Chief, Infrastructure Architecture and Operations, P5, Fixed-term, #100004, ICTD Digital Core - Valencia, Spain

We are looking for a Chief, Infrastructure Architecture and Operations Section to develop a global infrastructure strategy and architecture to support the delivery of the UNICEF mandate. To oversee the reliability, operational resilience, and security of the UNICEF hybrid IT infrastructure. Manage and support workplace productivity tools. Manage infrastructure costs, performance, and service levels.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a connected world. 

The overarching strategic goal of UNICEF’s Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD) is to transform and build partnerships with our stakeholders to successfully implement UNICEF programmes globally through innovative technology-enabled solutions. 

UNICEF is going through an exciting digital transformation that will influence the work across the organization. We are looking for dynamic, innovative professionals to drive the transformation and play a key role in shaping the way forward. 

The Infrastructure Architecture and Operations Section designs, builds, and manages the IT platforms, services, and tools in strategic technology areas to deliver capability that is constantly improving the UNICEF efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness posture.

How can you make a difference?

The Chief, Infrastructure Architecture and Operations oversees the stable function of the entire technology ensuring seamless and secure operations in support of all UNICEF activities, charts the strategic direction for infrastructure technologies and grows the operational efficiency that underpins the reliability of the infrastructure.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Information Officer/Division Director and matrix oversight of the Deputy Director – Strategy, Resource Management and Governance, develop a global infrastructure strategy and architecture to support the delivery of the UNICEF mandate. Oversee the reliability, operational resilience, and security of the UNICEF hybrid IT infrastructure. Manage and support workplace productivity tools. Manage infrastructure costs, performance, and service levels.

Responsible to manage strategic relationships with key IT product and service providers to ensure that a lightweight and agile ICT Infrastructure is continuously delivered to all Country Offices, Regional Offices and Headquarter locations.  Responsible for establishing disaster recovery, business continuity and emergency programmes support services that measure favorably against industry best practices and industry benchmarks.

Key responsibilities: 

1. Manage and lead the Infrastructure Architecture and Operations Section

• Provide leadership and supervision to the Infrastructure Architecture and Operations Section.
• Establish clear team and individual performance objectives, goals and timelines; provide timely guidance to enable the teams to achieve their goals. Motivate and inspire staff so they perform at their best.
• Identify training opportunities to meet staff development needs aligning with the Section goals
• Build a positive and collaborative work culture
• Nurture and empower talent so staff can reach their full potential.

2. Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT infrastructure and operations strategy aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Support the UNICEF digital transformation change strategy.
• Drive initiatives to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and resilience of corporate IT systems.

3. Infrastructure Architecture and Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of the organization's global connectivity, data infrastructure and hybrid data center infrastructure.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of critical systems and applications.
• Capacity forecasting and planning for infrastructure services and operations.

4. Operations and Project Management:

• Lead the IT operations team to deliver high-quality support services to end-users, addressing issues promptly and effectively.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to maintain a secure and compliant technology environment.
• Oversee the management of technology related projects within the Section.
• Assets management.

5. Technology Innovation:

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends to recommend and implement innovative solutions that enhance business operations.
• Collaborate with other department heads to identify and implement technology-driven opportunities for business growth.

6. Security and Compliance:

• Work closely with the Deputy Director - Strategy, Resource Management and Governance to enforce compliance with the enterprise architecture and minimize risk exposure.
• Work closely with the Chief Information Security Officer to develop and deploy robust cybersecurity measures to protect the organization's data and information assets.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

7. Budget Management:

• Prepare and manage the IT infrastructure and operations budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal resource allocation.
• Evaluate and recommend investments in technology to meet current and future business needs.

8. Vendor and Partner Management:

• Manage relationships with external vendors, service providers, and partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and solutions.
• In accordance with organizationally established norms, participate in the negotiation of contracts and agreements to maximize value and minimize risks.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Academic Degrees: 
• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) Computer Science, Information Systems or relevant technical, or business-related field is required..  
• A first University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. 

Required Experience: 

• A minimum of  10 years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in a large international and geographically dispersed organization is required.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role overseeing IT infrastructure and operations with a strong architecture background.
• Strong knowledge of IT systems, networks, security, and cloud technologies.
• Experience in managing comprehensive disaster recovery architecture and operations, including storage area network and redundant, highly available server and network architectures.
• Extensive experience in managing and leading large-scale, cross-functional complex teams of technical and non-technical professionals. Extensive technology business solutions acumen.
• Experience in strategic infrastructure planning and execution.
• Ability to understand and mitigate all risks involved in deploying immature technologies.
• Thorough understanding of systems and infrastructure lifecycle management and knowledge of process analysis and design
• Clear understanding of IT Infrastructure lifecycle: Architecture, Design and Operations. Working knowledge of networking, IT security and systems design.
• Familiarity with system development, and operational process methodologies.
• Strategic ability to translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Ability to lead and implement technology transformation and organization change management for continuous improvement.
• Ability to seize accountability, manage and prioritize multiple projects and resources concurrently, developing budgets and managing forecasts for IT investment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable: 
•  Knowledge of the UNICEF’s technologies and architectures is an asset

Language Requirements: 
• Fluency in English is required.  
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

 As an advocate for every child you will receive:  

UNICEF offers a competitive salary that is tax-exempted for most nationalities.  You can access here a salary calculator for simulation. (Medical insurance and pension premiums will be deducted from net salary).  

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.  UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. 

Additional benefits for eligible international professional staff members include: 

• Paid holidays and leave, including 2.5 days of annual leave accrual per month and 10 official holidays per year 
• Paid parental leave (maternity, paternity and adoption) 
• Dependency allowance  
• Rental subsidy  
• Relocation support and lump sum 
• Home leave travel (air tickets or lump sum) 
• Education grant for children in school 
• United Nations-sponsored medical and dental insurance plan, pension plan, and optional life insurance plan  
• Access to professional development and learning programs, online learning, and learning path  
• Access to staff well-being and career development support  

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.