Information Systems Assistant

Volunteering IT & Telecom

Overview

Assist with the planning and implementation of complex Information Systems and network infrastructure.

You have:

• 6 years of experience in the planning and installation of complex Information Systems, equipment, and networks are required.
• 3 years of experience in designing and implementing medium and/or large enterprise network in international environment are required.
• Thorough understanding of Cisco IOS, Stratcom OS, WAN, and routing concepts and the above protocols are essential.
• Experience providing services in the field of information systems or related areas to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the field of information systems or related areas in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

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.

The Field Technology Service (FTS) is responsible for innovative frameworks that encompass organizations, processes, technologies, data and facilities that address gaps and help facilitate the implementation of the mission’s mandate in accordance with UN policies and guidelines. The incumbent will report to the Chief FTS.

The assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

The duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work and travel anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist with the implementation of network projects in accordance with Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards. • Assist with the planning, design, and deployment of reliable network infrastructure and security solutions, including Threat Management, LANs, WANs, VOIP systems, and wireless networks. • Assist with the review of network configuration to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources. • Support the management of network backup and security enforcement policies. • Assist other personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit. • Work as part of the team to ensure the integrity of the various internetwork connections within the missions Intra- and Extranets. • Assist with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for voice, video, and data integration. • Operate and maintain the various implemented Data Security projects with emphasis on network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies. • Ensure the proper administration of access control lists including rights and privileges; participate in the security incident response activities. • Participate in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; perform regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses to bring to the attention of supervisors. • Participate in all network implementations. • Assist with the drafting of documentation and reports. Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including network topology diagrams, configuration files, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and change management logs for all deployed solutions. • Perform other related duties as required by the direct supervisor.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •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. • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

6 years of experience in the planning and installation of complex Information Systems, equipment, and networks are required. Experience providing services in the field of information systems or related areas to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable. 3 years of experience in designing and implementing medium and /or large enterprise network in international environment are required. Experience in the field of information systems or related areas in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Thorough understanding of Cisco IOS, Stratcom OS, WAN, and routing concepts and the above protocols are essential.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

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

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org