CHIEF OF STRATEGIC PLANNING SERVICE

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 242,484 USD and 305,990 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 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 role provides is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and changing organization. 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/

This post is in the Strategic Planning Service (SPS) in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (OUSG). Under the general guidance of the USG, who is responsible for formulating the primary vision, strategic direction for the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), the Chief of SPS serves as principal adviser to UNDSS on these matters, collaborates with other Divisions, liaises with stakeholders and leads, manages and directs the work of the service, with responsibility for the overall functioning of the Service. The Service is responsible for strategic planning, communications, gender and inclusivity, risk management, compliance, evaluation and understanding our impact as a Department.

Responsibilities Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Strategic Planning Service. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Service, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Office of the Under-Secretary-General and Department, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate.

• Assists the USG in preparing the work programme of the Department, determining priorities, allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; assists the USG with development and implementation of Departmental strategy and associated action; assists the Department’s senior leadership with expert advice on forward-leaning strategies and approaches to support and enable the UN’s work; assists the USG with organizational change management, including the identification of associated risk mitigation strategies;

• Co-ordinates and oversees the Department’s approach to results-oriented planning: managing the framework for impact-driven performance evaluation and linking UNDSS actions and input to UN results.

• Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Strategic Planning Service. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the Service and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others.

• Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.

• Ensures that the outputs produced by the Service maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. Ensures strategic alignment of the SPS programme of work to UN field programmes and UNDSS vision, with an objective of mainstreaming safety and security into the UN system’s programmes and activities.

• Co-ordinates and oversees all aspects of the Department’s strategic communications including the communications strategy, including by working with other Divisions/Units to plan, coordinate and develop communications products, and oversee content management, in line with the Department's vision and communications strategy.

• Co-ordinates and oversees the Department’s approach to gender and inclusivity, including by anchoring all gender and inclusivity initiatives in a results-driven framework for tangible outcomes.

• Co-ordinates and oversees the process of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of, and compliance with, UNSMS policies and framework, procedures and guidelines; co-ordinates and oversees strategic and thematic evaluations and promote knowledge management, including lessons learned and best practices in safety and security-related matters.

• Co-ordinates and oversees corporate planning, enterprise risk management, audit, etc.

• Undertakes or oversees the programmatic tasks necessary for the functioning of the Service, including preparation of budgets, reporting on programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, 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.

• Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision.

• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Service and across organizational boundaries.

• Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.

• Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic and substantive expertise, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.

• Represents the Department at international, regional or national meetings.

  Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and creates an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues, staff members and stakeholders. Demonstrates strong strategic planning skills, sound judgment and vision. Demonstrates knowledge and experience in policy development, ability to develop and articulate policy and conceptual frameworks to enable operations. Possesses excellent drafting ability and strong communications skills. Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve a wide range of complex issues. Demonstrates networking skills and an ability to build and maintain good relations with all stakeholders; shows excellent negotiating skills and is able to influence others to reach agreements. 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.

Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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.

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.

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.

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, international relations, international security, diplomacy, development, conflict resolution, law, humanitarian affairs, public administration or related field is required, at least five of which must be at the international level.

Experience in leading multidisciplinary strategic planning in an international context is required.

Experience providing wide-ranging strategic advice and direct support to a senior public official in relation to international humanitarian, development, human rights, or peace and security programmes is required.

At least five years of management experience in the UN system or a comparable international organization is required, including effective and inclusive management in a multi-cultural setting and of cross-functional teams.

Experience in change management and/or implementation of organizational development initiatives in a large international organization is desirable.

A minimum of four years of field experience in the past ten years working within the UN Common System or comparable international organization or nongovernmental organization in a conflict, post-conflict or natural disaster setting is desirable.

Languages Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice - The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field.

• The duration of this Temporary Job Opening is through 31 January 2023, with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• Applying to this Temporary Job Opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with the established rules and procedures.

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

• Subject to the funding source of the position and the urgency to fill the role, this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based as the duty station.

• A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade.

A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories.

For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further "stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…" Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified.

• Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position.

• While this temporary job opening may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1.

A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

• The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://hr.un.org/handbook.

  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.