Chief of Section, Conference Services

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of Section, Conference Services
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Meetings Management Section of the Central Planning and Coordination Service (CPCS) in the Division of Conference Management (DCM) at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The organization is dedicated to facilitating international cooperation and dialogue through effective conference management and services. It operates globally, supporting various UN bodies and member states in their conference-related needs. The UN has a mission to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights, with a workforce comprising thousands of employees across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section, Conference Services, is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Meetings Management Section. This includes ensuring that all requisite services for meetings and conferences are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner. The incumbent will formulate and supervise the implementation of the section's work programme, manage the UNOG calendar of conferences, and negotiate with various intergovernmental bodies to optimize conference servicing. The role requires close cooperation with other UN offices and divisions to harmonize practices and enhance resource utilization. The Chief will also provide guidance on conference servicing policies and operational matters, ensuring compliance with UN regulations and standards. This position demands a strategic approach to managing conference services, including the recruitment and training of staff, and the development of innovative solutions to improve service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will plan and direct the operations of the Meetings Management Section, ensuring high-quality service delivery for all meetings and conferences. Responsibilities include formulating and supervising the work programme, managing the UNOG calendar, negotiating with intergovernmental bodies, assessing conference servicing implications, and coordinating communication within DCM and with other UN entities. The Chief will provide advice and guidance to clients on conference servicing policies, ensure effective coordination of meeting services, and contribute to various reports and analyses for management and intergovernmental bodies. Additionally, the role involves organizing recruitment and training for staff, representing the service at meetings, and leading the development of new technological solutions for conference management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a broad range of expertise in conference management and program/project management, with a strong understanding of UN regulations and procedures. Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential, along with excellent drafting and negotiation abilities. The ability to motivate staff and deliver results under pressure is crucial, as is knowledge of technological solutions relevant to conference services. A commitment to gender balance and diversity in staffing is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in business or public administration, operations management, international relations, or socio-economic sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in conference management, administration, operations management, or related fields is required. At least five years of experience in conference servicing within the UN system or similar international organizations is necessary. Experience in developing and implementing organizational and technological innovations related to conference services is desirable, as is familiarity with modern management information systems and workflow management applications.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French is also required. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable, reflecting the multilingual nature of the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and inclusivity in its workforce. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.