Chief Information Officer and Director

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

H (no hardship)Family DI2Professional

* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentNo2025-01-01May 21, 2024

Chief Information Officer and Director

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Division of Information Systems and Telecommunications (DIST) is responsible for ensuring that UNHCR takes advantage of effective and efficient information and communications solutions that enable and facilitate UNHCR’s execution of its mandate. DIST aims to create an accessible, service-oriented, effective, and efficient IT service organization that is aligned with the core business of UNHCR, meets the IT needs of the organization - both in field operations and at Headquarters and leverage industry-standard technology for the organization.

The Chief Information Officer and Director plays a critical role in developing and executing the organization's information technology strategy. S/he is responsible for shaping the organization's approach to leveraging technology to achieve its goals, with a focus on enhancing information security, utilizing cloud computing, harnessing artificial intelligence, leveraging big data and analytics, optimizing enterprise architecture, and fostering innovation. Reporting to the Deputy High Commissioner, the incumbent collaborates with senior management and stakeholders to ensure that technology initiatives align with the organization's mission and objectives. 

The responsibility of this position also includes regular liaison with member state representatives, the UN system, private sector technology service providers, as well as key global IT industry professionals and standards institutions.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Lead the development of the IT strategy aligned with UNHCR's key strategic directions and priorities, collaborating closely with stakeholders across the organization.

• Prepare UNHCR for the future by experimenting with and adopting emerging technologies to address business challenges.

• Forge and nurture strategic partnerships both internally and externally on a global scale to catalyse transformative technology initiatives and facilitate innovation.

• Ensure the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust cybersecurity strategies and protocols to safeguard organizational assets and mitigate cyber threats.

• Direct the development and maintenance of enterprise architecture frameworks to align IT strategies with business objectives, ensuring optimal efficiency, scalability, and innovation.

• Align cloud computing with business objectives, integrating solutions efficiently while ensuring compliance, cost-efficiency, and managing associated risks through effective evaluation and ongoing security measures.

• Drive strategic utilization of big data, oversee the development of robust data architecture, and lead analytics initiatives to derive actionable insights that inform decision-making and drive organizational growth.

• Steer the strategic utilization and ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence, including Generative AI and large language models, to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and foster responsible AI governance within the organization.

• Strengthen accountability and oversight for information and IT resources, services, and activities across a decentralized organizational structure, while also addressing challenges associated with unauthorized IT deployments.

• Develop and implement robust systems and protocols to detect and prevent fraudulent activities perpetrated by users of corporate systems, ensuring the security and integrity of organizational assets and data.

• Lead the continual enhancement of IT technologies, systems, and services, optimizing internal IT delivery efficiency through process improvements.

• Provide strategic counsel and operational support to the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner in governing and leveraging information technology to enhance organizational effectiveness and achieve mission-critical goals.

• Lead and actively participate in cross-divisional and UNHCR-wide initiatives to drive positive organizational and workforce transformation.

• Ensure UNHCR's workforce and partners are equipped to effectively respond to emergency situations through the provision of IT equipment and resources, including satellite and other forms of emergency communications infrastructure and support.

• Develop and implement comprehensive policies, standards, and guidelines for technology and services, ensuring alignment with the overarching IT vision and strategy.

• Oversee the selection and management of external strategic suppliers to ensure alignment with the organization's IT strategy and business objectives, as well as fostering collaborative partnerships to drive innovation.

• Foster an inclusive workplace culture valuing everyone, respecting and celebrating differences, and ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all.

• Lead risk assessments, integrate risk management in strategic decisions, and ensure allocation of funds for risk mitigation. Foster discussions with teams to manage risks and seize opportunities aligned with objectives, keeping the risk register updated, and escalating risks as necessary.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For D2 - 18 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 17 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Information Technology,                   Information Management,                 Business Administration

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

• Minimum 16 years of supervisory experience in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment OR a minimum of 16 years in information systems and telecommunications with exposure to diverse information and communication technology fields.

• Of these 16 years, at least 10 years should be in an international capacity and in a job similar or close to the functional area that is directly relevant to the current position.

