ICT Specialist

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.

UNDP SL developed the project “Promote the creation of an enabling environment for the conduct of peaceful elections and the strengthening of social cohesion in Sierra Leone”. As part of this project, UNDP will work with key stakeholders such as the media, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the government to monitor, analyse and prevent or mitigate disinformation and hate speech before, during and after the elections.

Within the project, the 2nd outcome “An inclusive civic space is fostered and peaceful, accurate and timely communications for participatory and well-informed discourse are promoted” includes an activity designed to support implementation of social and online media monitoring mechanism through the deployment of a digital platform, training of journalist and agreements with social media platforms to enable them to analyse information with regard to their level of accuracy and respond adequately to questions.

At a global level, UNDP has developed an IT solution called iVerify to the promotion of information integrity. Following the assessment carried out in September 2022, the project and UNDP Country Office decided to implement the iVerify System in support of the media sector in Sierra Leone for the upcoming 2023 elections.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will ensure:

1. Ensures implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies focusing on achievement of the following results: -Compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines and procedures for the CO technology environment. -Provision of inputs to elaboration of internal policies and procedures on the use of ICT. Elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in ICT in consultation with office management. -Development and update of the ICT annual plan. -Provision of support to the use of Atlas (UNDP’s implementation of PeopleSoft ERP) functionality for improved business results and improved client services.

2. Ensures effective functioning of the CO hardware and software packages focusing on the achievement of the following results: -Provision of advice on maintenance of equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies, making routine repairs and change of hardware electronic components. -Supervision of the implementation of corporate UNDP systems. -Development of new software packages for high impact results (e.g. office management system, electronic registry, etc) as required. -Provision of training in corporate systems and tools and ensuring staff’s proficiency in these. -Use Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

3. Ensures efficient networks administration focusing on achievement of the following results: -Operation of network utility procedures defining network users and security attributes establishing directories, menus and drive-mappings, configuring network printers and providing user access. Ensure that the UNDP desktop and network resources are protected from malicious virus attacks and deploy countermeasures in the event of the attacks -Troubleshooting and monitoring of network problems. -Response to user needs and questions regarding network access. -Maintenance of up-to-date parameters of information for the network clients and electronic mail. -Implementation of backup and restoration procedures for local drives. Maintenance of backup logs. Organization of off-site storage of backups. -Maintenance of measures in place for business continuity and disaster recover processes and procedures including backup and restoration of both server and local storage facilities. -Timely LAN Infrastructure and Internet connectivity upgrade to meet UNDP requirements.

4. Provides web management services focusing on achievement of the following results -Identification of the opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency (office management system, donor profile software, knowledge management systems). -Creation and maintenance of the CO web site and intranet ensuring that the content is updated and meets the requirements of UNDP

5. Provides administrative support focusing on achievement of the following results: -Provision of advice on and assistance in procurement of new equipment for the CO and projects, provision of technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets, review of quotations and bids. -Maintenance of an up-to-date inventory of the software and hardware. -Maintenance of the library of reference materials. -Maintenance of the inventory and stock of supplies and spare parts in cooperation with the Procurement Unit.

6. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results: -Identification and promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge management and sharing, information provision. -Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on ICT issues. -Maintenance of staff training profiles. -Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in ICT. -Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; •Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; •Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; •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; •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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; •Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

computer Science. Cisco Certified Network Engineering (CCNE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) required. If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within 6 months. •Previous experience with a multinational or international organization is helpful but not mandatory. •Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. •Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, •Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. •Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. •Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) •Sound security awareness; •Have affinity with or interest in Communications, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Sierra Leone is a unique country and UNDP is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility, the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are essential.