Strategy Expert

Vacancy Announcement No: UPU/14/P2/FT-C/42 Title: Strategy Expert Grade: P2 Type of contract Fixed-Term (Core) Appointment Duration:  Three years	Publication Date: 12 March 2014 Application Deadline: 9 April 2014 (3 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications   Organizational Unit: Executive Office, Strategy and Communication Directorate (DCSC) Strategy Programme Duty Station:  Bern Switzerland Scheduled date for taking up appointment:  as soon as possible
Organizational Context: With its 192 member countries, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, 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.
Main duties: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager and the overall guidance of the Director of DCSC, the incumbent will: - provide analysis related to the planning, implementation and reporting of the UPU Strategy Programme; - prepare and participate in dedicated committees of UPU bodies in conjunction with the Programme Manager. 1. Strategic planning process a) Planning - analyze data and write draft reports on current and future developments in the postal sector and in the external environment that might be relevant to the UPU strategic planning process; - carry out studies and analyses pertaining to planning activities as defined by the Programme Manager; - in conjunction with the Programme Manager, make proposals on the development of UPU strategic events (UPU strategy conference, UPU regional round tables, UPU general debate)and their themes and topics; communicate these proposals to the interested parties, analyze their suggestions and prepare the final draft. b) Implementation and monitoring - develop and manage a methodology for analyzing the implementation of the strategy at the regional level; - develop and adapt a set of performance indicators (at global and regional levels) aimed at measuring the implementation of the strategy; - collect, analyze and disseminate to member countries information about global implementation of the UPU postal strategy, in conjunction with the Programme Manager. c) Reporting - analyze activities and prepare regular evaluation reports on the implementation of the "programme" part of the UPU Programme and Budget and of the UPU strategy; - identify any corrective measures to be taken with a view to achieving UPU strategy objectives by the UPU International Bureau's Management Committee and by the two councils (Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council) and make proposals in this regard to the Programme Manager. d) Research, analysis and development - carry out specific research as requested. 2. Secretariat duties - assist in drafting proposals and preliminary recommendations by the International Bureau for submission to the meetings of the UPU Strategy Committee and its working groups; - take responsibility for drafting final reports on the results and outcomes of the following events: UPU strategy conference, UPU regional round tables and UPU general debate. 3. Perform other related duties as assigned, including replacing or supporting others where necessary.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education: First-level university degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) in political science, business administration, economics, international relations or a similar field.
Experience: 1) With bachelor's degree or equivalent, minimum two years of professional experience in an international organization or in the strategy department of a company. 2) Without bachelor's degree or equivalent, eight years of relevant experience at the UPU or in another UN agency, or in the postal sector in an area relevant to this post.
Technical knowledge:  - Good knowledge of the UPU structure, strategy and governance; - Excellent report/document writing skills; - Good understanding of strategic planning principles and techniques (including results-based management); - Broad knowledge of and interest in economic topics, current economic and socio-political events and emerging economies; - Knowledge of functioning of international organizations belonging to the UN system or similar; - Good understanding of strategic planning process; - Computer literate with good knowledge of MS Office.
Skills and abilities / competencies: - Proven ability to work on a multitude of various tasks in a multicultural environment; - Sound analytical skills; - Ability to determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided; - Ability to set priorities.
Language skills: Proficiency in English or in French. Knowledge of the other language would be an advantage.
Additional Information: Candidates must ensure that they provide relevant contact details so that they can be contacted at any time, to prevent them from being excluded from the selection process.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) 46 819 USD 49 916 USD with primary dependants	Post adjustment: 104.7 % 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.
Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for written test. Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.
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