Vacancy notice no: 1408 

Sector: BDT

Department: DNS

Country of contract: Switzerland

Duty station: Geneva

Position number: TD32/P5/362 

Grade: P5 

Type of contract: Fixed-term

Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal for 2 additional years

Recruitment open to: External

Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 18 December 2023

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

 The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) of the Union which deals mainly with ICT-focused development policies, strategies and programmes, as well as technical cooperation activities, to promote digital inclusion and drive digital transformation at community, country and regional levels. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of ITU members, BDT is organized into four functional areas:

• Office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department

• Partnerships for Digital Development Department

• Digital Networks & Society Department

• Digital Knowledge Hub Department

The Digital Networks & Society Department is responsible for BDT activities in the areas of spectrum management, network development, cybersecurity and emergency telecommunications. This department is also responsible for supporting ITU Member States in their transition to digital societies by providing tools and guidelines to address environmental challenges (in particular, climate change and e-waste), and for promoting innovation, ICT applications/services, digital inclusion and ecosystems, with the ultimate goal to 'leave no one behind'.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Chief, Digital Networks & Society Department (DNS), the Head of the Cybersecurity Division serves as leader for the team and provides authoritative expertise for all assigned responsibilities to deliver Division outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards and foster a collaborative spirit and cooperation to achieve the planned results. The Head of the Division operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules and takes responsibilities towards the successful achievement of the delegated assignment. To this extend, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Lead and provide strategic guidance to the team to ensure the successful implementation and monitoring of initiatives, programme, and project objectives as well as the effective management of the resources of the Division, in line with Result Based Management (RBM) and Result Based Budgeting (RBB) disciplines and within the DNS Department and BDT mandate.

• Provide leadership and strategic guidance in the organization and coordination of the Division's core activities, namely Cybersecurity including elaboration of projects, creation of innovative partnerships and organization of workshops and meetings.

• Plan, coordinate and manage the assistance to be provided to Member States on: 

  • the deployment of Cybersecurity capabilities and services within the framework of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA), and COP initiatives, as well as the elaboration of appropriate and workable measures related to protection against cyber threats.

  • the implementation of programmes and projects aimed at assisting Member States in drafting National Cybersecurity Strategies and Action plans, enhancing the security of National Critical Information Infrastructures, and establishing and further developing national Cybersecurity capabilities (e.g., CIRTs).

• Engage with other relevant regional and international organizations with the objective of creating synergies, leveraging resources, and expanding outreach to a wider audience and promote the Division's work and outputs.

• Liaise with sister organizations in the UN system, with the private sector and with all stakeholders relevant to the mandate of the Division and the BDT to ensure the advancement and effectiveness of the activities undertaken by the Division and related initiatives.

• Collaborate with the other Bureaus, the General Secretariat and as appropriate with external partners in the development of joint programmes, projects, and activities relevant to the Cybersecurity’s areas of interest and the mandate of the ITU-D.

• Represent BDT during conferences as appropriate and relevant to the ITU-D priority area (Inclusive and secure telecommunications/ICTs for sustainable development); represent ITU as appropriate at international fora, meetings and workshops focusing on cybersecurity related areas of interest.

• Plan and coordinate the preparation of a variety of management reports, position papers, articles, and inputs to speeches.

• 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

• Good technical and analytical problem-solving skills including a demonstrated ability to understand and analyze complex situations.

• Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment and negotiating skills. Tact, diplomacy, and ability to work effectively with officials at all levels and of different national, cultural and disciplinary background.

• Proven ability to lead the identification, formulation, implementation and evaluation of initiatives and project development.

• Computer literacy and knowledge of project management software tools.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in telecommunications, computer science or a related field such as engineering 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 the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) field, with specific focus on Cybersecurity, 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. Proven experience in the development and deployment of Cybersecurity capabilities and services (e.g. CERTs/CIRTs) as well as in providing policy and technical advice (e.g. National Cybersecurity Strategies). Experience working with developing countries and a variety of partners in the delivery of programmes and activities.  

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

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://www.itu.int/en/careers/Pages/Conditions-of-Employment.aspx