United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

About United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

1. Web development

• Development, customization, and enhancement of the organization’s websites, adhering to a secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology to ensure robust, reliable, and protected digital assets.
• Implement new features, modules, and themes to improve website functionality and user experience.
• Perform regular website maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Collaborate with the communications team and other stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver high-quality web solutions.
• Ensure web application security adheres to UNU’s established guidelines and leverages industry best practices to fill gaps by:
  • Applying security patches timely, diagnosing and resolving security vulnerabilities (bugs)
  • Maintaining and updating Drupal core and modules to address potential security risks
  • Integrating third-party services and APIs securely
  • Monitor, assess, and optimize website performance using appropriate tools and metrics. Identify and resolve issues affecting responsiveness, reliability, and accessibility
• Stays updated with the latest advancements in web development; conducts benchmarking and suggests new tools and technologies for adoption.

2. Process digitalization and digital productivity tools

• Support the implementation and integration of various digitization tools to streamline organizational processes.
• Develop and deliver targeted training programs to empower staff to utilize digital tools effectively for their specific roles. Or provide ongoing technical support and guidance to ensure staff proficiency with digital tools and maximize their impact.
• Continuously assess and recommend new tools and technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Utilize tools such as Microsoft Power Automate to create automated workflows that improve operational efficiency. Monitor and troubleshoot automated workflows to ensure they function as intended and make improvements as necessary.

3. ICT operational support

• Support and resolve issues related to the Microsoft 365 environment, including both escalated tickets as well as tasks related to daily operations, coordinating solutions with internal ICT team and C3 (Campus Computing Centre) colleagues as required.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for improvements in processes, systems, and structures. Enhance current practices to increase effectiveness and achieve greater efficiency.
• Assist with response, management, and mitigation of cyber security incidents according to established procedures, ensuring our digital assets remain secure.Serves as team member in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems; independently liaises with users to define and specify requirements.
• Acts as a backup focal point for the coordination, monitoring, and expediting of computer application systems development projects. This role involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference, process and follow-up on administrative actions, and resolve issues related to project implementation, such as organizing and participating in training, and procuring equipment and services.
• Provides guidance to new/junior staff.

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Percentage of website features and enhancements delivered on time and within budget. Average user satisfaction score with new website features
• Percentage of stakeholders actively participating in project discussions and providing feedback
• Reduction in process completion time after implementing digitization tools
• Advancement of Digital efficiency objectives

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
  

1) Education and certification

• Completion of secondary education is required.
  OR
  Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

2) Required skills and experience

• • A minimum of six (6) years (with secondary education) or four (4) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in Computer Science or Information Technology.
  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in Drupal development, Twig templating, custom module development and debugging.
  • MySQL: Proficient in database design and management, with experience optimizing queries and database performance.
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery: Solid front-end development skills, including responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.
  • Twig Templating: Experience with Twig templating engine used in Drupal.
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.
  • Experience with version control systems such as Git.
  • Experience with workflow automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate, or similar is an asset.
  • Experience with Microsoft 365 administration, including tenant management, security configuration, and core services deployment, is desirable.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
  • Knowledge of web security best practices and experience implementing security measures is an advantage.
  • Experience in deploying and managing containers in Azure virtual machines is an asset.
  • Knowledge of CiviCRM is an asset.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance.

For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Expected start date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

25 August 2024

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

This is a locally recruited position and no relocation expenses or allowance apply. The position is limited to persons who have (1) Finnish nationality or the necessary residence/work permits for Finland, OR (2) have right of residence in Finland as an EU/EFTA citizen.

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

Scam warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.