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 Infrastructure and Conference Technology Support services. This involves formulating and implementing the ICT Section's work program in line with UN ICT Strategy, overseeing daily operations, and coordinating with various UN entities. The role ensures excellent support for UNON's common back office, including LAN, WAN, and internet services, and manages ICT requirements for UN conferences. A key focus is on developing and maintaining stable, effective systems environments, including technology centers, and conducting risk assessments. The position also involves leading the ICTS team, managing projects, and contributing to modernization and digital transformation efforts aligned with UN 2.0 objectives.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Section is accountable for the management and administration of UNON's Information and Communication Technology Section (ICTS), specifically focusing on Infrastructure and Conference Technology Support. Key duties include formulating and implementing the ICTS work program, overseeing daily activities, and coordinating with internal and external UN clients. This involves ensuring robust support for local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and internet services. The role is responsible for developing standards for ICT conference support, including congress systems and A/V, and ensuring stable, effective systems environments. It also entails leading and directing ICTS staff, managing concurrent projects, and overseeing the integration of site-wide ICT infrastructure. The Chief acts as a primary stakeholder for major technology investment projects, monitors project performance, and manages ICT budgets and procurement. Additionally, the role involves preparing reports for interagency bodies and staying abreast of emerging technologies to drive modernization and digital transformation.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of ICT experience at a managerial level in international organizations is required. This includes at least 5 years of senior-level experience managing conferencing technologies and ICT infrastructure/networks for large international organizations. Experience in leading large-scale ICT change management projects for at least 10 years is also required. Desirable experience includes cloud-based endpoint management, AI/robotics automation, congress systems integration, and data strategy/digital transformation efforts.

Skills

Professionalism in systems design, development, management, and maintenance; strategic analytical capacity; knowledge of IT strategy and infrastructure; leadership and team management; planning and organizing; client orientation; vision and strategic thinking; negotiation skills; adaptability; risk assessment; project management; budget and procurement management; knowledge of emerging technologies and digital transformation.

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