Director, Administration

Organizational Context

The Division of Administration (DA) within the UN Secretariat's Department of Operational Support (DOS) at UN Headquarters provides essential administrative support. Its scope includes facilities management, commercial services, insurance policies, payroll, accounts payable, and tax functions, structured across several key services. The Director of Administration reports directly to the Under-Secretary-General of DOS.

Job Purpose

The Director of Administration is responsible for overseeing and providing executive direction for the efficient functioning of the Division of Administration. This includes contributing to the department's strategic vision and policies, leading innovative change management programs, and formulating/implementing the Division's work program. The role involves managing activities, allocating resources, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs. The Director also coordinates reporting to legislative bodies, interacts with oversight bodies, and ensures high standards of administrative output. Furthermore, the position involves managing staff, fostering teamwork, representing the organization, and maintaining productive relationships with host country counterparts.

Responsibilities

The Director will contribute to departmental strategy and policy formulation, providing programmatic advice and acting as an advisor to the Under-Secretary-General. They will oversee and direct the Division of Administration's operations, ensuring efficient and effective execution of programmed activities and leading change management initiatives. Responsibilities include formulating and implementing the Division's work program, setting priorities, and allocating resources. The Director will manage activities, coordinate work internally and externally, and oversee the preparation of reports for legislative and intergovernmental bodies. Engagement with oversight bodies, ensuring high-quality output, and managing programmatic/administrative tasks such as budgeting and performance reporting are key. Staff management, including recruitment, development, and fostering teamwork, is also crucial. The role involves representing the organization in meetings and maintaining external relations.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in administration, financial management, HR, operational support, facilities management, logistics, or budget is required. This includes at least 5 years of leadership experience managing diverse teams in administrative areas. Experience in change management, business improvement, or innovation projects is also required. Experience with UN system or international organizations and representing entities before intergovernmental bodies is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Judgement/Decision Making, Managerial and conceptual skills, Expert knowledge of substantive field, Ability to apply UN rules/regulations, Conscientiousness, Efficiency, Persistence, Calmness under stress, Ownership of responsibilities, Compliance with regulations, Subordinate support and oversight, Taking responsibility for shortcomings, Understanding client needs, Building partnerships, Monitoring developments, Meeting client timelines, Empowering others, Proactive strategy development, Conflict resolution, Driving change, Courage, Gender mainstreaming, Identifying key issues, Gathering information, Considering impacts, Making informed recommendations.

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