Senior Telecommunications Assistant, GS7, Colombo, Sri Lanka #52441 (For Sri Lankan Nationals only)

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.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,355 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.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child

The Senior Telecom Assistant will support the ICT function in the country office and any other locations if required by the Country Office. Senior Telecom Assistant is accountable for the delivery of effective and efficient technical and operational assistance to the supervisor in the administration, maintenance, documentation, and monitoring all UNICEF's ICT components across Sri Lanka.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general supervision of the ICT Officer, responsible for ensuring technical and logistical ICT support to Colombo and zone offices, including support for radio communication and data communication networks. Performs a variety of relatively complex duties related to the implementation, maintenance and administration of the office ICT infrastructure, systems and services. This entails providing support to ensure and maintain MOSS/MORSS compliance by the office in all security phases. Establishing and maintaining a solid emergency response plan for ICT services is also one of the main responsibilities

Tasks & Duties :

1. Enable continuous operation of ICT infrastructure and accessibility to ICT solutions and services:

• Assist in ensure physical and logical security and safety of ICT environment and infrastructure;
• Installs, maintains, administers, decommissions and troubleshoots UNICEF ICT infrastructure environment, hardware, network, data communications and security communication;
• Assist in computer system management activities. This includes support in installation and maintenance of laptops, data links and applications.
• Assists in the management of contracts for ICT for services and products.
• Assists with managing changes and apply upgrades, security updates and patches
• Assists with managing ICT disaster recovery plans.
• Monitor, assess and verify the use of ICT and Telecommunication resources to ensure compliance;

2. Ensure effective operation and administration of Telecommunication systems to support regular and emergency office operations:

• Manage installation and operational maintenance of radio communication systems (VHF mobiles, and handhelds) and provide trouble shooting support and advice on reported faults. This includes the overall responsibility to ensure the un-interrupted operation of the radio networks in UNICEF operational areas. Assign and maintain tables on call signs, satellite phone allocations, mobile telephones, handheld radios, etc.
• Manage installation and operation of fixed and mobile Satellite communication systems and applications (VSAT systems, Mobile data and voice systems).
• Manage installation and operation of office PABX systems and Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony. Implement and maintain value added communication systems (Video and audio conferencing etc.)
• Maintain full MOSS/MORSS compliance of Communications systems and procedures. This includes regular radio checks, tracking the system usage and performances, and addressing any potential risks. Establish and maintain emergency response plan for telecommunications.
• Provide regular follow up on standard usage of VHF mobile & handsets, Satellite phone and training requirement.
• Assists with managing emergency telecommunication operations and equipment.

3. Provide help, support and assist with capacity building and knowledge management:

• Escalate ICT incidents or problems to GSSC/ITSS;
• Provide technical and operational support to end-users; Train and support staff members on handling communication systems and maintaining standards of operations.
• Stay abreast of ICT trends, developments and best practices through professional development journals, training, certification, etc
• Support opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and foster innovation.
• Participate as required in-person or remotely in country and regional or global events and activities on ICT function development to achieve UNICEF mission.

4. Support operational and administrative tasks:

• Support the ICT Officer in the office business continuity plans development and ensure the inclusion of Telecommunication inputs and perspective;
• Monitor risks and threats to ICT environment or infrastructure and provide inputs to ICT Officer to take appropriate action;
• Confirm the compliance with the host government regulatory requirements vis-a-vis the Basic Cooperation Agreement (BCA), i.e., data collection of sensitive information or personally identifiable information (PII), telecommunications licenses, use of specialized equipment, such as HF/VHF radios, high-gain antennae, satellite phones, VSATs, VOIP, SIP etc
• Coordinate with government authorities and other UN agencies on all administrative and technical requirements and documentation of radio and satellite communication systems.
• Provide support in analyzing office ICT requirements, planning and development of new systems and procedures.
• Establish and maintain inventory control maintenance of ICT equipment and prepare periodic status reports for review;
• Work closely with Administration and Finance on budget, ISP & telephone billing, inventory and asset management
• Assist in providing information for reports, reviews or audits
• Assist, as required, with preparation of documentation for programme, planning and budgeting exercises CPD, CPAP, IBR, MTR, AWP, etc

5. Assist with delivery of results:

• Supporting technical and operational knowledge transfer to programme staff, implementing partners and beneficiaries.
• Supporting counterparts and implementing partners to build capacity and nurture independence.
• Assisting in the selection of training providers and the development of training materials.
• Supporting Supply and programme staff to establish local LTAs for ICT-related programme contracts for services and products.
• Assisting with oversight of providers and third-parties of ICT-related services and products to programme.

To qualify to advocate for every child you will have…

• Completed secondary level education supplemented by specialized training in Computer Science or related field with training in networking and telecommunication technology. ICT industry certification, particularly in networking and telecommunication are highly desirable.
• A minimum of Seven years practical work experience in information technology, including telecommunications, systems administration and operations, network computing, systematic methods of trouble shooting and analytical problem solving, providing assistance to users on IT services, and use of applications and diagnostic tools. Experience in working and supporting ICT infrastructure and services in large global or multinational organizations or experience in a reputable local company. Prior knowledge of radio communication systems, Satellite and modern data communication systems, office PABX systems, VoIP, etc. Experience with Microsoft environments, eg. Using Windows and Windows Server, their operation, administration and maintenance. Experience with UN organizations as an advantage.
• Certification and/or proven experience in one of these several ICT technical competencies: Information Security, ICT Audit and Risk Management, Telecommunications, Networks Information Security.
• Excellent knowledge of English, the working language of the duty station both oral and written, to enable routine functions be carried out independently and interact with other staff members. Knowledge of at least one local language (Sinhala/Tamil) is required in order to communicate with contracted staff, Government and outside contacts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.