Background

Encompassing 17 sub-regional offices and with presence in over 85 countries, UNIFEM is uniquely positioned within the UN to provide catalytic gender programming solutions and initiatives in partnership with UN Agencies and to deliver results in line with UN corporate values, One UN reforms and UNIFEM/UNDP corporate guidelines.
The UNIFEM 2008 - 2011 Strategic Plan recommended decentralization of operations and programming functions to the Sub Regional Offices (SROs) and Country Programme Offices (CPOs) and re-alignment of business functions with clear responsibilities and mandate to support the organization in delivering its outcomes.
UNIFEM Operations through alignment and decentralization initiatives is enhancing its standards of efficiency and accountability in a number of key functions including: 
  • Innovative region-wide strategic thinking, advocacy and partnerships;
  • Translation of corporate and UNIFEM Operational and Programming strategies, and goals into successful project delivery and capacity development results on the ground;
  • More strategic partnerships and support to UN reform; and
    continuous upgrading and enhancement of in-house substantive and managerial effectiveness, operational effectiveness and accountability.
  • UNIFEM ICT Department, under overall direction and supervision of the Chief Finance, Procurement and Admin. Services (CFPAS), and organically located under the Office of Organization Services is challenged to achieve the above through provision of a variety of ICT services, including development of ICT solutions, ICT quality services and sourcing of the information systems and equipment that serves the organization's business needs as well assuring availability, reliability and high performance of the existing ICT systems.
In addition, given the future foreseen staffing of a P-5 CIO position, it is expected that the Manager Applications Unit will be OIC for the UNIFEM ICT Section until such position is filled. 
Therefore, in his/her capacity as OIC of the ICT Section, and later on as a member of the ICT Department Leadership Team reporting to the CIO, the Manager, Applications Unit shares the responsibility for developing UNIFEM's information technology strategy and for achieving the objectives of UNIFEM and its ICT Department. 
The incumbent will oversee all UNIFEM IT development activities in coordination with UNDP so as to achieve synergies and avoid duplication, and ensure UNDP and UNIFEM best practices, methodology and project management techniques and reporting are used.  The incumbent is responsible for UNIFEM's applications development, manages and coordinates all activities related to the technological aspects of  customization of the ATLAS to UNIFEM's requirements and advise the CIO and UNIFEM's management on all technical issues pertaining to Web services (UNIFEM's Webpage and Intranet) and the Knowledge Management and office automation projects serving as the primary interlocutor in this regard, ensure consistency and alignment with business strategy

