Change and Project Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional commission of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and comprises 21 member countries in Western Asia and North Africa. The organization provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies, serves as a platform for coordination and congress, and acts as a repository of expertise and knowledge. ESCWA collaborates with various divisions and main offices of the UN Headquarters, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The organization aims to enhance the economic and social well-being of its member states through effective policy-making and implementation, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing common challenges.

Job Overview:
The Change and Project Management Officer plays a crucial role within the Service Management Section of the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support (ODESPS) at ESCWA. This position is responsible for coordinating activities that align operations with evolving multidisciplinary mandates, particularly in the context of major transformation projects. The officer will represent ESCWA in inter-agency meetings and initiatives related to operational support, business services, and change management. The role requires effective project and service management, including capturing and documenting project scopes, estimating resources and timelines, and monitoring progress against project plans. Additionally, the officer will be responsible for coordinating ESCWA's change management strategy, ensuring that the business model aligns with evolving mandates, and proposing training and guidance for project and change management. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation in operational support and business transformation, as well as leading the service development and delivery program to ensure timely and quality service delivery across various business areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Change and Project Management Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: (1) Coordinating activities to align operations with changing mandates, designing operational responses for transformation projects, and representing ESCWA in relevant meetings. (2) Supporting effective project management by documenting project scopes, estimating resources, and monitoring progress. (3) Leading the change management strategy by monitoring industry trends, ensuring alignment with evolving mandates, and refining business operations strategies. (4) Managing the Service Management Section, including staff supervision, work planning, and performance evaluation. (5) Ensuring cross-functional integration of business areas in service delivery and engaging stakeholders for feedback. (6) Conducting research and analysis on programs and operations, developing costing methodologies, and establishing administrative workflows for revenue generation. (7) Participating in outreach activities, developing marketing strategies, and contributing to business expansion efforts. (8) Performing additional duties as required to support the overall objectives of ESCWA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in operational support, administration, project management, change management, or a related area. Experience in costing and establishing rate cards and price catalogues is essential. Familiarity with large-scale implementation of organizational change initiatives or major business transformation projects is desirable. Experience within the UN system or comparable international organizations is also preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in administration, management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on operational support, administration, project management, or change management. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of progressively responsible roles and experience in managing complex projects and initiatives.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as defined by the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and speak in both languages at the required levels.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for one year from the date of appointment, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of the post, budgetary approval, and satisfactory performance. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented member states. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Staff members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.