IGF Executive Coordinator Job

The following description and application for the crucial role of Executive Coordinator for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was posted on the United Nations Careers website on 28 June 2011, running until 28 July 2011.

Job Title:Executive Coordinator, D2

Department/ Office: DESA PROJECT PERSONNEL - SWITZERLAND, GENEVA

Duty Station: GENEVA

Posting Period: 28 June 2011-28 July 2011

Job Opening number: 11-PGM-DESA PPS SWI GENEVA-19922-R-GENEVA

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Secretariat of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The Executive Coordinator will be under the general guidance of the Director of the Division and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Development Management Branch, DPADM/UNDESA.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Secretariat of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Secretariat, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates efforts with the Division and Department, and with other organizations of the United Nations system, as appropriate.

• Directs and manages the Internet Governance Project of the United Nations.
• Contributes to the formulation of overall strategies and policies for the IGF by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the USG/ASG and Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for Internet Governance.
• Provides leadership in the development of innovative activities with a view to enhancing the participation of developing countries in the IGF and its preparatory meetings, exploring further voluntary options for financing the Forum and improving the modalities of the preparation process and the work and functioning of the IGF Secretariat.
• Formulates and implements the work programme of the Internet Governance Project determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Directs and manages the organization of meetings, seminars, etc., of the IGF and related advisory bodies and stakeholder networks.
• Represents the IGF Secretariat at international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic and substantive expertise on the IGF.
• Prepares draft reports of the Secretary-General on the IGF and related matters, as appropriate, and prepares draft papers, briefing notes, statements and other materials for the Under-Secretary-General of UNDESA and other senior officials.
• Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the IGF Secretariat including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget and programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
• Ensures that the outputs produced by the IGF Secretariat meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, and that all outputs produced under his/her supervision comply with the relevant mandates.
• Develops fundraising strategies, organizes and leads fundraising efforts.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

Senior officials and other staff within the UN Secretariat and other UN offices, funds, programmes and specialized agencies; senior governmental representatives including ministers and heads of diplomatic mission; representatives of non-governmental organizations, private sector executives.

Results expected

Produces high-quality outputs pertaining to all aspects of the IGF. Effectively mobilizes human and financial resources and efficiently manages them to ensure the timely delivery of programmed outputs. Reports are clear and focused on the issue at hand and the meetings or seminars are well-organized meetings or seminars and address the topics covered in a comprehensive manner. Effectively develops staff under his/her supervision, including their ongoing learning and development. Effectively assists, guides and supports staff in meeting their objectives and preparing high-quality outputs.

Competencies

Competencies

• Professionalism: Expert knowledge of the principles, commitments and actions taken in connection with the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society, in particular with Internet governance issues at international, regional and national levels and with questions of ICT for development. Knowledge of participatory processes and inter-organizational collaboration, specifically in relation to Internet governance issues and ICT for development. Proven ability to interact productively with high-level government and diplomatic officials, private sector companies and civil society, and to facilitate dialogue among a wide range of stakeholders from all segments of society. Proven ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Managerial abilities

• 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.
• Judgement and decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, international development, public administration, law, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Over fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in international diplomacy, information and communications and technology policy, public administration or related field. Familiarization with issues related to Internet Governance that have been discussed at international, regional and national levels since 2005 is desirable.

Languages

For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment Method

An assessment and competency based interview may be conducted as part of the recruitment process for this position.

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to the availability of the funds.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.