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensure implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies through the achievement of the following results:
  • Assists the CIO or in his/her absence the CFPAS in articulating and operationalizing UNIFEM's strategy through long-range planning and coordination.
  • Develops and articulates strategies within areas of e-documentation/office automation and optimization of Atlas usage and executive information systems for data analysis and reporting and in the areas of knowledge management.
2. Management (when acting as OIC of the ICT Department):
  • Manage UNIFEM's ICT budget with a view to ensure steady improvements in productivity and quality in the UNIFEM ICT platform and architecture;
  • Develop the human resources of the UNIFEM ICT Section to ensure goals are met on time and within budget;  establish an enhanced performance and learning culture within the Department; empower staff through communication, participation, team-building and nurturing innovation and creativity;
  • Oversee performance of the UNIFEM ICT section, including its service provision, using appropriate results based performance systems;
  • Manage outsourcing and other vendor contracts, including the components of the UNIFEM ICT architecture managed by UNDP, to ensure performance levels and cost effectiveness.
  • Provision of inputs to the UNIFEM administrative business processes mapping and implementation of the internal UNIFEM ICT Orientation Procedures.
    Provision of inputs to the implementation of results-oriented annual ICT Work plan.
3. Partnering:
  • When acting as the OIC and within the framework of the ICT strategy, manage the ICT relationship with UNDP.
  • When acting as the OIC, maintain and nurture the ICT related partnerships with UN System agencies, funds and programmes and represent UNIFEM in UN inter-agency fora;
  • Involvement with other UNIFEM and UNDP business units for Atlas customization and applications development and support activities.
  • 4. Provides support for UNIFEM's applications, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Provides UNIFEM with an organized technical development environment designed for efficient and timely delivery of applications and services.
  • Develops relationships with development partners, in particular UNDP and participates in stakeholder management meetings as needed.
  • Identify, develops and implements business solutions without "re-inventing the wheel".
    Oversees the management of and compliance with all budgets and participates directly in establishing project budgets.
  • Ensures the technical and business solutions fit within the overall goals and objectives as established by the CIO and UNIFEM's management.  
  • Oversees the vendor management relationships when working with external organizations. 
  • Ensures application quality control standards are adhered to, and that established standards are met.
  • Ensures that project managers are PMI certified and maintain certification qualifications.
  • Works closely with the UNIFEM ICT Infrastructure Unit to ensure applications are tested and prepared for promotion into Production Systems including documentation, test and test results, training collateral and software.
  • Ensure that outsourced and in-house corporate databases and data warehouses facilities conform to suitable technical standards;
5. Ensure the necessary customization of Atlas to UNIFEM's requirements by focusing on the following results:
  • Manages a team or team of developers and partner with UNDP Units for the customization of Atlas to UNIFEM's requirements for implementation and support specific to the ATLAS systems.
  • Develops budgets and work plans to secure timely and high-value delivery.
  • Ensures together with the Business and Client Services team that all user and business communities are satisfied with the technical solutions that are developed for the various business functions.
  • Identifies emerging opportunities for further leveraging ATLAS' capabilities through institutional knowledge, close client and partner interaction as well as industry intelligence.
  • Represents UNIFEM in foras together with the other partner-agencies (UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS) and networks with direct relevance to the ATLAS system.
6. Provides web management services, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • In coordination with the relevant unit in UNIFEM, creation and technical maintenance of the UNIFEM websites and Intranet.
  • Review the feasibility and business case for implementation of a Content Management System for UNIFEM.
    Monitors change management efforts to ensure that the UNIFEM Websites quality, integrity and efficiency are maintained
  • Identifies emerging opportunities for further leveraging UNIFEM's inter/intranet capabilities through close client and partner interaction as well as industry intelligence
  • Represents UNIFEM in organizational and inter-organizational forums and networks with direct relevance to the Portal and related Inter/Intranet initiatives
  • Reports to CIO or in his/her absence to CFPAS and senior management on status of the UNIFEM Website and provides assistance in long range planning efforts relevant to this and related Inter/Intranet initiatives.
7. Support business intelligence tools and other executive information systems for data analysis and reporting, by following on the following key results:
  • Support corporate business intelligence tools for data analysis and reporting;
  • Support development and implementation of executive information systems and ensuring they are consistent with the ICT strategy.
  • Based on existing (e.g. E-RBM in UNDP) or UNIFEM developed platforms, develop procedures for extraction of programme and finance data for further analysis and reporting.
  • Partner with relevant unit in UNDP for customization if necessary.
  • Brief the CIO and UNIFEM management on the potential of existing executive information systems to add value to UNIFEM, and propagate use throughout the organization.
8. Implements and supports Knowledge management and E-documentation/office automation from the IT angle, by focusing on the following key results:
  • In coordination with the Knowledge management specialists in UNIFEM and the CIO, develop a UNIFEM Knowledge
  • Management strategy and implement a knowledge management system in UNFEM, in close synchronization with similar initiatives in UNDP.
  • In coordination with similar initiatives in UNDP, identification of opportunities for office automation; i.e. ways of converting business processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency (e.g. office management systems, donor profile software).
  • Develop an office automation and Intranet strategy for UNIFEM and implement in close synchronization with similar initiatives in UNDP.
  • Once the Knowledge management and office automation platforms are up and running, ensure proper handover to UNIFEM's ICT Infrastructure Unit for production support and establish adequate mechanisms for user support at HQ and in the field.
  • In coordination with the CIO or CFPAS and UNIFEM management, ensure that proper change management measures are implemented, in order to ensure success of the office automation and knowledge management initiatives.
9. Communication Technology & Technology (when acting as OIC of the ICT Department):
  • Manage HQ telecommunications network and provision of advice and support for CO telecommunications systems;
    Support HQ infrastructure (e.g. LAN, WAN, firewall, etc.);
  • Provide advice on hardware and operating systems to HQ and CO clients;
  • Manage servers and hardware operating on UNIX, Windows NT and Novell Netware;
  • Plan and coordinate cost-effective procurement of information technology;
    Enforcement of hardware and software standards.
Impact of Results:
 
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency UNIFEM Operations, including improved business results and client services. Forward-looking ICT management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision.

