to EMS standards and their participation in the further development of specific new standards and ensure coordination/communication of EMS standardization activities with the UPU members in general. - Represents the organization in relations with associated UN agencies and coordinate liaison with representatives of designated operators or countries in areas of EMS to ensure maximum efficiency.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education: Advanced university degree (Master or its equivalent) in Business management, economics or related fields Or First-level university degree (Bachelor or its equivalent) in business management, economics or related fields
Experience: with advance university degree: 10 years of relevant work experience with a designated operator at a management level Or with first level university degree: 12 years of relevant work experience with a designated operator at a management level
Technical knowledge:  - Very good knowledge and in-depth understanding of EMS strategic direction. - Very good knowledge of postal operations such as quality of service, supply chain management, security, standardization and certification, parcels, Customs, airmail, and EMS. - Very good knowledge of global postal sector trends in the above-mentioned areas. - Global and cross-project management skills. - Good knowledge of UPU bodies such as Congress and the POC (through 4 years' experience participating in and attending meetings). - Business presentation skills. - Budgeting knowledge and organization skills.
Skills and abilities / competencies: - Leadership. - Ability to identify key strategic issues and set strategic priorities. - Decision-making ability. - Ability to defend and explain difficult and complex issues. - Ability to plan and organize. - Good interpersonal skills and customer orientation.
Language skills: Perfect proficiency in English and the ability to communicate in French. Knowledge of other languages, particularly those used in the United Nations system, would be an asset.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) 80734 USD 86904 USD with primary dependants	Post adjustment: 104.9 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
The conditions of service are governed by the Staff Regulations and Rules of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. All applications must be received by the closing date as stated in the vacancy announcement. All applicants employed by postal entities and applying for a vacant position in the Professional (P) or Senior (D) category must be recommended and submitted through the competent postal authority. Applications not satisfying this criterion may not be considered. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Applications from women and member states are particularly encouraged. The UPU promotes diversity and work-life balance.
For further instructions regarding the online application process, please visit the UPU internet page at:http://www.upu.int/en/resources/vacancies