INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

Contract

This is a G-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,988 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). The post is located in Infrastructure Management (IM), within the Infrastructure & Conference Support Section (ICS) of the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) in the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) in UNON at the Nairobi duty station.

Responsibilities Under the general guidance of the Chief, UNON/ICTS/ICS/IM and the direct supervision of the Chief UNON/ICTS/IM/Server & Data Center Unit (SDCU) the incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day server service operations, coordination, installation and administration support. Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Server Operations and Administration - Installs, configures, tests and deploys server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Unix, Linux, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, Domain Name Server (DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software. - Performs administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems. - Undertakes troubleshooting of server systems. If the problem persists, escalates to higher level in accordance with procedures. - Liaises with other groups of ITSD and user Departments for maintaining the efficient and reliable operations of server systems. - Performs 24x7 operations of assigned systems. - Assists in identifying 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 backups of servers following standard backup procedures. - Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems and produces pertinent reports. - Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations and system administration.

2. Service Installation and Support - Receives and logs problem calls or service requests in the automated tracking system with minimum delay. - Attempts to resolve as many problem calls or service requests on initial contact. - Performs tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, return to stock, site surveys, etc. - Diagnoses and resolves any hardware, software, or connectivity problem with minimum delay. - 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, etc. - Acts as problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels. - Escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure. - Detects problem patterns and recommends solutions.

3. Procurement and Logistics - Receives, unpacks, and inspects all incoming assets. - Enters assets and asset transactions into the automated inventory management system in accordance with established procedure. - Obeys and enforces all security procedures. - Troubleshoots, cleans, and repairs/rebuilds equipment. - Performs more complex hardware and software configuration tasks such as creating standard images. - Sorts, compiles, and stores equipment in accordance with work orders and/or equipment condition. - Prepares and releases equipment for service requests. - Liaises with other areas of ITSD, focal points, and staff of the Permanent Missions. - Monitors inventory levels and initiates procurement when low thresholds are reached. - Recommends acquisition of hardware, software, devices, tools, etc. to facilitate work.

4. Service Coordination - Occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects, a team of service coordination staff, and a team of logistical staff. - Receives and logs service requests in the automated request management system. - Creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure. - Distributes work assignments and monitor progress. - Liaises with other areas of ITSD to facilitate completion of service requests. - Provides advice to clients regarding ITSD standards and workflow processes. - Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction. - Addresses escalated problems and monitor to resolution. - Detects problem patterns and recommend solutions. - Keeps abreast of latest ITSD standards and development in technology both in the UN and in the industry in general. - Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications. - Provides guidance and training to new/junior technical staff. - Prepares, maintains, and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases. - Drafts end-user and/or technical documentation and reports. - Performs other 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 and user support. Ability to respond to changing requirements and assignments, ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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.

• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation 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 diploma or equivalent is required. Supplemental courses/technical certificate in information technology or other related field is required. Certification in Comptia A+ and Microsoft Certification in Azure Cloud Foundation is required. Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application.

  Work Experience A minimum of seven years (7) of relevant and progressively responsible experience in information systems analysis and programming, systems administration and maintenance, software development, technical writing or related area is required.

  Experience in designing and developing websites, managing backup systems, administrating Linux operating systems and developing/administering/managing opensource web applications, databases and scripting languages is required.

  Experience with Apache, Nginx, MySQL, PostGres, MariaDB, Perl, PHP is highly desirable.

  Experience in managing in-house SMS gateway is desirable.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone or teleconference.

Special Notice Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred to take-up the appointment.

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 in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

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.