Competencies

UNIFEM end-user community relies heavily on Information and Communication Technology solutions to communicate within the organization, with donors, program countries and other entities.
 
Within this context, it is paramount for UNIFEM to strategically manage its On-line applications for Finance/HR and other administrative processes (Atlas) and leverage opportunities offered by business intelligence tools, knowledge management in order to ensure availability of the right knowledge at the right time for problem solving and capacity development in order to ensure continued relevance and value to UNIFEM's partners. Office automation will furthermore contribute to efficiency gains in UNIFEM's operations.
 
Strategic and Innovative Thinking: 
 
Advising on and guiding of UNIFEM's ICT initiatives and when acting as OIC, leading UNIFEM's IT Department in its role in providing cost effective and innovative technology solutions to business challenges. Contributing to the formulation of strategy and policy with emphasis on the applications, business intelligence and knowledge management area based on a practical business understanding that leads to the realization of corporate goals and the facilitation of creativity.
 
Performance Orientation:
 
Ensuring that short and long term goals are met in a timely and cost effective manner; demonstrated expertise in project management. Implementing the ICT strategy to ensure goals are met in a timely and cost-effective manner; demonstrated ability to develop and utilize performance metrics.
 
Technical Expertise: 
 
Demonstrating expertise and experience in information technology, especially ERPs and web-based solutions, with an understanding of future trends and an ability to drive innovation and improvements in technology standards within UNIFEM.
 
Change Management: 
 
Implement organizational reform required for implementation of strategic ICT projects in areas of Knowledge management, office automation and business intelligence through sound people management. Furthermore, in his/her temporary capacity as OIC, leading organizational reform and improved operational cost-effectiveness through sound people management and the adoption of best practice methods including re-engineering, outsourcing, and decentralization.
 
Relationship Building:
 
Strong orientation to delivering services and working with user and client communities; proactive approach to understanding and developing relations with partners; ability to work effectively in matrix environment.
 
Advocacy and Communication: 
 
Raising awareness of the potential of information technology and knowledge management, promoting wider corporate and programme usage of computer systems and applications, and developing strategic partnerships with external parties.
 
Management and People Skills: 
 
Leading a team of consultants, maximizing participation and creativity and practicing people-oriented skills in day-to-day staff management, consistent with the principles of cultural and gender diversity. Furthermore, in his/her temporary capacity as OIC, leading a cohesive management team, maximizing staff participation and creativity, developing and coaching staff within UNIFEM's learning environment and practicing people-oriented skills in day-to-day staff management, consistent with the principles of cultural and gender diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Masters degree (or equivalent) in IT or Computer Science or Business Administration
Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of work experience with significant project and application system management responsibilities.
  • Significant work experience with IT project design, management and implementation.
  • Relevant work experience in ICT infrastructure management, system design, disaster recovery and Business continuity planning.
  • Work experience with internet/intranet technologies and proven ability to work with groups of technical and non-technical team members and users
  • Experience with ERP systems
  • Previous experience with e-documentation, office automation, business intelligence tools and/or knowledge management systems
  • Project management responsibility for global ICT initiatives and projects;
  • Implementing change management programs;
  • Client orientation, partnering and working in a matrix organization;
  • Communication and advocacy;
  • People management, especially performance management, team-building and staff development;
Technical Expertise 
  • Skill set in one or more relevant programming software used for portal development
  • In-depth ERP technical knowledge and implementation experience
  • In-depth, current expertise and demonstrated experience in information and communications technology in the ICT applications and ICT infrastructure area, and especially of large ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft or Oracle, and web-based ICT solutions;
  • Ability to develop and implement corporate ICT strategies;
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English. Knowledge of another UN language an asset.
Other:
  • Demonstrates commitment to UNIFEM's mission, vision and values
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
How To Apply
Applications should be submitted on line and must include an up to date UNIFEM Personal History Form (P11) posted at http://www.unifem.org/attachments/about/employment/UNIFEM_personal_history_form_P11.doc