Posting Title: CONTRACTS MANAGEMENT OFFICER – CARMU, P3

Job Code Title: CONTRACTS MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Department/Office: International Seabed Authority

Duty Station: KINGSTON

Posting Period: 01 August 2023 – 14 September 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Procurement-ISA-214427-R-Kingston (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and ReportingThe principal role of the Compliance Assurance and Regulatory Management Unit (CARMU) is to administer and manage Contractors’ activities in the Area. The position of Contract Management Officer is part of the CARMU at the International Seabed Authority (ISA). It is located at the Headquarters of the ISA in Kingston, Jamaica and reports directly to the Chief of CARMU. The incumbent is responsible for administering the contracts signed by the ISA and mineral exploration and/or exploitation contractors in ensuring that they comply with the terms and conditions of their respective contracts and relevant international laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

•  Communicating / liaising with Contractors in a timely manner to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
•  Processing (i.e. receiving, logging, and preparation for review) and reviewing information and reports submitted by contractors, in collaboration with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and the Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources (OEMMR).
•  Preparing relevant documents for the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC).
•  Providing support and advice to the LTC during the evaluation of the Contractors’ reports and assisting OLA in preparing the final LTC report.
•  Providing sound and timely technical advice to members of the LTC during intersessional meetings, and, as and when required, during other LTC meetings and events.
•  Liaising with Contractors in ensuring the issues highlighted by the LTC are addressed.
•  Coordinating lessons learned meetings at end of the review period with OEMMR and OLA.
•  Processing applications (i.e. receiving, logging, and preparation for review) for exploration / exploitation license, extensions of existing contracts, and approval of plans of work, in collaboration with OEMMR and OLA.
•  Assisting OLA in the preparation of exploration and exploitation contracts.
•  Liaising with Contractors in ensuring that relevant data and information related to their respective plans of work, exploration / exploitation license application, contract extension application, and exploration / exploitation activities are submitted to the Secretariat in the correct format and in a timely manner.
•  Ensuring the safe custody and confidentiality of all documents, data and information submitted in connection with such contracts and applications for approval of plans of work.
•  Accounting for and reporting on fees and charges paid by contractors in coordination with the Office for Administrative Services (OAS).
•  Supporting the process of establishing and operationalizing the Seabed Mining Register and responsible for maintaining and upgrading it.
•  Supporting the organization of the Contractors annual meetings and other meetings / events between the Secretariat and Contractors.
•  Supporting the preparation and organization of relevant meetings / events between the CARMU and other partners and stakeholders.
•  Contributing to the development of administrative guidelines and/or standard operating procedures.
•  Supporting EOSG, as and when required, in the training of Contractors and Sponsoring States on their respective roles and responsibilities.
•  Providing the necessary support to the Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer in planning, preparing and conducting the inspection of exploration / exploitation vessels and facilities.
•  Maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with contractors, and other stakeholders.
•  Preparing work plans and participating in organizational planning and strategizing.
•  Providing sound and timely technical advice to the Chief of CARMU and the Senior Management Group.
•  Preparing official communications to be vetted by the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and signed by the Secretary-General or his/her representatives.
•  Ensuring timely response to key stakeholders and logging of official communications, events, and incidences.
•  Performing other duties as directed by the Secretary-General.

CompetenciesProfessionalism: Technically sound in contract management and should be able to solicit others’ ideas and expertise to complement task delivery. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in two-way communication; uses appropriate language, and style of communication to suit the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with the ISA mission and goals; identifies priority activities and assignments; 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; uses time efficiently; works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. 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 to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed and meets timeline for delivery of products or services. Managing Performance: This position does not manage any staff but is expected to provide feedback on his/her superior and peers; Provides advice to staff on his / her areas of expertise, risk-taking and creativity; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff.

Education

•  Advanced degree in law, business administration, training, and development (preferably in extractive industries), or related discipline.
•  A first-level university degree in combination with three additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work ExperienceMore than five years of related experience in contract and regulatory management is required Proficient knowledge of legal requirements pertaining to relevant contracts is required. At least 3 years’ experience in report analysis and the provision of sound technical advice to inform decision making is required. Experience interacting with senior government officials, representatives of development partners and other stakeholders is required. Ability to work cross-functionally, and cross-culturally with internal and external stakeholders is desired High level of awareness on health & safety and environmental management in any workplace is desired.. Experience in stakeholder and resource management, and partnerships is desired

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

AssessmentQualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No FeeTHE 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.