Org. Setting and ReportingThe mandate of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. The role of ESCAP as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis and with normative, technical and capacity-building assistance to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific. The objective of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD) is to strengthen information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity and enhance regional cooperation and capacity with the goals of improved management of disaster risk reduction and the associated socioeconomic risks, towards inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. This position is located in the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division. The incumbent reports to the Executive Secretary and supports Member States in the development of framework and policies related to information and communication technology, and manages the work programme comprising activities related to policy advice, ICT applications, space applications, and disaster risk reduction. ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions: • Leads, formulates, supervises and implements the work programme of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD). • Coordinates and oversees the preparation of documentation for presentation to intergovernmental bodies, both substantive and administrative, and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. • Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget and programme performance, programmatic and substantive issues. • Supports Member States in the development of a legal and regulatory framework and competition policies related to investment and the provision of information, communication and space technology infrastructure and services; supports national efforts in the application of ICT in various economic and social sectors, particularly for strengthening the competitiveness of products and services. • Ensures that the outputs produced by IDD maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced meet required standards and comply with the relevant mandates. • Supports the Executive Secretary in planning, preparing, and implementing the IDD-related aspects of the work programme of ESCAP, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. • Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars; coordinates regional preparations for the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and oversees implementation of the recommendations of WSIS. • Represents the secretariat at intergovernmental, inter-agency and inter-division levels on issues relating to ICT and disaster risk reduction; organizes substantive servicing of meetings of intergovernmental bodies and develops effective partnerships with other UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, civil society institutions, academia, the private sector, etc. with a view to maximizing synergies. • Oversees programmatic and administrative aspects of the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets in a results-based budgeting framework, reporting on programme performance. • Manages the staff selection process, taking due account of geographical balance, and manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. • Fosters teamwork and communication among staff Division and across organizational boundaries. CompetenciesCore Competencies: Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter in the fields of information, communication and space technology infrastructure and services, disaster risk reduction, and application of ICT in various economic and social sectors; Proven ability to produce reports and papers on policy recommendations, technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managerial Competencies: 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 improvements; 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. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences or related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationPh.D degree in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences or related field is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences, or a related field is required. Experience in managerial and policy-making positions, and in performing executive and administrative functions is required. Experience leading policy analysis, policy advisory services, technical cooperation, and capacity-building support to governments or intergovernmental bodies in the areas of ICT, digital development, disaster risk reduction, disaster resilience, or related areas is required. Experience setting the strategic direction, priorities, resource allocation, and delivery framework of a substantive programme of work at the national, regional, or international level is required. Experience managing programme planning, budget preparation, resource allocation, and programme performance reporting in a results-based management or results-based budgeting framework is required. Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, including setting strategic direction, supervising staff, managing performance, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality outputs, is required. Proven experience working at a strategic level on issues related to information and communications technology and disaster risk reduction in developing countries in the Asian and Pacific region is desirable. Experience with the United Nations programmes, policies, rules and regulations is desirable. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks as well as partnerships with academia, civil society, governments as well as subregional organizations, and the private sector is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. 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).
This vacancy is archived.