Head of IT Services

Under the overall authority of the Senior Executive Officer (SEO), the head of ITS services is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating all informational technology programmes of the UIS. The incumbent ensures the availability of appropriate IT infrastructure, applications and software required to support the substantive statistical programmes of UIS and the delivery of responsive IT support to the staff and programmes of UIS. A key role is the identification and management of complex and diverse user requirements. 

The work involves the planning, development, and coordination of the information technology systems for the UIS. Included is the oversight of the development, design, and implementation of new IT applications and changes to existing IT systems and software packages. This work requires innovative approaches in the development of new IT applications and systems to meet changing and emerging statistical and programme needs of the Institute. The work of IT services has a direct impact on, and is critical to, the delivery of the substantive statistical programmes of the Institute. 

Managing a team of three staff, s/he will develop a UIS IT Strategy and contribute his/her expertise to the overall UIS data management strategy.

Specifically, the incumbent shall:

Establish and implement an IT systems and infrastructure strategy aligned to the UIS programme goals. Provide the following services:

• Develop, implement, and coordinate systems policies and procedures as needed.
• Determine standards for the Institute regarding acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of data and information.
• Plan, implement, manage, monitor, and upgrade the overall efficiency of the UIS IT systems and networks.

Contribute to the UIS’s digital strategy to increase the access to, visibility and usage of UIS data and information products among its user target segments.  Provide the following services: 

• Data Architecture and Maintenance: design and implement data centered infrastructure and solutions for current and future information products.
• Data Release: support the data production of programme team as needed.
• Database Administration: manage, monitor, and maintain UIS databases.
• Manage the implementation of changes to data systems to ensure compliance, protection, privacy, and security requirements.
• Plan and maintain UIS’ audiovisual, camera and phone systems, and software license control.
• Develop the section’s budget and spending plan, selecting and purchasing new and replacement hardware and software, when necessary, and maintaining inventory records of all IT assets. Establish and manage IT contracts.
• Develop training materials, technical and user documentation and train staff in the use of UIS systems.
• Keeping abreast of developments in the field and providing leadership on introducing technological changes.
• Lead and supervise the staff of the IT Unit, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and prioritization of daily tasks and responsibilities to achieve the overall objectives.
• Coordinate/liaise with UNESCO DBS on matters related to information technology systems for the UIS.
• Perform any additional activities that may be required in support of the mandate of the UIS and to ensure the success of the UIS team.

Required Qualifications:

Education:    

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, data management, information systems, information sciences, information technology or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of data ecosystems.
• At least five years of experience in envisioning, planning, and executing Information Technology roadmaps in a technical product environment in an organized way.
• Experience in database programming languages (SQL, etc.)
• Experience in DevOps tool chains consisting of tools like Git, Jenkins or Bamboo – or equivalent tools
• Experience of, creating, testing, and implementing business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Experience in managing teams.
• Experience in supporting cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders in support of analytics initiatives.

Skills and Competencies:

• Exposure to a variety of technologies such as web application proxies, databases, LDAP and directory services, application servers, network infrastructure, and understanding of security and dataflow within these components.
• Strong understanding and experience of network, application and infrastructure security; information security administration, data privacy compliance and cyber security.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Language:

• Excellent knowledge spoken and written of English.

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Montreal-Head-of-IT-Services-Re-advertisement-QC/786933402/