Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Field Technology Unit (FTU)/Operations and Resources Management Section of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), in Bogota. The incumbent will report to the Chief Operations Field Technology Unit (COFTU) and secondly to the Chief Field Technology Unit (FTU). The incumbent will be responsible for providing the timely and efficient provision of information systems support functions for the Mission, serving as the focal point for coordination of various information technology activities, and providing advice and guidance to new/junior staff.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Information Systems Assistant will be responsible for one or more the following duties (depending on the mission’s needs and structure): – Provides a full range of technical and functional support for computer information systems job elements, as assigned, including Applications Support, Server/Data Centre Administration, Network Administration, IT Service Support, and ICT Security/DRBC; Performs tasks corresponding to relevant service requests; Occasionally supervises a team of staff for specific projects. – Provides timely and efficient IT support to all assigned mission components and sub-sites; Diagnoses, researches, and resolves relatively complex problems within the area(s) of specialization; – Drafts correspondence and communications, including work plan revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports. – Serves as focal point for coordination of related activities, such as, monitoring or expediting of computer applications or systems development projects, extensive liaising with diverse organizational units; preparing standard terms of reference; processing and following-up on administrative actions and resolving issues related to project implementation, e.g. organization of and participation in training, procurement of equipment and services, etc. – Keeps abreast of developments in the field; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions. – Provides guidance to new/junior staff. Ensures training is received to support proper implementation of projects/assignments. – Performs other duties as assigned. Elaboration of functions Within delegated authority, the information Systems Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Applications Support: • Assists with, and may lead a team in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems and programs using UN established standards for IS technologies, programming languages and tools; • Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of computer application systems development projects, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference; processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. organization of and participation in training, procurement of equipment and services, etc.; • Maintains functional specifications for computer application systems, programs and procedures; performs ongoing reviews with users and developers; liaises with users to define and specify requirements; assists with version management, data recovery and deployment to users’ offices; • Plans, implements and maintains security controls for various applications; verifies the effectiveness of security controls in place; maintains accurate access control lists including rights and privileges; • Provides support for Data Recovery/Business Continuity software applications and systems; • Provides support to the SAP ERP systems used by the mission; • Prepares technical and user documentation for deployed computer application systems, training materials and conducts technical presentations; drafts correspondence and communications, including work plan revisions, as well as unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports; • Keeps abreast of developments in the field; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions; • Provides guidance to new/junior staff; • Performs other related duties as required. Server/Data Centre Administration: • Provides full range of technical assistance and team supervision in the area of server operations and administration; distributes work assignments to members of the team and monitors progress; provides guidance and training to new/junior staff; • Oversees installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server systems hardware and software, to include Local Area Network infrastructure, Operating Systems (Unix, Linux, Mac OS), Electronic mail, Citrix, Database systems, Web Development software, Firewall systems, Network Services Server systems (DNS, DHCP, NFS, CIFS/SMB, mail relay, and various security software; • Oversees the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems; undertakes complex trouble shooting of server systems; • Liaises with other Units within the Service and other logistics support elements of the mission to maintain optimal 24/7 operations for the server systems operations; • Provides input to identify the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems; • Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards; implements Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) and backup services following standard procedures. • Participates in the security incident response activities; assists in the planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses as well as to determine the need for updating systems with fixes and patches. • Drafts documentation and reports. • Performs other related duties as required. Network Administration: • Analyses, plans, designs and supervise the implementation of network projects in accordance with Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards; • Reviews network configuration ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources; • Participates in the management of network backup and security enforcement policies. • Assists with and may supervise the work of personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit; • Ensures the integrity of the various internetwork connections within the missions Intra- and Extranets; • Assists with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for voice, video, and data integration; • Supports the design, implementation and maintenance of Data Security projects with emphasis in network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies. • Maintains properly administered access control lists including rights and privileges; participates in the security incident response activities; • Participates in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses and determine the need for security updates and fixes; • Participates in, and may supervise, major network implementations; • Drafts documentation and reports; • Performs other related duties as required. IT Service Support: • Supervises a team of service coordination staff; • Streamlines the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system; creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure; distributes work assignments and monitors progress; • Supervises tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc; • Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications; • Drafts end-user and/or technical documentation; • Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve problem or to complete task, problems encountered, current status, escalation status, etc; • Acts as problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels; escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and recommends solutions; • Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction; • Keeps abreast of developments in information systems and technology in order to make recommendations to supervisors; • Provides training to junior technical staff; occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects; • Provides advice to clients regarding Communications & Information Technology Section (ICT) standards and workflow processes; • Performs other related duties as required. ICT Security/DRBC: • Acts as the focal point for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan implemented by the Mission; • Assists with the coordination of the implementation and testing of DRBC plans, and supervises teams related to DRBC management; • Participates in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of a multi-user information security systems, including firewalls, malware detection/prevention systems, intrusion detection/prevention, network access controls, proxy servers, VPN, encryption, URLand content filtering systems in accordance with organizational technology security standards; • Assists other ICT groups with the determination of security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations; • Formulates and maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific ICT resources and data; • Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the ICT Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities; • Performs regular security assessments of production ICT resources to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited; performs risk analysis and formulate risk treatment plans • Determines the need for updating ICT systems with fixes and patches; • Performs other related duties as required. Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include, but are not limited to: • Providing general assistance across the various fields of ICT support services in the Mission; • Being part of cross-functional teams within ICT in order to assist with ICT related projects; • Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions; • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of organizational information infrastructure, including hardware, software and application systems. Knowledge of relevant programming language(s) and ability to use programming skills to develop information systems. Knowledge of system development workflow and document flow processes, ability to conduct research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Ability to respond to changing requirements and assignments, ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. 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. 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

ITIL4 Foundation certification is required Prince2 Agile certificate is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in information systems analysis, database installation and management and website development, systems administration and maintenance, software applications, hardware installation or related area is required. Experience in data analytics and Power BI is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and Spanish is required. 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 may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates interested to work for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia.: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8SCkVjge3073SwTDG1VQf1oLTWfUQ4

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.