IT Streamlining Consultant and Project Manager (Paris, France) contract NEW

Parent Sector : Bureau of Human Resources Management (HRM)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Computer Sciences / Information Technologies

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : 1 year (One year with possible renewal for a further 6 months)

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05-DEC-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Only candidates who are entitled to work in France may apply to this position.

Purpose and reporting line:

The IT Consultant will be responsible for managing the complete systems implementation process for the multilateral organization, UNESCO, focusing on meeting the business needs of HRM (Bureau of Human Resources Management) and system users. This includes working with an implementing partner, liaising with the DBS (Bureau for Digital Business Solutions), and ensuring effective and efficient implementation of SAP Success Factors for talent management.

The IT Consultant will report to Chief of Section, Staff Services in HRM with indirect reporting lines to Director of DBS and Director of HRM. Regular reporting to the project governance committee is also required.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Requirements Analysis:
   – Work closely with HR stakeholders to understand and interpret their business needs and support ‘as is’ process mapping and conceptual design of the ‘to be’ delivered solution. 
   – Facilitate workshops and meetings to gather detailed requirements in partnership with the implementing partner for this project.
-Suggest  improvements in existing processes based on experience and system knowledge to increase efficiency of system and improve user experience for staff and HR personnel.

2. Project Management and Implementation:
–   In collaboration with all stakeholders (HRM, DBS, System Users, Implementing partners) develop project scope and objectives, ensuring technical feasibility
   – In collaboration with Implementing partner and DBS, develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation. 
   – Work with implementing partners using Agile methodologies, adapting processes as necessary to suit project demands.
   – Oversee the entire implementation process, ensuring adherence to project plans and timelines, budget and scope.
–    Coordinate internal resources and people from DBS, HRM and the external implementing partners for the flawless execution of the project. Ensure resource availability and allocation working with HRM and DBS. 
–    Use appropriate verification techniques to manage changes in project scope, schedule and costs to minimize the latter. 
 

3. Collaboration and Coordination:
   – Serve as the primary liaison between the implementing partner, DBS and HR stakeholders.
   – Ensure seamless communication and collaboration with  all parties.
–    Support positive relationships with the implementing partner, HRM, DBS and other stakeholders including UNESCO policy and legal specialists who may need to be consulted during implementation.

4. Progress Reporting:
   – Regularly report on project progress to senior management and key stakeholders including the governance board which will be constituted to oversee this project.
   – Provide transparent updates on milestones, challenges, and solutions.
–    Create and maintain in collaboration with all stakeholders comprehensive project documentation.

5. Quality Assurance and Risk Management:
   – Monitor project quality and progress, implementing corrective actions as needed.
   – Identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the project lifecycle.

6. Training, Knowledge Transfer 
–   Develop SOPs Standard Operating Procedures for each work flow implemented in collaboration with implementing partner.
–    Facilitate training sessions for HR staff and information sessions for employees at large on the new systems.
   – Ensure knowledge transfer for sustained system management and use.
 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science / Information Technologies, Database management or related field.

Work experience

• At least 10 years of proven experience in managing large-scale IT system implementations.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong background in SAP and SuccessFactors.
• Solid understanding of or hands on experience in software development and web technologies. 
• Proficient in Agile methodologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex business needs into technical solutions.
• – Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

• PMP/Prince II certification is a plus.
• Knowledge of the United Nations Common System of people administration is a plus.

The duration of the consultancy will be for approximately 18 months. It is anticipated that this project will begin in December 2024 – January 2025. The successful candidate is expected to be located in Paris for the duration of the project. 

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.