IT-VSAT Technician

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 mission of WHO’s Emergencies Preparedness and Response (EPR) programme is to support member states to i) prepare for and prevent disease outbreaks and health emergencies, ii) promptly detect, report, and confirm outbreaks, and iii) strengthen and sustain their capacity to respond to and recover from the negative effects of health emergencies.

This UNV assignment is for the Emergency Preparedness & Response Programme Nairobi Hub.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Operations Support and Logistics (OSL) officer, the UN Volunteer will: •Plan and coordinate all aspects of VSAT installation and maintenance projects. •Plan and supervise satellite system testing/line up, satellite digital carrier schedules, satellite link performances, provision of point-to-point digital carriers. •Plan and supervise the implementation of Satellite upgrades, frequency/transponder related changes, relocation of existing sites, interfacing of multiplex, concentrators, and video conference applications. •Install, commission, maintain, and repair C band and Ku band satellite systems comprising parabolic antennas of up to 9 meters, satellite modems, satellite transceivers, LNA, High Power Satellite Amplifiers (HPA and SSPA), UP/Down converters, Inmarsat, and other similar portable satellite terminals. •Program, test, and pre-commission new equipment prior to deployment. •Supervise the interfacing of multiplexing equipment and the operation of E-1 applications. •Schedule and monitor regular and preventative maintenance for all VSAT equipment and related accessories. •Coordinate with the construction unit on the fabrication of the satellite concrete foundations. •Liaise with WHO HQ and WHO AFRO regarding initial installations, routine Satellite maintenance/repairs, system testing, circuit line up; and implementation of remedial action required. •Initiate Intelsat commissioning and verification tests required for all new satellite installations. •Prepare technical requisitions for the provision/return of equipment and spares utilized. •Formulate comprehensive technical training curriculum for use within the unit and in the field. •Perform other duties as assigned.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

•Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). •Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. •Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
•Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. •Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. •Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

•Accountability •Adaptability and flexibility •Judgement and decision-making •Planning and organizing •Professionalism •Self-management •Teamwork and respect for diversity •Commitment to continuous learning

Information Communication Technology, Computer Science, or related field is required. •Professional certification in computer hardware and networking, computer applications, or other ICT fields is desirable. •At least three (3) years in telecommunications at the national or international level in the public/private sector, specializing in the field of satellite communications working specifically in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing satellite systems. •Proficient in Content Management System (such as SharePoint Drupal, etc.). •Excellent written and verbal communication skills. •Design and develop testing and post implementation review of the systems. •Good knowledge in the managing printer servers. •Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighboring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP.

The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.

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