INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT

Contract

This is a FS-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Field Service. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about FS-4 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Field Technology Section of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) in Laayoune. Laayoune is classified as a "D" hardship duty station and a family duty station. The Information System Assistant will report to Chief of Unit, Information Technology Unit.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the information Systems Assistant may be responsible for the following duties:

Applications Support: - Works as part of a team in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of physical security related projects like CCTV surveillance, Access Control, Intruder Alarms using UN established standards for IS technologies, programming languages and tools. - Assists with the monitoring and expedition of physical security systems development projects; provides input for the development of standard terms of reference; serves as part of the team related to various project implementations in the mission. - Maintains functional specifications for physical security systems, programs and procedures; assists in ongoing reviews with users and developers; liaises with users to define and specify requirements; assists with version management, data recovery and deployment to users’ offices - Implements and maintains security controls for various physical security applications; ensures that security controls in place are monitored and enforced; assists with the maintenance of accurate access control lists including rights and privileges. - Supports Data Recovery/Business Continuity software applications and systems - Provides input for the preparation of various technical and user documentation for deployed computer application systems, training materials and may conduct technical presentations; assists with the drafting of correspondence and communications, including work plan revisions, as well as unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports - Keeps abreast of developments in the field; implements benchmarking procedures and provides input for final decisions on new acquisitions.

Server/Data Centre Administration: - Provides full range of technical assistance in the area of server operations and administration; - Installs, configures, tests and deploys server systems hardware and software, to include Local Area Network infrastructure, Operating Systems (Unix, Linux, Mac OS), Electronic mail, Citrix, Database systems, Web Development software, Firewall systems, Network Services Server systems (DNS, DHCP, NFS, CIFS/SMB, mail relay, and various security software. - Provides the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems; undertakes complex trouble shooting of server systems - Supports and maintains the internal and physical security back-end infrastructure and systems (Windows/Linux Servers, VMWare Infrastructure, Storage Array and SAN Switches, network equipment and software). - Works with other Units within FTS to maintain optimal 24/7 operations for the server systems operations - Provides input to identify the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems - Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards. - Participates in the security incident response activities; assists in the implementation, operation and maintenance of security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses as well as to determine the need for updating systems with fixes and patches - Assists with the drafting of documentation and reportsNetwork Administration: - Assists with the implementation of physical security related network projects in accordance with Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards - Assists with the review of physical security network configuration to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources - Installation, operation and maintenance of internetworking systems which include Cisco Routers, L2/L3 Network Switches, Cisco and Checkpoint Firewalls, Wireless LAN Controllers, wireless access points, CCTV Cameras, Access control and related equipment. - Participates in the development of plans for major Innovation & Technology systems' projects within the mission, monitoring the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of various networks and systems - Supports the management of network backup and security enforcement policies - Assists other personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit - Works as part of the team to ensure the integrity of the various internetwork connections within the missions Intra- and Extranets - Assists with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for voice, video, and data integration - Operates and maintains the various implemented data security projects with emphasis in network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies - Ensures the proper administration of access control lists including rights and privileges; participates in the security incident response activities - Participates in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses to bring to the attention of supervisors - Participates in all network implementations - Assists with the drafting of documentation and reports

IT Service Support: - Works as part of a team of service coordination staff - Assists with the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system - Assists with tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc. - Assists with the provision of basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications - Provides input into the eventual drafts for end-user and/or technical documentation - Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve problem or to complete task, problems encountered, current status, escalation status, and other related metrics - Escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and consult with supervisor to recommend solutions - Assists with quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction - Keeps abreast of developments in information systems and technology in order to make recommendations to supervisors - Serves as a team member for various special projects within FTS - Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. •Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis.

ICT Security/ DRBC: - Works as part of the team responsible for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan implemented by the mission - Assists with the implementation and testing of DRBC plans, and works within various teams related to DRBC management - Implements Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) and backup services following standard procedures - Installs, operates and maintains multi-user information security systems including firewalls, malware detection/prevention systems, intrusion detection/prevention, network access controls, proxy servers, VPN, encryption, URL and content filtering systems in accordance with organizational technology security standards - Provides input for other FTS units to determine security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations - Maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific FTS resources and data - Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the FTS Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities - Performs regular security vulnerability assessments of production FTS resources to identify potential weaknesses for referral to supervisors; performs risk analysis and provide data for further analysis by supervisors - Maintains the scheduled updates for FTS systems with fixes and patches

Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include, but are not limited to: - Providing general assistance across the various fields of ICT support services in the mission - Being part of cross-functional teams within FTS in order to assist with ICT related projects. - Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of information technology and applications, including computer system networks. Good technical skills, ability to conduct network maintenance, provide server services, user support, implement and maintain Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity systems, and information systems security and control. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education High school diploma or equivalent and certification/diploma of other supplemental academic qualifications or training in Information Technology is required. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification Valid CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, CompTIA Security+, VMWARE Professional and ITIL Foundation certifications are required

PRINCE2 Foundation Project Management and ITIL Intermediate certifications are desirable

Work Experience At least six (06) years of relevant work experience in the planning and installation of complex Information Systems, equipment, and networks, including at least three (3) years of experience at the international level is required

At least 4 years’ experience deploying and managing ESX Host VMware infrastructure, Checkpoint firewalls, Forcepoint and Cisco networks is required.

Experience in the field of information systems or related area in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Experience providing services in the field of information systems or related area to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.