Chief of Section, Information Systems and Telecommunications

Company: United Nations Qualification: Bachelor's Degree Experience Length: 48 Months Job Location Type: In-Person Country: Kenya Region: Nairobi Experience Level: Senior Level Industry: NGO Function: Administrator

About the Organization
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa, supporting global programme implementation for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS). UNON provides administrative, security, conference, and information services to UN offices across Kenya and globally.

Key Responsibilities

ICT Strategy and Operations

  • Design and implement secure, scalable ICT infrastructure and conference technology initiatives aligned with global ICT strategies.
  • Lead ICT-related capital projects involving innovative technical architectures, business continuity planning, and modernized ICT service operations.
  • Oversee design and optimization of the Primary and Secondary Technology Centers and their environmental monitoring systems.

Conference Technology Management

  • Ensure all ICT requirements for UNON-hosted conferences are met, including congress systems, audiovisual systems, and web content distribution.
  • Develop standards, procedures, and practices for conference ICT services.
  • Provide thought leadership for new conference facility projects, incorporating emerging technologies and industry best practices.

Policy Development and Compliance

  • Provide technical and policy advice on ICT infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulations and evolving business needs.
  • Monitor and enforce ICT security standards, budget planning, and cost recovery processes.
  • Ensure adherence to UN policies on gender balance and equal participation.

Leadership and Team Development

  • Supervise and mentor ICT staff, allocating work assignments and evaluating performance.
  • Lead recruitment and training programs to enhance team capabilities.
  • Serve as Officer-in-Charge (OiC) in the absence of the Chief, ICTS.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

  • Drive modernization efforts using emerging technologies, including AI, automation, and digital transformation.
  • Implement smart cloud hosting, endpoint management, and business process automation initiatives.
  • Contribute to data strategy development and digital transformation efforts.

Core Competencies

Professionalism

  • Extensive knowledge of systems design, implementation, and maintenance of complex ICT systems.
  • Strong analytical and strategic capacity to evaluate ICT and business operational issues.
  • Expertise in negotiating and influencing agreements in challenging scenarios.

Planning and Organizing

  • Develops clear, actionable goals aligned with organizational strategies.
  • Foresees risks, monitors plans, and uses time efficiently to meet deadlines.

Client Orientation

  • Establishes productive relationships with clients and identifies solutions to their needs.
  • Monitors progress and ensures timely delivery of services.

Leadership

  • Drives for change and fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture.
  • Demonstrates courage in decision-making and takes responsibility for gender balance in staffing.

Vision

  • Identifies strategic issues and communicates organizational goals effectively.
  • Inspires others with enthusiasm for future opportunities.

Education

  • Required: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or related fields.
  • Alternative: A first-level university degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may substitute for the advanced degree.
  • Desirable: Certifications in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs.

Experience

Required

  • 10+ years of international ICT sector experience, with managerial and contract management expertise.
  • Handling ICT requirements for large international conferences for a minimum of 10 years.
  • Leading large-scale ICT or conference technology upgrades and change management projects for a minimum of 10 years.

Desirable

  • 4+ years of experience in cloud-based endpoint management, cloud hosting, and business process automation using AI and robotic platforms.
  • 2+ years of experience with congress systems, audiovisual equipment, and their integration.
  • 4+ years of experience in data strategy development and digital transformation initiatives.

Why Join UNON?

  • Be part of a global organization driving impactful ICT innovations and solutions.
  • Collaborate with experts in an international and inclusive work environment.
  • Contribute to projects shaping the future of ICT services in the UN system.