TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN

Contract

This is a FS-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Field Service. It usually requires 8 years of experience, depending on education. More about FS-5 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is within the Liquidation Entity the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in Gao.

The Telecommunications Technician will report to the Telecommunications Officer within the Field Technology Unit in Gao. The incumbent will perform duties in one or more of the following telecommunications specialties: Radio (Takes the lead in the installation of VHF, UHF and HF Mobile, base stations and repeaters, etc.), Microwave Radio Systems (Takes the lead in the preparation and installation of microwave radio systems and related equipment, etc.), PABX/switching systems (Leads the installation and commissioning, and the operation and maintenance of a range of telephony systems); Ringing Satellite (Plans construction and maintenance of communications towers and associated antenna systems, etc.) and others.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Telecommunications Technician will be responsible for the following duties:

Radio: • Takes the lead in the installation of VHF, UHF and HF Mobile, base stations and repeaters, rural telephone links, trunking radio systems, antennas and related equipment; programming of radios, preventive and corrective maintenance on various types of radio; • Liaises with other UN agencies and local authorities on matters related to radio frequencies coordination; • Coordinates the erection of antenna masts and towers; • Coordinates the training of non-technical radio users on the operation of hand-held portable radios, mobile radios, base stations and related equipment; • Performs other related duties as required.

Microwave Radio Systems: • Takes the lead in the preparation and installation of microwave radio systems and related equipment; • Supervises the setup, configuration and testing of various digital microwave radio systems utilizing a wide range of specialized and complex test equipment; • Coordinates the programming, testing and commissioning of new equipment prior to deployment; • Coordinates radio-link calculation and path profile analysis; • Liaises with the Rigging unit regarding the deployment of relevant antennas and feeder lines on communications towers and masts; • Performs other related duties as required.

Satellite: • Coordinates the installation of satellite antennas, ODE/IDE, associated shelters, foundations, commissions, maintenance and operation of C-band, X-band and Ku-band satellite communications systems, comprising antennas in sizes up to nine (9) meters, satellite modems, satellite transceivers, LNA, High Power Satellite Amplifiers (HPA and SSPA); • Supervises the commissioning, maintenance and the training of end users for portable satellite communication terminals; • Liaises with UN Headquarters and UNGSC regarding initial installations, including frequency coordination; • Performs other duties as required.

Rigging: • Plans construction and maintenance of communications towers and associated antenna systems; determines tower location and height in coordination with the telecommunications engineers plans and ensures site accessibility; • Oversees the construction of tower foundations and anchor points in compliance with manufacturer’s specifications and good industry practices; • Leads the team to erect self-supporting and guyed communications towers to a height of 300ft; Installs antennas, transmission lines and accessories; • Coordinates the planned and preventive maintenance program for the tower systems deployed across the mission; • Performs other related duties as required.

Infrastructure: • Prepares blueprints and plans, constructs and maintains communications cabling infrastructure for data and telephone; • Coordinates the activities associated with trenching, external and internal wiring and conduit installations; • Coordinates with the telecommunications engineers to plan physical network layout; provides input to complete the procurement and inventory of all hardware and cabling requirements for installations; • Assists other technical departments in the installation of switching equipment, main and sub distribution frames and assist with RF transmission lines and accessories as required; • Drafts relevant technical documentation for major telecommunications systems and physical plant; • Performs other related duties as required.

Common duties: • Assists with the planning and execution of decommissioning the Telecom systems; • Leads the wall-to-wall survey for ICT equipment; • Takes the lead in the installation of auxiliary equipment such as power supplies, solar power systems, UPS units, Voltage Regulators, DC converters and various protection and remote control systems; • Supervises the gathering of specifications for the procurement of equipment, spares and supplies; • Ensures that all the required spare parts and supplies are in place so as to minimize downtimes; • Coordinates regularly scheduled and preventative and corrective maintenance on telecommunications installations and equipment; • Liaises with the asset management unit regarding the upkeep of proper inventory records; • Organizes with the Asset Management Unit the receiving/inspection of new equipment; • Takes the lead in formulating technical training curriculum and the conduct of in-house training programs for national staff and others within the unit; • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of a wide range of telecommunication systems with adequate skills for leading a team through the installation, maintenance, and operation of these systems. Knowledge of operations of commercial telecommunications services, voice and data communications networks, telephony switching, radio, satellite, microwave, and trunked radio communication systems. Ability to analyze, review, and make recommendations to improve the delivery of telecommunications services. 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; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

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.

Planning and 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 is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Industry training and certification is desirable.

Work Experience

• At least eight (08) years of working experience in the planning and installation of complex telecommunications equipment, networks and information systems, including at least three (3) years of experience at the international level is required.

• Experience and knowledge of Communication Tower Construction, working at Height and Rescue Policies and Procedures is desirable.

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of large-scale telecommunications systems is desirable.

• Experience of LAN structured cabling and ICT backbone systems and regional coordination is desirable.

• Experience providing services in the field of telecommunications or related area to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

• Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available within the Liquidation entity of MINUSMA until 30 September 2024. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless: (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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.