Associate ICT Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Associate ICT Officer reports to the Senior Administrative Officer. S/he is responsible to coordinate ICT related activities for the operation. UNHCR Egypt is facing major challenges to work in residential buildings with an adequate infrastructure. The Associate ICT Officer is also responsible advise Program and Protection on ICT related needs and support in developing specifications and confirm that received items adhere to quantity and quality standards. There are three support staff reporting to the position in Cairo. The incumbent is also responsible to provide guidance to the ICT Associate based in the Field Office.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer, with functional guidance from the Snr IT Serv Delivery Mgmt. Off at the Regional Bureau for the Middle East & North Africa and the overall supervision of the Division of Information Systems and Telecoms (DIST) Chief ICT Field Operations, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Participate in the assessment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) voice, security and data services needs in each UNHCR office in the area of responsibility (AOR); • Discuss ICT material and human requirements with the Head of offices in the AOR and provide input for the budget submission; • Supervise the implementation of the ICT operations plan and thereafter ensures that all equipment is in good working conditions at all times as to meet the ICT needs of the offices; • Assist and advise offices in the recruiting and training of ICT staff; • Actively participate in inter-agency ICT working groups and ensure effective coordination between agencies and services provided; • Report actively ICT activities undertaken in the AOR to DIST HQ ICT Field Operations; • Monitor and coordinate the work of other ICT staff as directed by the Head of Offices in accordance with the standards set by Headquarters; • Actively participate in ICT related meetings to ensure that all decisions taken meet UNHCR’s operational and security requirements; • Liaise directly with end users to clarify, analyse and resolve reported issues, delivering high standards of customer service; • Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all infrastructure equipment under AOR; • Provide coaching and training to ICT staff and end-users. Draft procedures and instructions to promote a better understanding of the use of the ICT equipment; • Assist in liaising with the National Regulatory Authority to ensure that licenses and permissions required to operate UNHCR telecommunications networks are obtained; • Act as a Service Delivery Manager (SDM) and oversees the delivery of technology services to customers. The manager follows established ICT principles, operational guidelines, and service level agreements to ensure consistently high-level service performance.

• Results/Expected Outputs: • UNHCR Country operation has modern and cost-effective ICT systems; • Effective coordination/cooperation with DIST ICT Field Operations section; • Oversees day-to-day operations, monitors performance, and evaluates customer feedback to develop quality improvement processes; • ICT voice, security and data services are functioning and maintained; • Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents / problems; • Escalate issues to supervisor if incident / problem cannot be resolved with scope of responsibility; • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment; • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

ICT experience supporting ICT infrastructure (LAN/WAN, HF/VHF radio, VSAT satellite systems, PABX, Cisco networking devices).and; • Hands on experience working in current versions of Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory. Knowledge of VoIP technology and network systems based on Cisco infrastructure, knowledge of satellite based communications, VSAT, MSS and knowledge of VHF/HF communications; • Formal training and certification on satellite communication and ICT systems; • Good understanding of energy/power related systems; • Good analytical, Innovation and Creativity and Technological Awareness skills; • Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel and Power Point) and Internet browsing.

Cairo is a family, category A duty station, has good residential areas and offers multiple touristic sites and locations to visit and enjoy. Cairo also offers excellent and frequent air connections to a wide range of international destinations. When it comes to accommodation, food, furniture and clothing, there is variety of choice withs the costs depending on the preferences of the incumbent. International banks and a wide variety of private health facilities are available, even though some international staff members opt to seek specialized medical services abroad. Bilingual and international schools are many, but some colleagues have experienced overt discrimination on the basis of nationality when trying to register their children into certain schools. Some international staff have experienced difficulties importing or exporting private vehicles as the customs-clearance process is cumbersome. Also, some staff members have experienced significant delays in the customs clearance of their personal belongings, leading to high demurrage and storage charges. Heavy traffic, air & noise pollution, and long commuting hours are often mentioned as challenging aspects of living in Cairo.

Security Considerations: The majority of Egypt is at Security Level 2 (Low) with the exception of the Western Desert (Security Level 3, Moderate) and the North Sinai (Security Level 5, High). UNHCR currently operates only in Low to Moderate security level areas. The security situation is relatively stable; however there have been a number of attacks on security (police and military) forces and on rare occasions religious and tourism sites. Civil unrest since 2015 is low, there are very rarely large demonstrations or public disorder incidents. The crime rate in the country is moderate with some incidents particularly in the crowded neighbourhoods of large cities (Cairo and Alexandria) such as thefts, burglary and robbery (e.g. bag snatchers especially against females). Sexual harassment against women and girls is high in the country targeting both Egyptian and foreigners. Hazards are the most challenging safety issue. Road accidents are common in Egypt, due to poor road conditions, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws. Fires in apartments are a hazard, with electricity standards low causing electrical fires. Vulnerability to staff is exacerbated by disregard of safety advisories, such as installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in their residences.

International Specialist UN Volunteer gets the following package: •Volunteer Living Allowance (around USD 2,309/Month) - Entry Lump-Sum = USD 4000 (one-time payment) - Exit Lump-Sum = USD 225/ month (upon completion of contract) - Medical and life Insurance premium/Cigna (100%) for UNV and dependents. - Access to UNV E-Campus for training and learning including access to LinkedIn learning.

Further entitlements and information at: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service