ICT Associate (ICT & Database)

Contract

This is a LICA-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-6 contracts.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Afghanistan

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan through delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s national priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads, bridges, justice and security, health, and water supply) development, procurement services, HR services, capacity building, and humanitarian protection, amongst others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, the international donor community, and other UN agencies.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to the achievement of the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the reconstruction and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO’s services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to significantly improve the lives of all Afghans in need.

Background Information - Job-specific

Project Information

Responding to one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world, the Afghanistan Inter-Agency Information Centre (IAIC) - Awaaz Afghanistan (Awaaz) - is an inter-agency two-way communication and accountability mechanism that responds to the information and communication needs of affected populations in Afghanistan and allows affected populations to shape their own relief and recovery. Based in Kabul and functioning as a toll-free humanitarian helpline, Awaaz is a link to the partnership between those who wish to assist and those who need assistance and is accountable to both constituencies.

Local Context

Supported by the Humanitarian Country Team, with initial funding from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP), and currently supported by the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) and European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Organisation (ECHO), Awaaz’s primary objective is to promote two-way communication between affected populations to:

I. Empower communities through the provision of accessible and timely information on how to access humanitarian services and resources required to improve their situation. II. Help ensure efficient and effective coordination of humanitarian actors operating in Afghanistan by collecting and circulating information about the urgent needs and priorities of affected populations III. Support an environment of transparency and accountability by: a. Establishing an easy-to-access and safe mechanism through which affected populations can lodge feedback and complaints b. Channeling feedback and complaints to humanitarian actors to influence humanitarian programming and shape quality advocacy

UNOPS is seeking an ICT Associate with a strong background in database management and information management to ensure the IAIC remains functional always.

Under the direct supervision of the Information Management Officer (Technical), who reports to the Project Managers, and technical guidance of the ICT colleagues in the country office and HQ, the ICT Associate is responsible for efficient and effective ICT management and support to the operations in a given geography. In the discharge of her/his duties, the ICT Associate liaises with UNOPS programme support colleagues in order to ensure best support.

Functional Responsibilities

1. ICT client services, management and administration 2. Network administration 3. Team Management 4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing 5. Database Management

1. ICT client services, management and administration - Ensures efficient and effective ICT client services, management and administration, focusing on achievement of the following results: - Implementation of ICT and operational strategies compliant with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and framework. - Provision of fast, friendly, and effective user support. - Advice on information technology and systems planning exercises undertaken in the Business Unit, and representing the Business Unit in those undertaken throughout UNOPS. - Participation in the development of ICT standards and strategies for the Business Unit - Maintenance of inventory of all computer, audio/video communication equipment, and software in the Business Unit, ensuring compliance with asset management policies. - Interaction with the country office, HQ and ICT personnel from other UN agencies in the area to share and exchange information and expertise on applications and tools. - Effective functioning (installation, operation and maintenance) of all UNOPS hardware equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies, approved software and application of updates and patches in a timely manner. - Supervision of information and communication services of the Business Unit and managed projects. - Effective advice on all project implementation activities involving ICT; the hardware and software procurement process; and establishment and maintenance of a roster of potential suppliers. - Active networking with clients, addressing and improving common areas of concern. - Provision of consulting services, ICT audit inspections and/or facilitation of selection/deployment of software to projects, seeking technical advice and support from HQ ICT personnel, as required. - Liaison with UNOPS HQ, and other relevant units, to determine hardware and software requirements. - Acting as effective UNOPS' liaison with the local UN partner agencies on issues relating to UNOPS ICT.

2. Network administration - Ensures efficient network administration, focusing on achievement of the following results: - Maintenance of network and internet connectivity to ensure stable operation, availability of bandwidth, and reliable connection to the internet and HQ based systems - Valid hardware maintenance agreements, to ensure timely resolution of hardware failures. - A stable and responsive network environment based on daily monitoring of the network connection. - Ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of UNOPS ICT systems and UNOPS information assets. - Monitor and maintain proper backups of UNOPS data. Maintenance of measures in place for business continuity and disaster recovery processes and procedures Maintenance of video conference and telephony operations

3. Team Management - Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development. - Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practice.

4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing - Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources. - Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively. - Participates, organizes and delivers trainings for the operations/ projects staff in ICT services.

5. Database Management - Support the Information Management Officer (IMO) in utilizing business intelligence tools such as Excel, PowerBI or GSuite to produce multiple reporting deadlines for a variety of clients and through a range of mediums. - Support the Information Management Officer (IMO) in utilizing web content management systems, database backup, and underlying database query language (e.g. MySQL), with strong knowledge of data security, protection and preservation techniques to ensure integrity of call centre information is maintained.

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

Education: - Completion of Secondary education is required. - Diploma or University Degree, preferably in information sciences, computer sciences or engineering, is desirable

Experience: - A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of information technology and/or telecommunications and systems, preferably in an international environment - Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2010 and/or newer versions). Experience in management of Active Directory, Windows servers, and network infrastructure. - Database knowledge is required (e.g. Access, sql server, mysql) - and basic knowledge of data access, analysis and data visualization methodologies. Experience in the usage of business intelligence tools, including Excel, PowerBI and GSuite - Basic knowledge of contact center (Cisco CCX) - Basic knowledge of Voice over IP (VoIP) and Cisco Collaboration

Language: - Full working knowledge of English is required. - Good knowledge of Pashtu and Dari - Knowledge of another official UNOPS 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: Local ICA

Contract level: LICA-6 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• 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
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.