Chief of Administration

Contract

This is a D-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 177,744 USD and 224,295 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA unescwa.org) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 20 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of eectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

This position is located within the Resource Management and Service Development Division (RMSDD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Director-RMSDD reports directly to the Executive Secretary of ESCWA.

Responsibilities Within the framework of the broad delegation of authority with respect to various management functions, the Director-RMSDD is responsible for all administrative functions and for providing the requisite administrative support for carrying out the substantive work of the Commission effectively and efficiently. The Director-RMSDD will be responsible for carrying out the following functions:

• Oversee the administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of RMSDD, and prepare the work programme of RMSDD, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Lead, supervise, and carry out the work programme of RMSDD through the supervision of the Financial Management Service Section (FMSS), the People Management Central (PMC), the Information, Communication and Technology Section (ICTS), the Facilities and Asset Management Service Section (FAMSS), the Conference Management Service Section (CMSS), the Procurement Unit (PU), the Medical and Welfare Service Section (MWSS) and the Service Management Unit (SMU).
• Ensure that the outputs produced by the Sections maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective, based on comprehensive data, and meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
• Undertake or oversee the preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of the Commission's administration and budget using result-based budgeting and the related performance reports for presentation to the Programme Planning and Budget Division, and intergovernmental bodies (the General Assembly's Fifth Committee, the Committee for Policy Coordination (CPC), the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions (ACABQ); and the ESCWA Commission's Session and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. Advise on all administrative questions and policies concerning the Commission, including budgeting, financial and administrative policy issues
• Assist Senior Management in operationalizing the Secretary General UN-wide data strategy and in improving and optimizing internal business process transformation with the aim of accelerating efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Develop, nurture, and undertake oversight of partnerships with UN entities by continually promoting the value added and comparative advantage of ESCWA with regards to ONE UN service delivery while maintaining steady revenue streams from those collaborations. Oversee the management of all ongoing external partnership with the host government and national authorities of ESCWA and Advise the ESCWA Senior Management in negotiation of host government agreements (conferences and meetings away from Beirut) and their implementation.
• Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, and projects on substantive issues and acts as focal point for internal, external audits and audit recommendations; and for regular and extra-budgetary accounts, monitoring resource gaps, surpluses and forecasting program/project financing.
• Exercises delegated authority in the recruitment of staff, and support the head of entity to implement the SG strategies on gender parity, geographical distribution, diversity, and inclusion by contributing to the development of the human resources action plan and by promoting awareness and means to achieve equity and inclusion.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in RMSDD and across organizational boundaries.
• Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides administrative expertise on issues or holds administrative and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.

• As requested by the Executive Secretary, represents the Division and ESCWA at international, regional or national meetings.

  Competencies Professionalism: Expert knowledge in programme development, administration, and management in the UN System, including supporting administrative disciplines in budget, finance, human resources, logistics and communications technology systems, conference management services, procurement and facility management. Proven ability to produce reports and papers concerning the various areas of responsibilities cited above and to review and edit the work of others. Demonstrated ability to provide seasoned, effective, and specialized advice to Senior Management on a range of financial, human resources, technological and logistical areas, including the management of substantive programmes. 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. 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.

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in business, or public administration, human resources management, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, sciences or related area. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, logistics, financial management, budgeting, or other related fields is required.

At least five years of Experience with business consolidation arrangements such as common services, cost sharing, and service delivery is desirable.

Experience in leading projects in business operational transformation and innovative solutions such as Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is desirable.

Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand).

Assessment The shortlisted candidates may undergo a substantive assessment related to the functions of the post in addition to a competency-based interview.

Special Notice Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The recommendation or selection decision for this position shall be void if the recommended or selected candidate does not obtain a clearance according to ST/SGB/2005/7 on designation of staff members performing significant functions in the management of financial, human or physical resources.

Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the position or funds, budgetary approval, and extension of the mandate.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 November 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their profile and cover letter.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.