Chief, Office of Administrative Services

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is based in the Office of Administrative Services (OAS) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. The Office of Administrative Services (OAS) provides critical services and support to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) across five key functional areas: budget and finance, human resources, procurement, information and communications technology (ICT), and security and transportation. In implementing the Secretary General’s vision, and under the direct supervision of the Deputy to the Secretary General and Chef de Cabinet, the Chief, OAS plays a strategic leadership role in ensuring the effective, efficient, and accountable delivery of these services in alignment with the Authority’s mandate and evolving priorities. ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall guidance of the Secretary General and direct supervision of the Deputy to the Secretary General and Chef de Cabinet, and within delegated authority, the Chief, OAS will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Lead OAS staff, overseeing regular work planning, coordination and monitoring of administrative work programmes and activities ensuring efficiency, transparency and effectiveness. 2. Oversee administrative tasks and day-to-day operations for the functioning of the Secretariat, including improving business efficiency. 3. Provide administrative policy guidance to senior management on management and implementation of overall strategies, policies and procedures. 4. Provide substantive input in the preparation of reports for presentation to Assembly, Council, and Finance Committee, and support their deliberations. 5. Ensure that the output produced by OAS maintains high-quality standards, comply with ISA mandate, and that the reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. 6. Oversee the preparation and execution of the Authority’s administrative budget and financial performance and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. 7. Take the lead in coordinating the full range of staff and human resource administration-related issues, ensuring ISA policies, regulations and rules are met. 8. Promote the development of a competent, diverse, adaptable, and healthy workforce with the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, giving due regard to geographic representation and gender balance. 9. Oversee procurement planning and execution, ensuring transparency, value for money, and compliance with procurement policies. 10. Ensure a safe and healthy working environment, including through oversight of facilities management, security and transportation functions. 11. Provide strategic guidance on integration of information and communication technology solutions across the Secretariat for business continuity, information analysis and management, including information sharing, reporting requirements, security classification and records management. 12. On request, represent the Secretary-General in intergovernmental and agency boards, such as the International Civil Service Commission, the UN Country Team for Jamaica, and relevant committees of the Chief Executives Board. 13. Perform other duties as required by the Deputy to the Secretary General and Chef de Cabinet and/or Secretary-General. Competencies• Professionalism: Sound knowledge of planning, coordination and delivery of client support services in an international and multicultural context. In-depth knowledge of and ability to apply relevant ISA administrative rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines in work situations. Ability to actively promote diversity and inclusion and harmonious work environment into all areas of work. 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. • 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 with 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. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, vision, and programmes. Identifies priority activities and assignments and 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. • 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. • 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 improvement; 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration,human resources, finance, economics, management, law, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work Experience• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in administration, finance, human resources management, or a related area is required. • A minimum of five (5) years of successfully managing and leading the delivery of integrated administrative services at the international level within the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is required. • Proven leadership in managing multicultural and multidisciplinary teams is required. • Hands-on experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Umoja, SAP, or similar is required. • Experience in strategic design, oversight, or reform of key management processes is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English 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).