SENIOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT

Contract

This is a G-7 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-7 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Development Coordination Officer (UNDCO) Headquarters in New York. The incumbent reports to the Information Management Officer, Resident Coordinator System Business Management Branch.

Responsibilities

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

ICT strategies and implementation of new technologies • Ensures compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines and procedures. • Participates in the office business process re-engineering activities, research and evaluate new technologies to enhance business process and implement them. • Contributes to the development of new software packages for high impact results (e.g. document management systems, office automation tools) as required. • Keeps abreast of developments in technology both in the UN and in the industry in general. • Provides support to the functionality for improved business results and improved client services.

Provide helpdesk functions • Works closely with OICT and other entities, ensures day-to-day hardware and software support for all users including (Servers, Router, Firewalls, WIFI access points, IP Telephony, video conferencing facilities, etc.). • Troubleshoots and implements temporary or permanent fixes with the aim of restoring service to users as soon as possible; escalating incidents to other support teams where necessary. • Provides support users in the Office 365, provide induction for new staff on Email, printers, scanners, IP telephone, etc. as needed. • Plans, schedules, monitors and ensures resolution of helpdesk tasks. • Prepares training manuals and provide trainings to UNDCO staff on corporate tools and platforms, facilitates knowledge building and knowledge sharing (e.g. e-discussions, meetings, workshops, etc.) • Provides technical advice and remote support to RC offices as needed. • Performs other related duties as required.

Systems and Networks administration • Responsible for the installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Database systems, Internet Web software, and various other corporate software as needed. • Upgrades and performs regular software updates, patches and participate in testing of software and hardware deployed. • Oversees the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems, including licenses. • Administers network accounts and Outlook email accounts for UNDCO staff (creates accounts for new staff, terminates accounts of separating staff, and first-level troubleshooting). • Liaises with other entities like OICT external vendors to ensure efficient and reliable operations of server systems and software. • Implements backups of servers following standard backup procedures. • Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems and produces pertinent reports. • Provides support for deployed computer application systems including version management, data recovery and deployment to users’ offices; performs ongoing reviews with users and developers and responds to user requests. • Writes and maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to systems and network administration. • Coordinates the development and implementation of guidelines and procedures to facilitate access control and use of UNDCO information systems. • Performs other related duties as required.

Provides web management services • Designs, administers and further develops internal databases and UNDCO online platforms; updates websites; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. • Provides support maintenance to corporate websites and Intranet including collaboration tools and platforms. • Identifies opportunities and ways to enhance workflow processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency • Contributes to the design and develop business intelligence dashboards using standard applications like Power BI, tableau, Qlik and others to serve various audiences. • Performs other related duties as required.

Provides administrative support • Provides advice on maintenance of equipment and acquisition on hardware supplies, making routine repairs and change of hardware electronic components. • Manages inventory supplies and ensures that proper inventory and property management procedures are observed. • Assists in procurement of new information systems equipment for UNDCO and the provision of technical specifications, and evaluate bids and quotations whenever required. • Keeps abreast of developments in the field; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions. • Initiates obsolete equipment write-offs and return to stock in accordance with standards set by OICT; applies special security and confidentiality requirements. • Monitors and initiates license renewal. • 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. • 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.

Job - Specific Qualification

Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite, i.e. is required, 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. The GGST is a proctored entry-level examination at the duty station. Any travel expenses incurred in order to take the examination are the responsibility of the candidate and will not be reimbursed by the Organization.

Work Experience

Ten years of experience in information technology or related areas is required.

A minimum of five years of experience in server operations and administration is required.

Experience conducting network maintenance, repairs of equipment and providing user support is desirable.

Experience working in the United Nations System or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Experience in working with software projects, business Intelligence dashboards is desirable.

Experience developing infographics through use of Adobe suite, data visualization tools, and business intelligence tools like Power BI, Qlik and others is desirable.

Field experience in development cooperation is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of the candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Services 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. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test in English at the United Nations Headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; or the United Nations Accounting or Statistical Assistant Examination at the United Nations Headquarters may be accepted in lieu of the GGST. This position is available for an initial period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to the availability of funds. 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. 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. 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.

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.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.