GLOBAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ADVISER (GIA)

GLOBAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ADVISER (GIA)

Location : COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Application Deadline : 09-Oct-09

Type of Contract : FTA International

Post Level : P5

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 01-Jan-2010

Duration of Initial Contract : One-year

Expected Duration of Assignment : One-year (Expectation of renewal)

Background

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, Global Services Section and in close co-ordination with the Chief Technology Officer and Director, BOM/OIST, the Global ICT Adviser (GIA) is the Manager of the ICT unit focusing on Country Office ICT matters. S/he will oversee and facilitate ICT support to Country Offices, while also assisting the Chief of Global Services (BOM/OIST) in shaping and overseeing implementation in the COs of overall UNDP ICT projects and priorities that reflect UNDP needs and expectations. In the capacity of overseer of Global ICT support, s/he will be responsible for dissemination of information and advice to the management on best ICT practices and policies.

The incumbent will work closely with the Chief Technology Officer as well as the Deputy Director and other OIST team members and (a) contribute toward the development and regular review of a UNDP-wide ICT strategy that addresses the needs and opportunities of UNDP stakeholders, and (b) ensure that corporate policies and standards are applied by business units (Country Offices).

Duties and Responsibilities

ICT Leadership Function

The GIA manages teams of technology staff providing ICT support and services to Country Offices and develops a prioritized work plan identifying countries that require particular attention focusing on ICT issues. In this capacity s/he:

· Provides substantive guidance, leadership and advisory service to COs on ICT strategy and direction.

· Leads his/her team to work with HQ and CO management (RC, DRR, etc.) to develop a shortlist of key challenges in ICT management

· Collaborates with members of GSS to develop a consolidated list of challenges facing Country Offices

· Develops plans for proactive interventions and support to countries facing specific ICT-related challenges

· Manages and schedules services available in response to emerging needs among COs in crisis situations.

ICT Advisory Function

The GIA provides guidance and support to Country Offices on ICT management principles and practices. S/he:

· Promotes simplification and harmonization efforts at the CO level by facilitating coordination of ICT strategy, UN common ICT services and investment between UNDP and other agencies

· Represents UNDP in Delivering as One inter-agency ICT initiatives and participates as a member of the ICT Task Team under DOCO.

· Conducts business analyses, from ICT perspective, of CO business processes with a view to identifying and documenting new needs that could be supported by appropriate software applications

· Guides COs on infrastructure and connectivity requirements for effective use of the ATLAS (UNDP’s PeopleSoft ERP) and other corporate systems

· Leads ICT projects as may be assigned to him/her by the Deputy Director, Global Services Section.

· Creates and manages an ICT support and advisory team in order strengthen the ability to assist and follow through connectivity and ICT infrastructure issues in the Country Offices, with emphasis on ensuring compliance with UNDP’s minimum ICT standards.

Change Management Function

The GIA provides guidance and support to Country Offices as they adapt to new systems and other ICT initiatives, such as the introduction of tools to support Knowledge Management. S/he focuses on helping Country Offices adjust their processes and procedures to take maximum advantage of these and other innovations. s/he:

· Ensures that CO ICT teams effectively implement corporate software and ICT tools when these are rolled out

· Advises COs on questions of procuring ICT equipment or outsourced services, analyzing local options and providing support to the negotiation processes as and when needed

· Acts as tier 2 support for CO ICT issues relating to corporate systems

· Undertakes post implementation review of corporate software, and conveys to RR/RC and OIST the details of improvements made and any ongoing issues and concerns.

Corporate ICT Planning and Support Function

The GIA is the central actor in a BOM/OIST effort to involve UNDP business units and staff not based at the NY Headquarters in planning and oversight activities that have traditionally been done from, and by, Headquarters. Specifically, s/he:

· Documents and prioritizes Country Office ICT needs and opportunities for consideration in annual and biennial ICT strategy formulations;

· Develops and presents Country Office or regional business cases for initiatives and activities for consideration in annual and biennial ICT budget formulations;

· Represents the Country Office perspective in corporate ICT strategy and budgetary meetings and/or events;

· Provides Country Office perspectives on corporate ICT standards and policies to be promulgated;

· Ensures compliance of COs and other business units with UNDP’s ICT standards and policies.

Managerial function

Is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of UNDP resources including:

· People Management through recruitment, performance and career management of professional and supportstaff to motivate and promote organizational excellence

· Learning Management including establishing Unit Learning Plans and ensure staff supervised meet their development needs while meeting the needs of UNDP.

· Resource Management by providing strategic and data inputs into the OIST’s budget preparation exercises and managing sub-allotments issued to unit and/or specific activities within the unit.

· Contract Management including implementing procurement processes and providing oversight to contract implementation; certifies payments.

· Matrix Management by ensuring product/results handovers and consultations within prepared and executed as well as effective and efficient management of a multitude of partnerships with external actors and clients.

UNDP has made extensive capital investments in information and communication technologies.

Impact of Results

Errors in this function could lead to costly wastage of UNDP’s resources and investment in ICT, or interrupt and cause to shutdown the whole UNDP operations, resulting in major loss of money, UNDP creditability and image, and staff productivity.

Competencies

Managerial:

· Client oriented and service minded

· Strong communication skills

· Ability to establish substantive and managerial credibility on ICT issues with ICT managers and technical staff

· Learning and people development. Focus on development of the capacities of the staff in the Country Offices

· Ability to manage and lead as well as work in teams

· Ability to motivate and influence to action

· Proven interest and achievement in change management initiatives

· Proven analytical capacity

· Strong results orientation

Technical/Functional:

Strong technical background in ICT technologies, inclusive of:

· ICT Strategy and Portfolio Management

· Telecommunications

· ERP systems

· Desktop and network systems

· Systems development and management practices (SDLC, ITIL, CoBit, etc)

· ICT Security and Risk Management

· Business Continuity and Disaster Planning

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s Degree in Information and Communications Technology or related discipline or Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 12 years of specialized relevant experience

10-15 years practical experience in leading and managing teams of people and ICT services in international settings

Demonstrated track record of ICT strategic, operational, and financial planning

Strong working knowledge of UN system regulations, rules, practices and procedures.

The best candidate will have:

Prior experience with Infrastructure and Telecommunications implementations and operations

Substantial involvement in large-scale ICT systems implementation

Prior experience in the provision of consultative or advisory services

Experience in management of outsourced and offshore arrangements

Strong managerial capabilities with a proven track record in leading technical teams

Some experience working with crisis countries

Fluency in English required and fluency in French is highly desired.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=12461