Chief of Service (Chief, Specialized Desks)

Organizational Context

This role is within the Common Administrative Platform (CAP) at UN Headquarters, part of the One Executive Office (One EO) under the Department of Operational Support (DOS). One EO consolidates administrative functions as part of the UN80 reform, providing comprehensive services including HR, finance, and travel to New York-based Secretariat entities. The Chief of Service reports to the Director of Administration.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Service (Specialized Desks) is responsible for overseeing multi-entity staff administration operations and activities. This involves ensuring timely execution of programmed activities and coordinating work across One EO and other entities. The role requires strategic coordination, operational leadership, policy interpretation, data-driven decision-making, and staff management, all while ensuring compliance with UN regulations. Key functions include leading talent sourcing, staff administration, affiliated personnel management, travel, and general operations. The position also involves reporting on performance, ensuring high-quality outputs, assisting in work program planning and resource allocation, and advising senior management on administrative matters. Data analysis for HR planning and reporting, staff recruitment, and team development are also critical aspects of this role.

Responsibilities

Oversee multi-entity staff administration operations and activities, ensuring timely execution and coordination within One EO and with other entities. Lead and supervise work outputs related to Talent Sourcing, Staff Administration, Affiliated Personnel, Travel, and General Operations. Coordinate and manage a full spectrum of HR and administration activities, including recruitment, onboarding, entitlements, contract management, and staff separation, ensuring efficient service delivery. Report on programme performance and substantive issues to the Director of Administration. Maintain high-quality standards for all outputs and ensure compliance with operational procedures. Assist in preparing the work programme, setting priorities, and allocating resources. Undertake or oversee administrative tasks, advising senior management on budget, financial, HR, and general administration issues. Lead data collection and analysis for HR planning and reporting, producing complex reports for management. Recruit staff with due consideration for geographical balance. Manage, guide, develop, and train supervised staff, fostering teamwork and communication. Lead and supervise the organization of meetings and seminars. Participate in Directors’ meetings to provide expert advice on administrative and HR matters, including information management systems. Represent the Specialized Desks at Division of Administration meetings.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in staff administration, recruitment, and management of benefits/entitlements in complex, multi-stakeholder environments is required. Five years of experience leading HR service delivery teams in a multicultural setting and five years of providing authoritative HR advice to senior managers are also required. Experience in organizational reform and change management is necessary. Experience supporting global/decentralized operations and managing high-volume HR transactions is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Building Trust, Staff Administration, Recruitment, HR Management, Financial Administration, Policy Interpretation, Data Analysis, Team Management, Change Management, Communication, Reporting.

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