Overview
Leads, formulates, supervises and implements the work programme of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD). 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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Required Experience
- A 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.
Qualifications
- Advanced 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.
- Ph.D degree in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences or related field is desirable.
