Chief of Section, Information Systems and Telecommunications

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services. The incumbent of this Nairobi based position will report to the Director, Division of Administration (DAS), United Nations Office in Nairobi. Responsibilities Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Director of Division of Administrative Services (DAS), the Chief of Section for Information and Communication Technology Section (ICTS) is responsible for the management and administration of the Infrastructure and Conference Technology Support services at UNON. This includes the following functions: • Formulate, direct and implement the substantive programme of work of ICTS in compliance with the decisions made by governing and legislative bodies and the United Nations ICT Strategy. • Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Section, ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinate work within the scope of the Service's responsibility with clients in UNON, in UNEP, in UNHABITAT, in Agencies Funds and Programmes in Nairobi and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate. • Lead the ICTS team to ensure that UNON Common Back Office clients receive excellent support in terms of administration of the Local Area Network (LAN), the Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet Service in the UN Gigiri Complex and other services. • Ensure the development of standards, procedures and practices to ensure all ICT requirements for United Nations Conferences held at UNON are fulfilled, from congress system, A/V to web related content distribution systems. • Ensure the development of standards and procedures to guarantee stable and effective systems environment. Set up, control, and seek increased utilization of the Primary Technology Centre (PTC) and Secondary Technology Centre (STC) and associated environmental monitoring systems. • Conduct ICT and conference technology risk assessment, including regarding the implementation of open-source applications in alignment with UN Secretariat framework. • Lead and direct the team of information systems officers; plan and allocate work assignments; coach, mentor, and evaluate ICTS staff. • Manage/oversee multiple and concurrent projects that involve innovative applications, databases, and system integration. Coordinate the planning and integration of site-wide ICT infrastructure of the UNON complex, including the ICT-related infrastructure for the office facilities, conference facilities, and safety and security. • Role of a primary stakeholder for major capital investment and upgrade projects that include technology components and infrastructure, including the Conference Facilities Project and any future office extensions or refurbishments. • Monitor performance, ensure that projects meet established time and cost parameters and standards of technical quality. • Provide recommendations for ICTS for ICTS budget planning, cost recovery revenue monitoring, inputs to development of the annual programme of work, client relationship management, KPI reports etc. • Manage and monitors ICT budgets and procurement, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, preparing bid documents and arranging contracts. • Co-ordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to interagency bodies at the duty station and for other pertinent bodies governing the IT activities both at the duty station and globally. This extends also to reports prepared for the ACABQ and the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly and other policy-making organs as far as UNON IT matters are concerned, as appropriate. • Keeps abreast with new emerging technologies and drives modernization, efficiencies and digital transformation, emerging technology optimization which bring service delivery efficiencies, aligned with UN 2.0 objectives, AI use case in UN agencies etc. and contribute to innovations and improved business solutions at UNON. Competencies • PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of 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, knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). 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. • PLANNING & 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. • LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvements. Does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Education An Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information and communication technology systems, mathematics, statistics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in the specified fields of studies in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Understanding of DGACM’s Enterprise systems (eMeets, eAPG, iDCPMS ). Broadexperience with Congress Systems, A/V equipment and experience with their integration is desirable. Work Experience A minimum of 10 years’ experience within the ICT sector at the managerial level in international organizations is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience at the senior level managing conferencing technologies for large international conferences is required. A minimum of 5 years of experience at the senior level managing ICT infrastructure and network for large international organizations is required. Experience in leading large-scale change management projects related to ICT for a minimum of ten (10) years is required. Proven experience in leading cloud-based endpoint management, smart cloud hosting (cloud & on-prem) and business process automation projects using AI, robotics powered automation platforms for a minimum of four (4) years is desirable. Broad experience with congress systems, A/V equipment and experience with their integration for a minimum of two (2) years is desirable. Experience in data strategy development/implementation, data-driven change or digital transformation efforts for a minimum of four (4) years is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview. Special Notice Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and any extension will be subject to availability of funds. Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Candidate Profile (CP) and motivation statement. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. When completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 April 2026 are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Liberia. Libya, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee