Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks Chief Information and Technology Officer for the United Nations
January 14, 2021 – Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by the United Nations to assist in finding a chief information and technology officer (CITO) to head its Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). “The CITO will facilitate the success of a dynamic and decentralized UN Secretariat through supportive digital technologies,” said the search firm.
With technology has come the insatiable – and merciless – need for talent and having the right leaders and teams in place is now more critical than ever, report recruiters from across the field. Cybersecurity, IT, and technology leaders appear in various forms: chief information security officer (CISO), chief information risk officer, chief security officer (CSO), VP information security, chief trust officer, chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO) and many others. It is an ever-expanding new front line particularly for global organizations and the recruiters vested with finding the best leaders for them that money can buy.
For this top-drawer search, the incoming chief information and technology officer will be expected to set the direction for technology strategy and work closely with other entities within the UN Secretariat to ensure they have the tools and support to carry out their mandates. Sitting within the United Nations Secretariat in New York, the CITO focuses on strategic, long-term improvements across the Secretariat, and the wider UN, through enterprise applications; new technologies and innovation; efficient management and development of its global infrastructure; strengthening information security; project management frameworks; technology governance; and the establishment of policies, architecture, and standards.
The ideal candidate will be a strong IT and business leader who possesses a global perspective and a track record of driving a technology agenda in a complex environment, Russell Reynolds Associates said. This person will have led successful transformation and continuous improvement of technology infrastructure. The role requires a visionary leader who can work within the framework of the UN and be effective in building consensus around technology priorities to deliver effective solutions.
The United Nations is committed to diversity within its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Applications from women are strongly encouraged, the search firm said.
Desired Experience
- A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in leadership of information and communications technology teams, with strong leadership and managerial skills, and ability to build consensus among stakeholders required.
- Extensive and demonstrated experience in formulating, managing and implementing global ICT strategies with a vision that aligns to the organization’s strategy.
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- Demonstrated experience in current and emerging technologies, how other enterprises are employing them to drive digital business and how they may be applied to the United Nations to drive innovation and support agile mandate implementation.
- Experience in public sector and/or international organization settings.
Cyber Technology Recruiting Heats Up as Risks, and Opportunities, Multiply
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- Extensive experience in providing innovative, cost-effective operational solutions in diverse and challenging environments; and proven and widely acknowledged years of strategic and managerial experience in negotiation, change management, advocacy, and stakeholder management at the regional, national or international level.
Related: Russell Reynolds Associates Seeks CEO for U.K. Government Digital Service
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
