Information Technology Assistant

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-5 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Technology Operations Service (TOS), Operations Support Division (OSD), Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). The incumbent reports to the Chief of Service.

The Technology Operations Service supports local operations through the design and implementation of globalized technology solutions and oversees the technology operations at the ICT Global Service Centre in Valencia/Brindisi (GSC). It manages the platforms, including cloud based on which applications are developed in a governed, structured and secure manner. It configures and delivers in a secure and intuitive manner, products and tools to enable client mobility, flexibility and to optimize the client's digital experience. The Service oversees the Geospatial Information Section (GIS) activities at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ) and their operations globally. The Service impacts the organization's capacity to carry out its core business by coordinating complex projects globally in the area of conferencing and broadcast management, hybrid cloud computing, Geospatial Information and Operational Analytics and Cloud data management.

The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) is leading the digital transformation of the Organization to enable a better, safer, more sustainable future through secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. OICT is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. OICT supports the principles of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Information Technology Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Server Operations and Administration - Assists in routine installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Unix, Linux, Lotus Notes, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, firewall, Domain Name Server (DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software. - Assists in routine administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems. - Undertakes routine troubleshooting of server systems. If the problem persists, escalates to higher level in accordance with procedures. - Performs routine 24x7 operations of assigned systems. - Assists in responding to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as 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 produce pertinent reports. - Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations and system administration. - Performs other related duties as required.

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, returns to stock, site surveys, etc. - Diagnoses and resolves any hardware, software, or connectivity problem with minimum delay. - Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems. - 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. - Escalates problems to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; - Detects problem patterns and recommend solutions. - Keeps abreast of developments in technology both in the UN and in the industry in general. - Performs other related duties as required.

Service Coordination - Receives and logs service requests in the automated request management system. - Creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure. - Liaises with other areas of OICT to facilitate completion of service requests. - Provides advice to clients regarding OICT standards and workflow processes. - Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction. - Escalates problems encountered to the supervisor. - Performs filing and record-keeping tasks for the unit. - Keeps abreast of latest OICT standards and technology. - 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. 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.

• COMMUNICATION: 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.

• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

  Education High school diploma or equivalent.

  Work Experience - A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the implementation, operation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area, with relevance to infrastructure systems and operations is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

  • Experience in using automated request management systems and other relevant software is desirable.

  • Experience in all aspects of physical and virtual systems administration, centralized storage administration, centralized backup administration, as well as disaster recovery and business continuity environments 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 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 - 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.

• Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

• 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.

• 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.Staff members who were granted a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment as a result of having passed a predecessor test recognized by the Office of Human Resources Management, and who have continuously held such appointments, are not required to take the new test.

• 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.

  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.

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.