Chief of Information and Communication Technology Section - P5
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (Unitar)
Geneva, Switzerland
Posted on Jan 26, 2026
Duration of the contract
1 year (renewable)
Deadline for submission of applications
25 February 2026
Organizational Unit
Information and Communication Technology Section
Number of job positions
1
Organizational Context:
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations, and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.
The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Section is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and technical ICT and digital communication support to UNITAR in order to enable the effective delivery of its mandate in training, learning, research, and knowledge sharing. The Section ensures the availability, security, reliability, and continuous improvement of ICT systems, digital platforms, and communication tools that support UNITAR’s programmes, operations, and global outreach.
The ICT Section supports innovation in digital learning and communication by developing, maintaining, and optimizing information systems, e-learning platforms, and online collaboration tools, while ensuring alignment with United Nations policies, standards, and best practices. It provides technical advisory services, user support, and capacity-building to staff and stakeholders, and contributes to organizational efficiency, data management, and digital transformation initiatives.
The Chief of Information and Communication Technology Section (CICTS) will lead the development and implementation of UNITAR’s ICT strategy in accordance with the UNITAR Strategic Framework, driving innovation through digital infrastructure modernization and optimization and AI adoption, and strengthening cybersecurity and data governance.
The CICTS will oversee all aspects of the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure of the Institute, ensuring that ICT technology empowers UNITAR’s global outreach, and supports research, learning, and administration to help drive delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other major global plans of action, as well as the Pact for the Future.
Accountabilities:
Under the supervision of the Director, Division for Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Strategic ICT Leadership and Transformation:
- Develop and lead the implementation of UNITAR’s comprehensive ICT strategy aligned with UNITAR’s strategic framework, with a strong focus on scalability, innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity.
- Develop, modernize and integrate digital platforms to meet the institutional evolving needs for research, e-learning, training delivery, outreach, and internal administrative operations.
- Provide advice to Director of Division for Operations and senior leadership on technology-driven growth and transformation, focused on aligning technology investments with strategic business goals.
2. New Technology Integration for Learning:
- Lead and oversee digital transformation initiatives, including the modernization of legacy systems, cloud adoption, and automation.
- Collaborate with Divisions/Programme Units to integrate technology into learning and support e-learning and blended learning.
- Ensure reliable operation of learning management systems (LMS) and ERP system.
- Identify and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance UNITAR’s training design, delivery, evaluation, and personalization.
- Develop and implement an AI strategy for UNITAR (e.g. predictive analytics, Natural Language Processing, Generative AI, Robotic Process Automation).
- Promote ethical AI use aligned with UN values with safeguard for privacy, fairness, and transparency.
- Promote data-driven culture by improving data infrastructure and governance to support UNITAR’s programmatic goals.
3. Technology Operations and Cybersecurity
- Oversee all ICT operations, systems, applications, and cloud infrastructure to ensure security, efficiency, and reliability.
- Implement robust cybersecurity protocols in compliance with the UN data protection policies, and resilience against digital threats.
- Ensure efficient digital asset management and high availability, performance, and security of all UNITAR ICT systems and platforms, including managing disaster recovery to ensure the business continuity.
4. Team leadership and Capacity Development
- Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing ICT team capable of supporting a diverse, global, and digital-first organization.
- Promote a culture of innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and learner experience.
- Represent UNITAR in inter-agency forums and working groups on digital innovation and AI within the UN system.
5. Governance and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with relevant data protection and cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures of the UN.
- Establish ICT governance frameworks for UNITAR and manage ICT budgets and resources efficiently.
The job entails frequent interaction with the Division Directors of the Institute and relevant members of their teams, ICT Chiefs and Advisers across the UN system, other international organizations, consultants and external collaborators, and contractors of services and products.
Results expected:
- Clear and consistent communication and implementation of UNITAR’s ICT strategy
- Successful implementation of digital transformation roadmap
- AI adoption and measurable business impacts (e.g. cost reduction, revenue growth, increased operational efficiency)
- Integration of technology into learning and support e-learning and blended learning.IT, LMS, and ERP system uptime and reliability
- Cybersecurity and compliance metrics met
Competencies:
- Integrity – Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; Acts without consideration of personal gain; Resists undue political pressure in decision-making; Does not abuse power or authority; Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
- Professionalism: Good knowledge of ICT management, digital strategy, ICT system development; Deep knowledge of AI technology; Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence 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.
- Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; Treats all people with dignity and respect; Treats men and women equally; Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; Does not discriminate against any individual or group.
- Technology Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of information and communication technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.
- Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; Shows willingness to learn from others; Seeks feedback to learn and improve.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility 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.
- Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
- 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
- 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.
Minimum requirements
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Innovation, or a related field.
- Additional certification in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or project management are desirable.
Experience:
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in ICT management, digital strategy, or system development, including 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in managing large-scale digital transformation projects and implementing AI-enabled systems.
- Experience with digital learning technologies, open-source platforms, and global virtual collaboration tools in highly desirable.
- Familiarity with UN policies, ethics frameworks, and operational environments is a strong asset.
Skills:
- Strategic thinking with strong digital acumen and an innovation and learning mindset.
- Deep knowledge of AI technology (e.g. ML, NLP, RPA, Generative AI).
- Familiarity with modern tech stacks (cloud, APIs, microservices, DevOps) is a plus.
- Strong project management and team leadership skills in multicultural settings.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and change management skills.
Language:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Working knowledge of French or another UN official language is an asset.
Special Notice:
UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.
UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.
Considerations:
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
No Fee:
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
How to apply
Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.