As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP connects countries to the knowledge, resources, and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summed up in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact. Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, we are determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies. We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity.

UNDP has supported the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in a bid to attain sustainable development since 1977. This has been done by among other things strengthening and reforming governance institutions to be inclusive and participatory, developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, upholding human rights, and supporting growth of the private sector and civil society. Our United Nations identity ensures neutrality and respect for people’s choices. Transparency and accountability in operations makes us a trusted partner for national and international development stakeholders.

UNDP encourages and enables collective intelligence, collaboration, integration, critical thinking and thought leadership. We mainstream innovation, digitalization opportunities, gender equity and diversity/inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. Our staff consistently strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and inclusion across all areas of work.

In close cooperation with the UNDP Programme teams and other Country Office units, the Operations team supports the UNDP Country Office and programme implementation through the provision of relevant and timely procurement, finance, ICT and digital services, General Administration services, and Human Resources support. This includes a focus on collaboration, innovation, speed and administrative efficiency as well as advisory services for enhanced planning. The unit contributes to a collective engagement with other teams, partners and UN Agency clients to offer timely, well-planned and efficient services that meet the standard and requirements of UNDP policies and procedures.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Position Purpose

CO implement new ways of doing business to work smarter and more efficiently, and ultimately to improve the way it provides value to UNDP partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the DRR- Operations, Operations Specialist or Head of ICT, the ICT Associate provides ICT services, implements ICT management systems and strategies, and provides daily technical support to users of information management tools and technology infrastructure. The ICT Associate promotes a client-oriented approach.

The ICT Associate works in close collaboration with Programme, Operations and projects teams in the CO, UNDP HQ staff, Regional Information Officer (RIO), and the Regional Bureau Information Manager (RBIM) to resolve complex ICT- related issues.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

1.)   Ensure implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies.

• Ensure compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines, and procedures for the CO technology environment;
• Participate in development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures in ICT services. Conduct market research and analysis and provide support in introducing new technology for CO system updating and improvement;
• Provide advice on and assistance in procurement of new ICT equipment for the CO and projects; and provide technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets. Review quotations and bids;
• Participate in development and implementation of ICT annual plan. Maintain the measures in place for business continuity and disaster recovery processes and procedures;
• Provide support to use of ERP functionality for improved business results and improved client services;
• Provide ICT support for key events.

2.) Ensure effective functioning of the CO hardware and software packages.

• Support effective functioning (installation, operation, and maintenance) of all UNDP hardware equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies;
• Perform specific technical functions, including changing of hardware electronic components (disks, memories, network wiring, power sources, etc.) and making routine repairs.

3.) Assist in providing automation and digitalization support for both CO Operations and Programmes.

• Install commercial and in-house developed software and related upgrades;
• Support development of new automation tools using UNDP corporately developed platforms;
• Participate in developing Terms of Reference (TOR) for software products and provide monitoring and evaluation support to Programme teams during the development life cycle;
• Support provision of in-house development of tools for programme and operations when needed;
• Assist in identifying opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web- based systems to address the issues of efficiency (e.g., office management system, donor profile software, knowledge management systems).

4.) Ensure efficient network administration.

• Monitor the network connection on a daily basis to ensure a stable and responsive network environment;
• Ensure UNDP desktop and network resources are protected from malicious virus attacks and deploy countermeasures in the event of attacks;
• Implement cloud-based backup and restoration procedures for local drives. Install anti-virus programs on a timely basis;
• Respond to user needs and questions regarding network access;
• Maintain up-to-date parameters of information for the network clients and electronic mail;
• Trouble-shoot and monitor network problems;
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory and stock of supplies and spare parts in cooperation with the Administration and Procurement Teams.

5.)  Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.

• Identify and promote different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge management and sharing, and information provision;
• Participate in the organization of training for the CO staff on ICT issues;
• Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in ICT;
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.