Chief of Service, Information Systems and Telecommunications

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Information and Communications Technology security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Service (ICTS) of the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) at the United Nations. The ICTS is responsible for overseeing and providing services related to information security for the United Nations Secretariat. OICT is dedicated to leading the digital transformation of the Organization, aiming to create a better, safer, and more sustainable future through innovative and secure technology solutions. The organization emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce, actively encouraging female candidates to apply. OICT also promotes work-life balance and flexible work arrangements, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Service, Information Systems and Telecommunications will play a pivotal role in formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of the Cybersecurity Service. This position requires providing strategic direction and overseeing the management of various activities related to cybersecurity governance, risk management, compliance, threat and incident management, and vulnerability management. The Chief will ensure that these critical components align with the organization's cybersecurity strategy and that all programmed activities are executed in a timely manner. The role involves advising senior management, ICT leaders, and business units to effectively integrate cybersecurity into all organizational operations and processes. Additionally, the Chief will coordinate work across different units and agencies within the United Nations system, contribute to the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies, and ensure high-quality standards for all outputs produced by the Service. The Chief will also manage administrative tasks necessary for the Service's functioning, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluations, while fostering teamwork and communication among staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Service will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Formulating and implementing the work programme of the Cybersecurity Service.
• Providing strategic direction and overseeing management activities in cybersecurity governance, risk management, compliance, threat and incident management, and vulnerability management.
• Leading and supervising the work programme of the Service, ensuring alignment with the cybersecurity strategy for the Secretariat.
• Advising senior management and stakeholders on integrating cybersecurity into organizational operations.
• Coordinating work across different units and agencies within the UN system.
• Preparing reports and presentations for intergovernmental bodies.
• Ensuring high-quality outputs from the Service.
• Preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources.
• Managing administrative tasks, including budget preparation and staff evaluations. 1
• Recruiting staff while considering geographical balance. 1
• Guiding and training staff, fostering teamwork, and leading meetings or seminars. 1
• Representing the Service at international, regional, or national meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Senior-level professional certifications in information security are desirable, indicating a strong foundation in the field.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, computer science, information systems, mathematics, or statistics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of information systems and cybersecurity.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in information systems management or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience in information and communication technology strategic management and enterprise architecture frameworks. Additionally, experience in digital identity or data privacy, as well as in delivering cybersecurity solutions, is essential. The role also requires experience in managing and directing the design and implementation of secure IT solutions, including cryptographic controls and threat modeling. Experience in providing policy advice to senior leadership on information security risk management is also necessary, along with familiarity with ISO27000, ITIL, and Cloud Controls Matrix frameworks. Change management experience in the context of information and communication technology is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified according to the UN Language Framework. Candidates should demonstrate strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English, as effective communication is critical for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Staff members reaching the mandatory age of separation or retirement during the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity, strongly encouraging female candidates to apply. Staff members appointed to this position must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.