INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is within the Liquidation Entity of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in Bamako. The incumbent will report to the Chief, Field Technology Section under the direct supervision of the Information Technology Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Systems Assistant, FS-5 is responsible for the following duties:

Network Administration and infrastructure: • Analyses, plans, designs and supervise the implementation of network projects in accordance with Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards. • Reviews network configuration ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources. • Participates in the management of network backup and security enforcement policies. • Assists with and may supervise the work of personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit. • Ensures 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. • Supports the design, implementation, and maintenance of Data Security projects with emphasis in network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies. • Maintains properly administered 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 and determine the need for security updates and fixes. • Participates in, and may supervise, major network implementations.

Applications Support: • Assists with, and may lead a team in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems and programs using UN established standards for IS technologies, programming languages and tools. • Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of computer application systems development projects, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference; processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g., organization of and participation in training, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Maintains functional specifications for computer application systems, programs, and procedures; performs 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. • Plans, implements, and maintains security controls for various applications; verifies the effectiveness of security controls in place; maintains accurate access control lists including rights and privileges. • Provides support for Data Recovery/Business Continuity software applications and systems. • Prepares technical and user documentation for deployed computer application systems, training materials and conducts technical presentations; drafts 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; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions. • Provides guidance to new/junior staff. • Performs other related duties as required. Server/Data Centre Administration. • Provides full range of technical assistance and team supervision in server operations and administration; distributes work assignments to members of the team and monitors progress; provides guidance and training to new/junior staff. • Oversees the installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server systems hardware and software, to include Local Area Network infrastructure, Operating Systems (Unix, Linux, Mac OS), Electronic mail, Outlook, Citrix, Database systems, Web Development software, Firewall systems, Network Services Server systems (DNS, DHCP, NFS, CIFS/SMB, mail relay, and various security software. • Oversees the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems; undertakes complex trouble shooting of server systems. • Liaises with other Units within the Service and other logistics support elements of the mission 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 to conform to infrastructure standards; implements Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) and backup services following standard procedures. • Participates in the security incident response activities; assists in the planning, implementing, operating, and maintaining 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. • Drafts documentation and reports.

Information Technology Service Support: • Supervises a team of service coordination staff. • Streamlines the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system; creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure; distributes work assignments and monitors progress. • Supervises tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc. • Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications. • Drafts 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, escalation status, etc. • Acts as problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels; escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure. • Monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and recommends solutions. • Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction. • Keeps abreast of developments in information systems and technology to make recommendations to supervisors. • Provides training to junior technical staff; occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects. • Provides advice to clients regarding the Field Technology Section’s (FTS) standards and workflow processes.

ICT Security/DRBC: • Acts as the focal point for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan implemented by the Mission. • Assists with the coordination of the implementation and testing of DRBC plans, and supervises teams related to DRBC management. Supervises the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of a 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. • Assists other ICTS groups with the determination of security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations. • Formulates and maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific ICTS resources and data. • Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the ICTS Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities. • Performs regular security assessments of production ICTS resources to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited; performs risk analysis and formulate risk treatment plans. • Determines the need for updating ICTS systems with fixes and patches. • Performs other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above including 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 to assist with ICT related projects.

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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Client Orientation: Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress and setbacks in projects; meets timelines for delivery of products or services to clients.

Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

• High school or equivalent diploma is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Certification/diploma of other supplemental academic qualifications or training in Information Systems and Technology is required.

• Industry standard CISCO certifications (CCIE or CCNP) is required.

• Microsoft Network Certifications (MCSE), other Security certifications (CISSP), Checkpoint (CCSA, CCSE) is desirable.

Work Experience

• At least eight (8) 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 are required.

• At least four (4) years of relevant experience implementing complex networks and network infrastructure in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required

• Knowledge and practical experience with LTE system is required.

• Experience providing services in the field of Information Systems and Technology or related area to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. • Knowledge of French or another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available within the MINUSMA Liquidation Team until 31 December 2024. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless: (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.