ICT Associate

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-6 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

**** THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY APPLICANTS WHO ARE SPANISH OR EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENS OR APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS A VALID RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT IN SPAIN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION******

***** FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY******

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their Peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

The Department of Operational Support (DOS) is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, systems, and software applications in support of the operational requirements of Peacekeeping Missions, Special Political Missions, as well as Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and DOS at Headquarters.

ICT is one of the fundamental components that enable substantive work of field missions. Timely and secure communications and information exchange within and between UN Peacekeeping Missions and Headquarters is critical to meet the core strategic, operational, and tactical mandate of the United Nations.

The Service for Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies at the UNGSC provides a critical role as the as the resilient operational hub for the support and delivery of technology services and solutions to field operations and a broad range of Secretariat and United Nations system clients. As a unified, singular service provider, SGITT provides reliable, resilient, and innovative geospatial, communications and information technology services, including centralized connectivity, hosting and monitoring support, ensuring that staff members in field missions and at Headquarters have access to critical enterprise systems.

The Technology Development, Design and Planning Section (TDDPS) identifies, harnesses and operationalizes innovative and emerging technology solutions that can serve as effort/force multipliers, and provide measurable advantages and benefits over traditional approaches. The Section takes a holistic approach: from exploration, solution identification, proof of concept, introduction to field missions, streamlining and enhancing existing practices, and mainstreaming successful technologies.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with UNGSC and the UNGSC ICT Programme Support Team has the scope to manage and coordinate for the implementation of all Financial Agreements between UNGSC and UNOPS, also to provide related administrative support to UNGSC.

The ICT Associate will carry out his/her tasks at UNGSC, SGITT/Technology Development Design and Planning Section (TDDPS)/Technology Development Unit (Unit) in Valencia (Spain).

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS Senior Programme Manager or a designated person, the incumbent works under the direct guidance and supervision of the ICT Technology Team Lead within the Technology Development Unit, at the UN ICT Facility in Valencia, Spain and is responsible for following duties:

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Frontend and Backend development
2. Data Analytics, Machine Learning, AI, development
3. Technical Lead for multiple innovative ICT technology solutions.

Expected Results:

1. Frontend and Backend Software Development

• Develops and implements web services and APIs.
• Merges code into shared repositories, validate code, and perform quality assurance.
• Is the general technical lead for a range of programs and projects to ensure their smooth running and implementation.
• Works with development teams to fix bugs, deliver new versions of code, and troubleshoot problems.
• Creates Technical Designs based on Functional Design documents.
• Prioritizes tasks and organizes work based on general direction from the supervisor.
• Plans, develops, conducts documentation management, and compiles and submits reports.
• Provides technical advice and guidance as required.
• Actively provides development updates to supervisor and project management team in project meetings and tracks accomplishments as required.

2. Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and AI Development

• Provides expertise on techniques including regression, classification, clustering, machine vision, natural language processing, deep learning, and/or statistical modelling.
• Produces technical reference documentation to be used as guides.
• Strong ability and knowledge of database principles, data profiling, statistics and data modelling and can apply this knowledge in new or complex situations.
• Tracks and monitors development progress against plans, requirements, quality measures, and standard processes.

3. Coordination for multiple innovative ICT technology solutions - Coordinates multiple research and implementation projects simultaneously. - Capacity to provide hands-on as well as guidance and mentorship to members of a team. - Coordinates and integrates the work of front-end developers, back-end developers, and others within each project. - Provides expert advice on complex systems analysis, design, integration, and implementation.

4. Performs other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent's scope of services above.

Impact of results The effective and successful achievement of key results by the ICT Associate directly affects the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the relevant business unit/project, in ICT management, impacting the timely and effective implementation of the respective services and deliverables. This ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*****FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY****

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education: - High school diploma or equivalent is required. - A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) preferably in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Communications, or relevant field is desirable. - Candidates with higher education (post graduate degree) may be considered with a reduced experience requirement.

Experience: Required experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of practical experience in software development, machine learning, or related areas.
• Experience using Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools such as Keras, Tensorflow, Pytorch, Numpy. Scikit, Tesseract, NVIDIA’s Deepstream, Open AI’s GPT and generative AIs Dall-e or Midjourney.
• Experience using programming languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, C#, C/C++, HTML, Javascript, SQL, PHP, Haskell, Jason, or Prolog.
• Experience using frameworks such as Android Studio, Django, Flask, Ruby on Rails, or .Net.

Desirable Experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

• Experience with using Azure Cloud services such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Functions, Azure Service Fabric, and Azure Sprin Apps.
• Experience using software tools such as Unity, Photoshop, Android studio, Git, Dreamweaver, Eclipse, Visual Studio, or Wolfram.

Language: - Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. - Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an asset.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff Contract level: G6 Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.

• This position is stationed in Valencia, Spain which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.