Deliver IT operational services in line with agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring both internal and outsourced infrastructure run efficiently and are continuously improved to meet evolving business needs.
Maintain a strong security operations function by ensuring the right people, processes, and technologies are in place to detect, contain, and respond to IT threats. Monitor systems for potential cybersecurity incidents and ensure they are properly handled and reported.
Oversee the identity and access management (IAM) function, ensuring it includes the necessary tools and controls to manage user identities, track access, and enforce access policies across the organization.
Provide leadership and direction to IT Operations staff and partners. Support staff development, particularly in IT operations and cybersecurity skills. Manage team priorities and resolve conflicts as needed, and approve budget expenditures within the area of responsibility.
Additional Information
Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.
Deadline for Applications
June 12, 2026
Hardship Level
H (no hardship)
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR5
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date
2026-05-26
Standard Job Description
Chief of IT Operations Section
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Chief of IT Operations Section reports directly to the CIO and Head of the Information Technology Service (ITS). The incumbent is a member of the Senior Management Team and leads the IT Operations Section (IT OPS). S/he is responsible for ensuring that IT services function effectively and meet agreed service levels across the organization.
The Chief plays a key leadership role supporting the High Commissioner's Strategic Priorities by driving improvements in IT services, adopting new technologies, and enhancing operational efficiency. The Chief identifies and develops new IT services, oversees their implementation, and ensures that IT projects deliver the expected results. The role also includes managing the maintenance and support of global IT infrastructure.
The Chief oversees key operational areas including Platforms, Networks, End-user Devices, Security Operations, Identity and Access Management, and Managed Service Providers (MSP). S/he is responsible for ensuring that IT services are reliable, secure, and efficient, and that they align with the organization's goals and business needs.
The Chief works closely with internal teams such as the Business Relationship Management Section and the IT Site and Emergency Support Unit to ensure the organization has the necessary skills and capacity. The Chief coordinates with IT Service Delivery Management Officers in the regional bureaux and field operations to ensure effective service delivery at all levels. The Chief also collaborates with Solution Engineering to ensure that new solutions align with infrastructure standards, and with the Portfolio Management Office to manage projects according to the corporate Project Management Life-Cycle Process. The Chief partners with the Chief Information Security Officer to ensure compliance with security policies and standards.
Externally, the Chief engages with software and hardware vendors to stay informed about technology trends and to ensure support is available when needed. S/he also manages relationships with service providers responsible for infrastructure, cloud, and security services to ensure consistent and reliable delivery.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Unhcr · Copenhagen (hq), Denmark