CHIEF OF SECTION, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Organizational Context

The Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides comprehensive operational support, advisory services, and solutions to UN Secretariat entities, field missions, and regional commissions. The Office of the Director for Special Activities (DSA) within DOS focuses on specialized and cross-cutting capacities, offering direct support for entities facing special circumstances and operational planning priorities. This role integrates operational planning, partnerships, capacity building, and service delivery to address complex client needs.

Job Purpose

This Chief of Section role is pivotal in providing policy, operational, and advisory guidance to global Secretariat client entities, supporting strategy development and implementation. The position oversees the management of section activities, including operational planning and surge support during critical situations, ensuring timely delivery and coordination with UN system organizations, donors, and agencies. A key aspect involves providing advisory and operational guidance for staff support during escalated situations and crises, including administrative and response support to affected staff and families. The role also drives program/project development, emphasizing a data-driven approach using analytics and visualization tools to integrate resource planning, crisis response, partnerships, efficiency, and service delivery. Furthermore, it involves leading initiatives to strengthen the Division's core values, fostering collaboration, and advising the Director on resource allocation, risk management, and business continuity.

Responsibilities

Provide policy, operational, and advisory guidance to global Secretariat entities, supporting strategy development and implementation of policies and procedures. Plan and oversee section activities, including operational planning and surge support during critical or escalated situations, ensuring timely work program delivery and coordination with UN system organizations, donors, and agencies. Offer advisory and operational guidance for staff support during escalated situations/crises, including administrative and crisis response support. Oversee program/project development and implementation, focusing on cross-cutting efforts integrating resource planning, operational planning for crisis response, institutional partnerships, efficiency, and improved service delivery, utilizing a data-driven approach with analytics tools. Lead initiatives to strengthen the Division's core values through collaborative projects, partnerships, and agreements. Manage, supervise, and execute the section's work program, coordinating unit/section activities and reviewing drafts. Advise the Director on overall planning, resource allocation, risk management, and business continuity. Prepare inputs for the Division's work program, setting priorities and allocating resources. Perform programmatic/administrative tasks, including budget preparation, performance monitoring, reporting, results-based budgeting inputs, staff performance evaluations, and candidate interviews. Recruit staff, ensuring geographical and gender balance. Foster teamwork and communication. Represent the Organization at inter-agency meetings.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in programme management, administration, finance, human resources, or supply chain is required. Essential experience includes leading strategic/operational planning, collaborating with diverse international stakeholders, managing complex budgets and resource allocations, and serving in crisis settings. Experience coordinating organizational transitions and advising senior leadership is also required. Experience in international or field contexts is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Client Orientation, Leadership, Building Trust, Data analysis and visualization (e.g., Power BI, PowerPoint), Strategic planning, Operational planning, Crisis response, Budget management, Risk management, Business continuity, Teamwork, Communication, Inter-agency representation.

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