Org. Setting and Reporting

This 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.

Responsibilities

Under 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 maintain 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in administration, human resources management, finance, accounting, training, procurement, or other related areas is required. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at the international level in the United Nations System or comparable international organization is required. Experience in leading the provision of administrative services to clients is required. Experience in managing multicultural teams is required. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning systems is desirable. Experience in leading significant management processes is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment is available for a fixed period of 2 years, and renewal thereof is subject to the availability of the post, funds and satisfactory performance in the role.

ISA reserves the right to not make any appointment to the vacancy, and/or to make an appointment at a lower level from the one advertised.
At the ISA/ United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the
basis of qualifications and organizational needs.
The ISA/United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.
The ISA/United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
The ISA/United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Only nationals of ISA Member States are eligible for consideration.

United Nations 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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. 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 internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Chief of Administration