Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. The role of ESCAP as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis and with normative, technical and capacity-building assistance to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific. The objective of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD) is to strengthen information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity and enhance regional cooperation and capacity with the goals of improved management of disaster risk reduction and the associated socioeconomic risks, towards inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. This position is located in the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division. The incumbent reports to the Executive Secretary and supports Member States in the development of framework and policies related to information and communication technology, and manages the work programme comprising activities related to policy advice, ICT applications, space applications, and disaster risk reduction.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions: • Leads, formulates, supervises and implements the work programme of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD). • Coordinates and oversees the preparation of documentation for presentation to intergovernmental bodies, both substantive and administrative, and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. • Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget and programme performance, programmatic and substantive issues. • Supports Member States in the development of a legal and regulatory framework and competition policies related to investment and the provision of information, communication and space technology infrastructure and services; supports national efforts in the application of ICT in various economic and social sectors, particularly for strengthening the competitiveness of products and services. • Ensures that the outputs produced by IDD maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced meet required standards and comply with the relevant mandates. • Supports the Executive Secretary in planning, preparing, and implementing the IDD-related aspects of the work programme of ESCAP, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. • Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars; coordinates regional preparations for the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and oversees implementation of the recommendations of WSIS. • Represents the secretariat at intergovernmental, inter-agency and inter-division levels on issues relating to ICT and disaster risk reduction; organizes substantive servicing of meetings of intergovernmental bodies and develops effective partnerships with other UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, civil society institutions, academia, the private sector, etc. with a view to maximizing synergies. • Oversees programmatic and administrative aspects of the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets in a results-based budgeting framework, reporting on programme performance. • Manages the staff selection process, taking due account of geographical balance, and manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. • Fosters teamwork and communication among staff Division and across organizational boundaries.

Competencies

Core Competencies: Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter in the fields of information, communication and space technology infrastructure and services, disaster risk reduction, and application of ICT in various economic and social sectors; Proven ability to produce reports and papers on policy recommendations, technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managerial Competencies: Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences or related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Ph.D degree in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences or related field is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, business management, economics, telecommunications, computer sciences, or a related field is required. Experience in managerial and policy-making positions, and in performing executive and administrative functions is required. Experience leading policy analysis, policy advisory services, technical cooperation, and capacity-building support to governments or intergovernmental bodies in the areas of ICT, digital development, disaster risk reduction, disaster resilience, or related areas is required. Experience setting the strategic direction, priorities, resource allocation, and delivery framework of a substantive programme of work at the national, regional, or international level is required. Experience managing programme planning, budget preparation, resource allocation, and programme performance reporting in a results-based management or results-based budgeting framework is required. Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, including setting strategic direction, supervising staff, managing performance, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality outputs, is required. Proven experience working at a strategic level on issues related to information and communications technology and disaster risk reduction in developing countries in the Asian and Pacific region is desirable. Experience with the United Nations programmes, policies, rules and regulations is desirable. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks as well as partnerships with academia, civil society, governments as well as subregional organizations, and the private sector is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

Special Notice

This is a temporary position and will be available for 364 days. If selected, an internal candidate will be on temporary assignment to the post; an external candidate will initially be offered a temporary appointment. Any extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of the post. ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Pursuant to section 6.9 of ST/AI/2010/3/Rev. 1, interns, consultants, individual contractors and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any vacancy in the Professional or higher categories within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of one year in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.