Chief of Service (Chief, Specialized Desks)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the Common Administrative Platform (CAP) at the United Nations Headquarters, referred to as the One Executive Office (“One EO”), under the Division of Administration (DOA) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS). One EO started its transition phase on 1 January 2026 as part of the UN80 reform initiative, which aims to consolidate common administrative functions across Secretariat entities into unified service platforms. One EO provides a full range of administrative and operational services required by New York-based Secretariat client entities to fulfil their mandates, including human resources management, financial administration, travel and general administrative support. The Chief of Service (Specialized Desks) reports to the Director of Administration, DOS.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Chief of Service (Specialized desks) will oversee the management of the multi-entity staff administration operations and activities undertaken by Specialized Desks, ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the CAP OneEO and others as appropriate. The role combines strategic coordination, operational leadership, policy interpretation, data-driven decision-making, and staff management, while ensuring full compliance with the Organization’s Regulatory Framework.

• Leads, supervises and contributes to the work outputs of the Service (Specialized Desks) under their responsibility including Talent Sourcing, Staff Administration, Affiliated Personnel, Travel and General Operations.
• Co-ordinates and oversees the full range of human resources and administration-related activities among Specialized Desks and sub-units, including recruitment, onboarding, disbursement of entitlements and contract management and separation of staff members. Ensures optimal collaboration and efficiency for cohesive service delivery to the client entities.
• Reports to the Director of Administration, Department of Operational Support on programme performance and programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in annual reports.
• Ensures that the outputs produced by the Service (Specialized desks) under their supervision maintain high-quality standards. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Specialized Desks comply with the relevant operational procedures.
• Assists the Director of Administration in preparing the work programme of the Service (Specialized Desks), determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Identifies potential management reviews of high sensitivity and complexity and directs the work of review teams through all stages.
• Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Service (Sp...