ICT Specialist - Infrastructure (Retainer) - RE-ADVERTISED

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State is actively engaged in Kenya’s efforts to professionalize its national police service. INL supports three Kenyan entities (henceforth, the Entities) whose mandate is to bolster police accountability, through operational and technical assistance to the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The latter three bodies are civilian-staffed and provide external oversight of the police.

INL requires technical advisory and project management advisory services to strengthen and develop ICT systems for several ongoing and upcoming components in their program. The specific project objective for UNOPS is to provide INL/Kenya with ICT project management and advisory services, technical assistance and performance monitoring/evaluation against contracted deliverables.

The contractor might be required to work only on days when the client is available to meet or when writing the required technical specifications.

Functional Responsibilities

• Undertake technology assessments to support the evaluation of current enterprise ICT Infrastructure environment of the Entities;
• Evaluate past efforts against contracted deliverables;
• Provide technical specifications in preparation/definition of technical and functional specifications of the IT enterprise infrastructure including and not limiting to data centres, power supplies/backups, software installations, firewalls and security concerns together with Logical Networking separation of concerns;
• Prepare the related formal specification documents including and not limited to gap analysis, technical specifications and procurement solicitation documentation of the ICT enterprise Infrastructure Components.
• Evaluate stakeholder organizations for skill and knowledge gaps and provide recommendations on topics and methods for capacity building activities; Procurement solicitation documentation will also include stakeholder organizational requirements (i.e. number of laptops required by its users, wireless requirements etc.).
• Prepare assessments and designs together with associated reports and specifications of the ICT installations
• Calculate approximate quantities for purposes of solicitation of bids for the project
• Coordinate the timely issuance of drawings, specifications, quantities and respond to queries as required by design review
• Contribute to the review of existing ICT installations and associated infrastructure (civil and electrical) at the enterprise level of the entities to identify gaps and provide recommendations for the design and implementation phase.
• Undertake full documentation of components, configuration and procedures for the installation of the ICT networks to ensure it conforms to UNOPS Design Standards and other associated International Codes and standards.
• Contribute to technical plans and advice on feasibility and soundness of proposed approach.
• Assist in technical aspects of the procurement activities of the ICT and Lan network installations as required.
• Advise/provide capacity-building training on related ICT technologies.

Impact of Results This initiative will help support the development of a continuously maintained and enhanced IPS portfolio. It will also support the rapid delivery of new low cost features in an enterprise hosted environment.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, or relevant field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree.
• A Secondary Education with eleven (11) years of qualifying experience may be accepted.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of information technology and/or telecommunications and systems.
• Experience in a large, enterprise environment at the international level is required.
• Experience in networking, data center design and infrastructure assessment is required.
• In-depth knowledge and proven track record of Enterprise Infrastructure installations is required.
• Experience with at least one or two fully implemented mid- or large-scale ICT projects, with at least one of them in the public/UN sector is an asset.
• Previous experience working in rule of law / governmental projects is an advantage.
• Previous experience with UNOPS or a UN Agency would be an advantage.
• ITIL certification is desirable.

Language

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. 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. 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: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
• Contract level: International ICA Specialist Level 2 (Contract may be issued as Local ICA Specialist Level 10 based on the duty station of the successful candidate).
• Contract duration: Up to 80 working days within four months. Contract may be renewable subject to programme requirements, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

Note that the fees under this contract are liable to income tax and other applicable legislation.

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

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.