Closing date: Sunday, 19 April 2015
Location: Geneva
Close date: 19 Apr 2015
Job description
UNISDR: 15-IST-UNISDR-41374-R-GENEVA (O)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity â— Professionalism â— Respect for diversity
Org. Setting And Reporting
Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as PreventionWeb, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. This position is located in the UNISDR Office in Geneva and the incumbent reports to the Head of Advocacy and Outreach Section.
Responsibilities
Work implies frequent interaction with the following: User clients, including senior officials and managers throughout the Secretariat and missions, and senior officials of organs and agencies of the UN system. Systems Officers and other IT specialists throughout the Secretariat and other UN agencies. Senior technical staff and managers in user offices, including external users (e.g. governments, international organizations, etc. Counterparts in other organizations/businesses involved in systems strategy and development. Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors, IT consultants, contract staff, etc.
Expected results
Efficiently plans, develops, implements and monitors the work unit's program to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results that best serve the interests of the organization. Effectively utilizes, supervises and develops staff. Provides sound and innovative advice on a wide range of systems development related issues and problems. Establishes effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of online systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems. Ability to develop and oversee large centralized or decentralized institutional systems; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters. Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms or information architecture and web systems architecture, and knowledge of organization's information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Proven experience in user needs analysis, interaction-design, prototyping, usability testing and good knowledge of visual design principles. Ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives. Ability to advise senior management on complex systems development and related matters of significant importance to the institution; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters. Ability to improve processes and approaches; demonstrates adaptability to changing priorities. Knowledge of organization's information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s); strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. 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.
Managerial Competencies
Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organizations strategy and the work units goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
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.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, information management, business administration, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems, information management or related area. Experience working with web-based information services within a disaster risk reduction or related context is required. Experience in the management of web teams is required. Experience in product management in the delivery of information services and solutions is desirable. UN experience, including field work experience also desirable.
Languages: Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method: Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Application Information: http://www.unisdr.org/who-we-are/vacancies/43359