Title: Chief, Central Support Services

Vacancy Reference: V.N. 26-18

Location: ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Contract Hours: Fixed Term (Professional and Higher categories)

Role: Fixed Term (Professional and Higher categories)

Salary:

US$ 117,953 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$ 93,654). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom.

Date of Issue: 23/09/2026

Deadline for Applications: 16/10/2026

Purpose for the Post

Under the immediate supervision of the Director, Administrative Division, the incumbent leads and provides direction to the Office of Central Support Services which provides the following services to the Secretariat: information, communication and technology services, facilities management, procurement, asset management, publishing, catering, travel, diplomatic, and registry/mailroom and distribution. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Plan, oversee and provide direction to the management of Central Support Services (CSS), including  facilities management, procurement, asset management, publishing, catering, travel, diplomatic, UNLP and registry/mailroom and distribution.
  2. Oversee and supervise the budget and financial management of expenses within CSS’s remit (Regular Budget, Headquarters Capital Fund, Trading Fund), including the approval of variable works requested by contractor under the total facilities management contract.
  3. Develop and maintains up-to-date policies and procedures for CSS services.
  4. Provide strategic, policy and budgetary advice to senior management on all CSS matters.
  5. Recommend purchases of equipment and services aligned to CSS objectives.
  6. Serve as Country Security Focal Point for the United Kingdom within the framework of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS).
  7. Serve as the certifying officer for the request for the issuance of UNLP and documents related to diplomatic car and duty free goods privileges.
  8. Serve as the focal point for the Organization for the United Nations Organizational Resilience Management System (ORMS).
  9. Perform any other duties as may be requested.

Within delegated authority, the Chief, CSS, is responsible for the following:

Facilities Management Services (FMS)

  • Oversee the organization’s FM activities and financial management of budget and expenses, including the approval of variable works requested by the contractor and reviewed by the Facilities Manager.
  • Comply with the Organization’s obligations as a tenant: long-term planning of major works, in collaboration with Landlord (host Government) and appointed Managing Agent; protect the Organization’s interests on building-related matters and payment of rent and rates.
  • Preventive and reactive maintenance of plant and equipment in the IMO HQ, ensuring the smooth running of all systems to provide a safe and healthy environment. 
  • Ensure security for IMO HQ, including liaison with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection group of the Metropolitan Police.
  • Provision of office cleaning and porterage services, building and motor vehicle insurance, utilities, waste removal/recycling services. 
  • Manage the relationship with tenants, including calculation of rent and service charges. 
  • Compile reports on the Secretariat’s greenhouse gas emissions for UN Environment’s Sustainable UN programme; work towards reducing the Secretariat’s carbon footprint.

Information, Communication and Technology Services (ICTS)

  • Oversee the organization’s ICTS activities, including budget planning, financial management and budgetary and expense performance, and budget transfers.
  • Review and approve or clear staff related matters: recruitment; overtime; extension of appointment; performance management, including functions, roles and responsibilities, if necessary.
  • Review ICT related project proposals submitted by Head, ICTS for the approval by the Director, Administrative Division.
  • Provide strategic leadership and organizational oversight of IMO’s ICT function,
  • Represent IMO as member of the Management Committee of the International Computing Centre.

Procurement and Asset Management Services (PAMS)

  • Oversee and manage the Organization’s procurement activities.
  • Plan and manage procurement of all goods and services for the Organization, including for field offices and projects implemented on behalf of World Bank, EU and other donors, ensuring good value for money.
  • Negotiate and conclude contracts for goods and services procured by the Organization; contracts management including monitoring and review of performance.
  • Prepare recommendations to Committee on Contracts for high-value contracts.
  • Provide advice and support to senior management and requisitioning officers on procurement policies and procedures.
  • Compile reports on procurement statistics for UN Procurement Network.
  • Review and update the Procurement Manual.
  • Asset management, including gifts to the Organization.
  • Oversee and manage the registry and general service functions for the Secretariat.
  • Oversee the processing of Host Government-related entitlements and privileges.
  • Ensure effective operation of office services, equipment and stores.
  • Ensure effective operation of mail room, registry and pouch services.

Publishing Services (PUBS)

  • Oversee and manage publishing services (funded by the Trading Fund) Monitor, review and update policies and strategies related to production (including digital production) and sales.
  • Provide advice and support to the Secretariat (including senior management) on publishing policies and practice. Manage the publishing element of the Trading Fund budget, including revenue forecasting and long-range expenditure planning.

Catering Services (CATS)

  • Oversee and manage the Organization’s in-house catering activities (funded by a Trading Fund).
  • Manage the catering element of the Trading Fund budget, including revenue forecasting and long-range expenditure planning. 

Travel and Diplomatic Services (TDS)

  • Oversee and manage travel and diplomatic services for the Secretariat.
  • Coordinate the provision of all official travel (including mission travel, entitlement travel, recruitment and repatriation travel, consultants’ travel. 
  • Liaison with and performance monitoring of travel agency. 
  • Review and update the Travel Manual, travel policies and administrative procedures against industry standards and best practices as adopted by Other UN agencies. 
  • Compile statistical reports on Secretariat travel.
  • Oversee the administration for the issuance of UNLPs. 


Required Competencies

  1. Ability to negotiate and influence effectively to build consensus and achieve objectives. 
  2. Ability to formulate and implement strategic plans and objectives, and make decisions with a focus on impact on the Organization. 
  3. Excellent spoken, written and presentation skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues and positions to a variety of audiences. 
  4. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels including in an international, cross-cultural context. 
  5. Strong leadership skills and experience in managing a diverse team of staff and budgetary resources. 
  6. Proven analytical and organizational skills with the ability to focus on outcomes and thorough implementation of activities.


Professional Experience

At least 15 years of responsible experience in the management of multi-disciplinary teams, including a minimum of 5 years’ experience at a senior or international level position, with line management capacity is essential. Experience in contract and financial management is essential.

Education

Advanced university degree in Business/ Public Administration, Management or other relevant fields is essential. 

Language Skills

Proficiency in English (oral and written) is essential. Knowledge of another official language of the Organization would be an asset.

Other Skills

Demonstrated experience in managing several support service functions is essential. Proficiency in MS Office applications. Working knowledge in an ERP (e.g. SAP) will be an asset

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.