CHANGE AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonisation of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialised agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This post is in the Service Management Section, the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support (ODESPS). The Change and Project Management Officer reports directly to the Deputy Executive Secretary for programme Support.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority in ODESPS, the Change and Project Management Officer is responsible for the following duties: (1) Coordinates all activities to align the operations with the changing multidisciplinary mandates by: (a) Designing the operational response in connection with major transformation projects. (b) Representing ESCWA in inter-agency meetings and initiatives related to operational support, business service and innovation, and change management. (c) Supporting effective project and service management by capturing and documenting the project scope and business requirements, specifying deliverables, estimating resources and timelines and monitoring progress against the project plan. (d) Supporting leadership in all major activities on the basis of the main developments in work modalities, processes and techniques. (2) Coordinates ESCWA change management strategy by: (a) Monitoring new trends, keeping abreast of industry best practices and proactively identifying opportunities to innovate in operational support and business transformation. (b) Ensuring that ESCWA business model is aligned with evolving mandates and changing operational environments in the overall Secretariat. (c) Ensuring that transformation projects are designed, consulted, communicated and implemented in harmony with global Secretariat efforts and according to the best practices in change management. (d) Continually refining business operations strategy based on anticipated client needs. (e) Proposing and organizing project and change management training and guidance and supporting clusters and teams in structural or process changes arising from new mandates. (3) Leads the service development and delivery programme by: (a) Leading the Service Management Section towards a common strategy and workplan and ensuring timely delivery of quality standards. (b) Managing the staff of the Section, including work plans, coaching and supervision, and ensuring proper evaluation of staff performance (PAS) towards organizational goals. (c) Fostering teamwork and communication among staff in the section and across organizational boundaries. (d) Ensuring cross-functional integration of business areas in service delivery (HR, finance, budget, etc.) and engaging stakeholders by maintaining communications and seeking feedback, as required. (e) Carrying out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. (f) Participating in survey initiatives; assisting with the design of data collection tools; issuing data collection tools, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting responses, identifying problems/issues and preparing preliminary conclusions. (g) Developing costing methodologies and formulating service costs encompassing direct and indirect costs, in alignment with corporate guidelines. (h) Establishing the necessary administrative workflows, processes and tools to ensure a steady flow of revenue through cost recovery for service delivery. (i) Undertaking outreach activities; participating in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participating in and making presentations on assigned topics/activities. (i) Developing marketing strategies, based on market surveys with regard to supply and demand, and identifying business expansion opportunities with focus on ESCWA’s niche and contributions to the effectiveness of the wider UN system in the region and beyond (ii) Developing marketing and outreach materials to contribute to the outreach efforts for business expansion (j) Performing other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Develops recommendations to ensure ESCWA's business model remains aligned with evolving mandates and dynamic operational environments, while refining the business strategy to anticipate and address emerging client needs. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. • Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in administration or management or related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in operational support, administration, project management, change management or a related area is required. Experience in costing and establishing rate cards and price catalogues is required. Experience with large scale implementation of organizational change initiatives or major business transformation projects is desirable. Experience in the UN system or comparable international organizations is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIArabicUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice • This position is available for one year from the date of appointment/assignment. Extension of the appointment/assignment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, extension of the mandate, continued need for services, and satisfactory performance. • 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. 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