CHIEF OF SECTION, INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa, providing essential administrative, security, conference, and information services to support UNEP, UN-Habitat, and the Resident Coordination System globally. This role is based in Nairobi and reports to the Director of the Division of Administration (DAS).

Job Purpose

The Chief of Section, Information Systems and Telecommunications, is responsible for managing and administering UNON's Information and Communication Technology Section (ICTS), focusing on Infrastructure and Conference Technology Support. This involves formulating and implementing the ICTS work program in line with UN strategies, overseeing daily operations, and coordinating with various UN entities and external organizations. The role ensures excellent support for UNON's common back office clients, manages network services, and develops standards for stable and effective ICT systems. Additionally, the position plays a key role in risk assessment, project management for ICT infrastructure upgrades, and budget/procurement oversight, while driving modernization and digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Manage and administer UNON's ICT Section, including Infrastructure and Conference Technology Support. Formulate, direct, and implement the ICTS work program according to UN strategies and governing body decisions. Oversee section activities, ensuring timely execution and coordination with internal and external clients. Lead the ICTS team to provide excellent support for LAN, WAN, and Internet services. Develop and enforce standards for ICT systems and conference technology, including congress systems and A/V integration. Conduct risk assessments for ICT and conference technology. Lead and mentor ICT staff, managing work assignments and performance. Oversee multiple concurrent projects, including system integration and site-wide ICT infrastructure planning. Act as a primary stakeholder for major capital investment and upgrade projects. Monitor project performance against time, cost, and quality parameters. Provide recommendations for ICTS budget planning, cost recovery, and client relationship management. Manage ICT budgets and procurement processes. Coordinate and prepare reports for interagency bodies and policy-making organs. Drive modernization, digital transformation, and the adoption of emerging technologies like AI to enhance service delivery.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 10 years of ICT management experience in international organizations. Also required are 5 years of senior-level experience managing conferencing technologies and 5 years managing ICT infrastructure/networks for large international organizations. Ten years of experience leading large-scale ICT change management projects is necessary. Desirable experience includes cloud endpoint management, AI/robotics automation, congress systems integration, and data strategy/digital transformation.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Client Orientation, Leadership, Vision, Systems Design & Development, Information System Management, Strategic Analysis, Negotiation, Adaptability, Risk Assessment, Project Management, Budget Management, Procurement, Modernization, Digital Transformation, AI Adoption.

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