Chief of Staff

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.

Chief of Staff

Vacancy notice no: 1612
Sector: SG
Department:
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: SG1/P5/15
Grade: P5
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 15 July 2024

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the Chief of Staff is responsible for ensuring the integrated and coherent functioning of the Executive Office. The incumbent provides support and expert and strategic advice to the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary-General and assistance in the decision-making process on various ITU related topics, internal or external. To this extent, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Provide strategic direction to the overall functioning of the Executive Office, providing expert advice, leadership and direction to the staff (Coordination Officer(s) and Administrative Assistants); ensure overall coordination of the substantive support to the SG and DSG and appropriate follow-up.
• Review status of work plans for key support functions and specific initiatives; assess bottlenecks and the need to escalate to the SG; prioritize required decisions; discuss issues with function leads and identify solutions to accelerate progress.
• Lead strategic initiatives, task forces, working groups and meetings in support and on behalf of the SG, aiming at reinforcing the organizational excellence of ITU, and work closely with the Chief of the Transformation Team to advise on business transformation in areas such as financial management, results-based management, people and culture, oversight and internal controls, and ITU’s digital transformation.
• Ensure quality control and high-quality standards of all outputs and communications that emanate from the Executive’s Office or are produced by the Secretariat in terms of quality, political impact, substance, or presentation; ensure that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data and meet required standards, working in close collaboration with the relevant functional units across ITU.
• Advise on assessing invitations and proposed missions addressed to the SG in terms of importance and priority; oversee the processes for the preparation of responses based on the SG’s decision.
• Act as secretariat to high-level inter-sectoral committees (Coordination Committee, MCG, and others to be defined by the SG) and attend bilateral meetings of the SG; take notes; write reports; and coordinate timely follow-up on issues raised.
• Serve as a member of the SG’s Senior Management Team and provide advice on strategic discussion and development and policy setting.
• In the absence of the SG and the DSG or by delegated authority, receive visitors, perform representational functions, organize and attend meetings on their behalf.
• Serve as the focal point in the Executive Office for all sensitive personnel and management issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making Client and Service Orientation Innovation and Facilitating Change Leadership Networking and Building Partnerships Planning and Organising Successful Management TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision.
• Demonstrated negotiating, cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills.
• Well-developed people management skills.
• Provides information, tools, resources to support work achievement.
• Effectiveness orientation and pro-activity.
• Ability to leverage information technology, executive information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal office performance.
• Team building skills.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, business administration, public administration, management, law, or a related field OR education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.
For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with fifteen years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic business management, planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization preferably in the United Nation system and its organizations, including at least five at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.

Annual salary from $ 92,731 + post adjustment $ 78,636

Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to:

https://https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_US

INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.