• Proven ability to interact effectively with corporate and external counterparts, as well as with senior UNHCR officials.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing enterprise objectives in a dynamic operating environment.

• Proven experience in partnership building to connect with various stakeholders to create opportunities to collaborate, co-create and innovate.

• Experience in managing and leading large organizations and complex budgets.

• Prior experience in successfully managing a diverse group of highly skilled professionals; capacity to motivate teams to excel in competitive markets within the context of a multilateral organization.

• Strong track record of sound professional and personal judgment demonstrated ability to exercise independence in decision-making.

• Proven ability to formulate, articulate and implement a vision and strategy for IT; and demonstrated ability to lead multicultural and multidisciplinary teams of professionals within demanding, high-profile organizations.

• Commitment to a strong and healthy culture of honesty, trust, openness, integrity, and accountability.

• Knowledge of strategic corporate information and/or IT management, operations management, IT infrastructure, and solution systems.

• A high degree of initiative, broad functional experience, and sound judgement in assessing the beneficial use of technological investment on an organization-wide basis and ability to devise solutions to complex problems.

• Demonstrated mastery of management practices/standards and processes with exposure to provision of support services in an international / global organization, preferably within the UN.

• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead staff in an international, multi-cultural, solutions and service-oriented context.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical investments, projects and programmes to non-technical senior managers.

• Field experience in a global enterprise or organization.

Desirable

• Applied knowledge of UNHCR's mandate and protection principles.

• Experience both at UNHCR Headquarters and with field operations.

• Experience with international development and humanitarian assistance.

Functional Skills

MG-Strategy Development and Implementation

MG-Partnership Development

MG-People Management

MG-Stakeholder Management

MG-Management Planning

MG-Coordination

MG-Delegation

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Judgement and Decision Making

Leadership

Managing Performance

Managing Resources

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Technological Awareness

Planning and Organizing

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The desired candidate for this position should possess a robust background in crafting and implementing information technology strategies. They must demonstrate proficiency in leveraging cloud computing, harnessing artificial intelligence, utilizing big data and analytics, implementing and optimizing enterprise systems, and driving innovation. Given the collaborative nature of the role, the candidate should have extensive experience working with senior management and stakeholders to ensure that technology initiatives align with organizational objectives. Furthermore, the candidate should have a proven track record of engaging private sector technology providers and global IT industry professionals.

In additon, the following is essential:
• Demonstrated adaptability to evolving enterprise objectives within a dynamic operational setting.
• Proven track record in cultivating partnerships to engage diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration, co-creation, and innovation opportunities.
• Extensive experience in effectively managing and overseeing large organizations and complex budgets.
• Prior success in leading diverse teams of highly skilled professionals, with a talent for motivating them to excel in competitive markets within a multilateral organization.
• Proficiency in strategic corporate information and/or IT management, operations management, IT infrastructure, and solution systems.
• Ability to articulate complex technical investments, projects, and programs clearly and effectively to non-technical senior managers.

,

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

The role of the Division of Information Systems and Telecommunications (DIST) is to provide information and communications solutions that help UNHCR to carry out its mandate in a effective and efficient way. DIST strives to establish an IT service organization that is accessible, service-oriented, effective, and efficient, that supports the core business of UNHCR, both in field operations and at Headquarters, and that uses industry-standard technology for the organization. 

The Director of the Division of Information Systems and Telecommunications has an important role in creating and implementing the organization's plan for using information technology. He/She is in charge of guiding the organization's way of using technology to reach its goals, with an emphasis on improving information security, using cloud computing, applying artificial intelligence, using big data and analytics, enhancing enterprise architecture, and promoting innovation. The incumbent reports to the Deputy High Commissioner and works with senior management and stakeholders to make sure that technology projects match the organization's mission and objectives. This position also requires frequent communication with member state representatives, members of the UN system, private sector technology service providers, as well as major global IT industry experts and standards organizations. 

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

MG-Coordination, MG-Delegation, MG-Management Planning, MG-Partnership Development, MG-People Management, MG-Stakeholder Management, MG-Strategy Development and ImplementationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Information Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Information Technology

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance