Background Information - Job-specific
The UNOPS Information Technology Group (ITG) unit is focused on innovation and harnessing cutting-edge technology to deliver solutions to UNOPS that truly address business needs. Working with UNOPS IT Group is a unique opportunity to deliver systems to users around the world - making an impact on development and solving practical problems for the UNOPS workforce and thereby helping people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
ITGโs goal is to provide greater effectiveness, efficiency, and differentiation to UNOPS products and services. UNOPS IT Group is responsible for architecting, designing, delivering, and managing all UNOPS IT infrastructure and business applications. The unit includes Enterprise Architects, Business Analysts, Solutions Designers, Developers and QA Testers from all around the world who are based primarily in Denmark and Thailand.
Under the supervision of the Chief Information Officer, the IT Advisor will collaborate with other members of the ITG team, as well as with colleagues across UNOPS, when engaged in specific projects. The IT Advisor will be expected to contribute to the development and implementation of IT projects, strategies, and roadmaps that align with the overall goals of UNOPS, specifically within the context of the assigned projects. Assignments will be task-driven and aligned with ongoing projects.
Functional Responsibilities
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Project Management
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Stakeholder Engagement
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IT Advisory Services
- Project Management
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Advise on complex IT projects, ensuring alignment with UNOPS strategic goals and optimisation of value within the constraints of the project.
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans that incorporate risk management strategies and leverage agile methodologies where appropriate.
Proactively identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues, implementing effective mitigation strategies and ensuring timely escalation of critical issues to the Project Board.
Monitor project progress continuously, providing regular updates to stakeholders and ensuring timely and accurate reporting of project performance against key metrics.
Lead and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment that promotes innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder EngagementDevelop and implement comprehensive project-specific stakeholder engagement strategies, tailored to the specific needs and expectations of each stakeholder group.
Facilitate collaborative decision-making processes, ensuring that all stakeholder perspectives are considered and that decisions are aligned with project objectives and UNOPS standards.
In close collaboration with business stakeholders and ITG colleagues, assess and recommend appropriate IT solutions to meet business needs.
Proactively identify and manage potential stakeholder conflicts, implementing effective mitigation strategies and ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and respectfully.
Monitor stakeholder satisfaction and identify areas for improvement in stakeholder engagement, continuously seeking to enhance the effectiveness and value of stakeholder interactions.
Collaborate with third-party vendors to ensure their alignment with project objectives and UNOPS standards, including their adherence to UNOPS procurement rules and ethical guidelines.
Guide UNOPS in leveraging emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation
Lead and manage the evaluation and selection of IT vendors and service providers, ensuring optimal value, alignment with UNOPS needs, and adherence to UNOPS procurement rules and ethical guidelines
Champion the adoption of agile methodologies (Scrum) and other innovative approaches to IT project management, promoting flexibility, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
Support the seamless implementation of IT systems and applications, minimising disruption and ensuring smooth operation.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
Masterโs Degree, preferably in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Technology Management, Mathematics or other relevant discipline is required. A Bachelorโs degree in combination with additional two years of experience may be accepted instead of masterโs degree. Secondary education in combination with additional six years of experience may be accepted instead of a master's degree. Experience:
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in IT management and advisory roles required. Proven experience in project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, is required. Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, software development, security, and emerging technologies required. Experience in developing and implementing IT strategies and roadmaps is required. Working-level knowledge of IT Enterprise Architecture and appropriate application required Experience with stakeholder and client communication and management required Experience with the international development/humanitarian sector required Certification in the Prince2 project management methodology or similar is desired. UNOPS experience would be a distinct advantage Language:
Full working knowledge of English is essential. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: IICA3 - Retainer Contract level: ICS11 Contract duration: One year, renewable subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.