IT Assistant

Support the management and functionality of Sigma information system.

This opening expired 9 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 9 months ago: Monday 1 Sep 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the management and functionality of Sigma information system.

You have:

  • Completed secondary, technical or vocational school.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in providing information technology services.
  • Knowledge of maintenance of applications based on database technology, data management systems, workflow systems and web enabled systems.
  • Proficiency in quality assurance testing of new software features.
  • Excellent working knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
  • Good working knowledge of Italian.
  • Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : 1ITSC 0943TP Grade : G-5 Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Trieste Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Fixed Term Duration of contract : 2 years Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 01-SEPT-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism - ***(Only candidates who are entitled to work in the E.U. may apply to this position).*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- ***Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.*** ***ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.*** Long Description ---------------- Under the overall authority of the Director ICTP, the general supervision of the Head of ICT and the direct supervision of the IT Engineer, as part of Information Systems Development team, the incumbent supports the existing and new functionalities of Sigma, the ICTP’s information system related to visitors selection, visits and activity management. In particular, the incumbent will: - Configure and maintain settings of main entities of Sigma. - Monitor interfaces between Sigma and other systems and execute data cleaning procedures. - As a part of a systems development team, the incumbent proposes the design and implementation of features to the IT Engineer. - Perform testing of the new features from the quality assurance perspective. - Conduct user training and roll-out of the assigned functionality. - Draft user documentation as well as training materials for deployed software solutions and provide input and support to end users presentations for different modules of Sigma. - Perform ongoing reviews of implemented procedures in Sigma with users and developers and respond to users' requests. - As a part of central user support team, provide first and second level support, instructions and documentation to the user community and resolve technical issues related to the usage of Sigma. - Collaborate with various ICTP offices and groups in order to troubleshoot and resolve inter-departmental technical issues. - Assist in data preprocessing, cleaning, and transformation to ensure data quality and suitability for analysis in Sigma and other ICTP’s systems. - Provides data for ad-hoc requests related to different kind of reports and analysis. - Perform additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** - Completed secondary, technical or vocational school. ***Work Experience*** - Minimum of five (5) years of of relevant work experience in providing information technology services or administrative services, including user requirements development and IT products testing, as well as maintaining and supporting business systems, or related area. Long Description ---------------- ***Skills / Competencies*** - Knowledge of maintenance of applications based on database technology, data management systems, workflow systems and web enabled systems. - Proficiency in quality assurance testing of new software features. - Familiarity with interface monitoring, data cleaning, and data transformation processes. - Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in multi-system and inter-departmental environments. - Ability to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines, with minimum supervision, and to sustain limited periods with workload peaks. - Good organizational and coordination skills with the ability to set priorities and monitor own work plans. - Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in cross-functional teams and with visitors and staff members of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. ***Languages*** - Excellent working knowledge (spoken and written) of English. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***Education*** - Specialized training/certification in a field relevant to the position. ***Work Experience*** - Experience in an international environment. Long Description ---------------- ***Skills / Competencies*** - Ability to obtain information from existing data treatment and procedures. - Ability to identify and realize information technology based solutions. - Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or of the UN system. ***Languages*** - Good working knowledge of Italian. - Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 43 792 Euro €. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits](https://unesco.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/HRMTeam/ESzDuIMSjEtIqYwVozjc3I8Bb5Kj-P0DrTgbm4BIjD17nQ?e=41cm7D). **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO Careers website](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl). No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a technical issue in an information system. This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively in a technical environment. Provide a specific example, detailing the issue, your approach to identifying the problem, and the solution you implemented.
How do you prioritize tasks when working under tight deadlines? The interviewer wants to understand your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you share your experience with quality assurance in software development? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to keep your technical documentation up to date? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time when you collaborated with a diverse team. What challenges did you face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach training users on new software features? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your method for monitoring system interfaces and ensuring data accuracy? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How have you handled user requests for support in the past? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org