Org. Setting and ReportingThe Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place. This position is located in the Specialized Services Branch, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in New York. The Specialized Services Branch serves UN security by training personnel to prevent and respond to incidents, supporting staff resilience and stress management, advising on physical security of UN facilities, coordinating protective services for senior officials, and driving digital modernization of security and accountability systems. The Chief of Branch reports to the Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security and will oversee the management, formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the Branch. Ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work within the Branch and with other entities/organizations of the United Nations System. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/ PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.1(B) OF ST/AI/2025/2 ON THE \"STAFF SELECTION SYSTEM,\"ONLY A CANDIDATE ENDORSED BY THE CENTRAL REVIEW BODY, APPROVED FOR SELECTION BY THE HEAD OF ENTITY, AND WHO ASSUMES THE POSITION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ROSTER. ResponsibilitiesWithin limits of delegated authority, the Chief of Branch will perform the following duties: • Leads the transformation of the former Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support into the newly established Specialized Services Branch. • Leads and supervises the work of the Chiefs of the Training and Development Section, Critical Incident Stress Management Section, Physical Security Section, Protection Coordination Unit, and Information Management Unit. • Ensures the Branch’s compliance with United Nations and Departmental Standards, policies, rules and regulations. • Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the Branch and ensures alignment with the Department’s Results Chain. Provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others. • Provides the USG and ASG with expert advice to support and enable the Department’s work focusing on UN results and a HQ that supports partners and the field. • Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of Branch-related responses to audit reports and evaluations.. • Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues related to SSB, as appropriate. • Ensures that the outputs produced by the Branch maintain high-quality standards and are compliant with the Department’s Results Chain and United Nations policies; that reports are clear, objective and based on data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Units/Sections under their supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. • Prepares the work programme of the Branch, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery, using a results-based approach. • Oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Branch, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), using recruitment processes and selections to further implementation of the Department’s People Strategy and approached to gender, diversity and inclusivity, interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. • Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance, gender and inclusion. • Manages, guides, develops and coordinates the basic and specialist training for staff under their supervision; motivates and mentors staff. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch and across organizational boundaries. • Leads on implementing departmental strategies and action plans related to the Branch’s mandate and programme of work, including on disability inclusion, anti-racism, and gender/diversity. • Participates in international, regional or national meetings, as appropriate, and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, law, social sciences, international affairs or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, administration, or related field is required. At least five years in management roles, in development, humanitarian, or peace and security coordination management, including in a multi-cultural setting and of cross-functional teams is required. Experience in the coordination and oversight of support by diverse technical experts is required. Experience in leading organizational change management processes is required. Experience in managing training and/or digital transformation projects in multi-cultural teams is desirable. Experience coordinating with multiple partners in the UN Common System or similar international organization or non-governmental organizations is desirable. At least four years of field experience in conflict or post-conflict environment over the past ten years is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian or Spanish or Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).