Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This post is located in the Publishing Services Section, Division of Conference Services. Within limits of delegated authority and reporting to Chief Publishing Section, the Information Systems Officer will act as the Deputy Chief for the Publishing Services Section and will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Defines the programme of work and provides guidance to and supervise staff in the ICT and Digital Printing Units of the Section. • Researches, analyzes and evaluates new ICT and printing/branding technologies, including those implemented elsewhere in the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) and makes recommendations for their applicability, deployment and adaptation to DCS Nairobi. • Serves as the Focal Point for the Division in all systems related issues, by liaising with counterparts in Nairobi, Geneva, Vienna and New York duty stations. Works closely with the ICT Section in UNON, with other ICT and printing/branding counterparts, with external partners, technology and printing/branding vendors and industry experts to leverage their expertise and supports the organization’s digital initiatives. • Take the lead in implementing accessibility strategies related to digital technologies in the Division. • Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing and utilizing test bases, assists users in acceptance testing. • Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems and printing/branding equipment. • Takes the lead in identifying and executing digital transformation initiatives specifically within the Digital Workplace and the transition to fully digital printing/branding technologies in the Unit, ensuring that these initiatives are in line with the overall digital strategy of the Department. Identifies opportunities for innovation and develops strategies to enable continuous improvement and the delivery of cutting-edge digital solutions. • Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for their deployment. • Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, among others. • Manages projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new, moderately complex systems. • Provides specialized advice to users, analyzing users’ requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues. • Provides support to existing user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing user support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of assigned systems among others. • Undertakes assigned project resources mobilization activities and analyses risk and opportunities for increasing the efficiency and delivery of ICT and printing projects. • Coordinates activities related to project preparations, progress reports, risk analysis, etc.) and prepares, in liaison with other DCS Sections, related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, project budget, etc.) • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in cloud computing, systems analysis, digital technologies, and database design. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including proficiency in the development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity. Knowledge of policies, processes and procedures related to the production of documentation, printing and branding technologies. Knowledge of interactive systems. Good knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Independently maintains assigned systems and develops innovative approaches to resolve a wide range of issues/problems. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and achievements and 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 and 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. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates. Shows willingness to learn from others. Seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field is required. A first-level degree in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Information Technology Infrastructure Library certificate is required. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Additional certifications or specialized training in printing and branding technologies, digital transformation, technology management, or related areas is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in managing ICT projects for the correct planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area is required. In-depth knowledge and expertise in digital technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, ERP, automation, and digital platforms is required. Experience with digital printing press technology is desirable. Experience handling conference area related applications is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: “fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ” Knowledge of” equals a rating of ” confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a written assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and any extension will be subject to 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 staffs are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

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.