Information Systems Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Digital and Technology Support Section of the Statistics, Data and Digital Service at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, and operates in over 190 countries, employing a diverse workforce committed to fostering economic growth and development.

Job Overview:
The Information Systems Officer serves as the Unit Head for Digital Transformation, playing a crucial role in shaping and executing the digital strategy of UNCTAD. This position is pivotal in enhancing the organization's capabilities to deliver digital assets that support international trade and development initiatives. The officer will be responsible for planning and directing significant systems projects that are vital to the institution, ensuring that these projects align with the organization's strategic goals. The role requires a deep understanding of business and systems analysis, as well as the ability to provide expert advice on the development and implementation of new systems or modifications to existing ones. The officer will also be tasked with developing project plans, schedules, and cost estimates, while ensuring that all aspects of project execution are monitored and evaluated against established quality measures. Furthermore, the officer will lead a project team, mentor junior staff, and maintain effective communication with stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Information Systems Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the Chief in defining and implementing the digital strategy; planning and directing major systems projects; providing expert advice on business and systems analysis; developing feasibility assessments and project plans; overseeing the technical evaluation of proposals; tracking project progress and liaising with users; providing leadership and direction to project teams; developing information standards and guidelines; preparing technical documentation and training materials; analyzing data to identify trends; leading the Service Support Team; and coordinating digital governance implementation at UNCTAD. The officer will also be involved in budget planning and preparation, ensuring that all projects align with the organization's financial strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in business and systems analysis, digital governance, and quality assurance within a trade and development context. They should have a comprehensive understanding of service management concepts and digital transformation architecture. The ability to analyze and interpret data effectively is essential, as is the capacity to develop and oversee complex institutional systems. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Strong organizational skills, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to manage performance effectively are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Job-specific qualifications such as TOGAF Practitioner or COBIT Implementation certifications are desirable, along with ITIL certifications at the intermediate level and completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems or related areas. Experience in data analytics, business analysis, change management, and quality assurance is highly desirable, with specific emphasis on leading ICT service support teams and managing projects using SCRUM best practices. Experience in business analysis for economic data management or trade digitalization is also beneficial.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of either French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian is desirable. Candidates should meet the minimum required levels for reading, writing, listening, and speaking as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role within the UNCTAD framework, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process will include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.