Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 224991
Job Network : Economic, Social and Development
Job Family : Programme Management
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : NEW YORK
Department/Office : Department of Safety and Security
Date Posted : Jan 5, 2024
Deadline : Jan 19, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

This position is located in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support (DPSS), Office of the Director. UNDSS is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight to the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System. UNDSS’s digital transformation initiative, guided by the UN Data Strategy, aims to modernize security management and accountability tools to support timely data-based critical decision-making, situational awareness, and information-sharing and, thus, better enable UN organizations and implementing partners to reach beneficiaries. The Programme Officer reports to the Director of DPSS.

This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, under the supervision of the Director DPSS, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Performs detailed business analysis by conducting workshops, focus groups and interviews to assess the status of the Department and its future needs in terms of digital transformation. Based on the results of the analysis, provides advice to senior management, including on the development of the institutional knowledge of coordinating information flows among partners and between organizational units.
• Leads the implementation of the DSS Blueprint for Digital Transformation and develop a detailed implementation plan leveraging external partnerships and the latest technology and solutions. Supports the development of communication material to promote digital transformation within the Department and beyond. Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Supports the work of the IMU by providing policy and operational advice in the areas of work, with a focus on the implementation, operations, monitoring and evaluation of workstreams for digital transformation. Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Collaborates with managers and subject matter experts across the Department and other UNSMS organizations to take on their best practices and lessons learned in digital transformation. Supports/promotes inclusion of the relevant elements of the digital transformation implementation plan into workplans, including the programme/project-level milestones, ensuring efficiencies and office-wide interoperability across digital technology projects. Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies,
• Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.

• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, information technology, project management, international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned areas, in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Certificate in PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, information technology, information or knowledge management, administration or related area is required.

Prior experience with information management and digital transformation initiatives is required.

Experience in project management is required.

Experience working on digital transformation and/or innovation in peacekeeping related areas is desirable.

Experience with large departmental initiatives and donor relations is desirable.

Experience in drafting high-quality reports is desirable.

Experience in international organizations is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.