Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in Bangui with the FTS of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The functions performed by the Telecommunications Assistant may differ from mission to mission depending on the size of the mission. The Telecommunications Assistant at this level typically reports to a Senior Telecommunication Assistant/ Technician or Officer and assists in the areas of, Billing, Assets Management, Communications Centre Support, Operations Support. A combination of functions is sometimes performed depending on mission requirements.

Responsibilities

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Telecommunications Assistant will be responsible for: Network Infrastructure: • Build and install internal and external support structures (cabling) and conduit systems, maintain channels and underground piping, and conduct regular checks/tests at all Mission sites to ensure optimal performance. • Construct and install fiber optics and copper cables in buildings (including, but not limited to, coaxial cable) at all Mission sites, ensuring compliance with industry standards and mission-specific requirements. • Perform fiber splicing and termination, including comprehensive testing of fiber optic cables using OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) and other diagnostic tools to ensure proper installation and performance standards. • Carry out circuit identification, diagnostic tests, thorough documentation, and secure network equipment connections, including installing and configuring inverters and other passive and active devices. • Execute, and/or test, intervene to solve cabling problems and implement appropriate solutions. • Maintain and organize telecom cabinets/equipment rooms, including horizontal cabling distributions, ensuring adherence to minimum international standards and mission-specific guidelines under the unit supervisor’s direction. • Perform cabling tasks related to voice, sound, and data transmissions, and make additions or changes (MAC) and ensuring proper labeling and traceability of connections. • Proactively monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot copper and fiber optic networks to identify and rectify any faults, including participation in regular preventive maintenance of telecommunications infrastructures, ensuring minimal downtime and continuous service. • Implement and follow stringent safety protocols to ensure workplace safety during all infrastructure-related tasks. • Design and install comprehensive grounding systems for network and telecom infrastructure to ensure effective dissipation of electrical surges and protection against lightning strikes and electrical faults. • Ensure proper management of time, materials and resources. • Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of spare parts and supplies, ensuring their availability to minimize downtime of ICT equipment. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support broader ICT infrastructure projects and initiatives within the mission. • Assist in the inspection, acceptance, and validation of new equipment and infrastructure components to ensure conformity with technical and operational standards. • Engage in training and knowledge-sharing sessions to build capacity within the team and ensure continuity in operational knowledge. • Stay informed on industry best practices and emerging technologies to recommend and implement upgrades that improve the network’s reliability and efficiency. • Perform other tasks periodically defined by the direct supervisor and/or Section Manager to meet mission needs and priorities. Billing: – Assist in the collection of all official telephone bills related to the operation of the mission and the recovery of costs for private use; – Report to the Group Supervisor on all outstanding and processed invoice transactions already processed; – Contact Finance Section regarding telephone charges to be recovered from staff and timely payment of service provider invoices. – Maintain contact with representatives of service providers, staff of UN agencies and funds, and civil servants on telephone matters, ensuring that instructions and procedures in place are duly observed to avoid abuse of telephone systems. – Prepare official fax communications and correspondence in response to requests from telephone service providers, Internet service providers and government officials. – Maintain a comprehensive archive of invoices, returns and correspondence for all telephone systems, including outgoing and return slips for mobile and satellite SIM cards. – Perform other related duties as required. Assets Management: – Assists in the receiving, inspecting and verification of all incoming ICT assets and supplies; issues CITS equipment and enter the records in the asset control system. – Assists in preparation of the scheduling of deliveries of equipment to users and coordinates returns of CITS equipment to the warehouse. – Maintains and controls proper records for all expendable and non-expendable CITS assets using the organization’s enterprise asset management systems, such as Galileo. – Updates and administers asset databases, tracking life cycle of all assets. – Monitors the physical inventory of stocked items on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of records, and location of property. – Performs any other duties as required. Communications Centre Support: – Processes of all incoming and outgoing Code Cables and facsimiles in a timely and efficient manner; observes and monitors the reliability of the communications equipment facilities. – Assists in the maintenance of a proper filing system of all outgoing and incoming daily correspondences either by hard copy filing method or by electronic means. – Assists in identifying files for archiving and performing same using the appropriate electronic archiving system. Opens and closes new logging sheets for the proper recording of new outgoing and incoming messages that will facilitate the preparation of statistics chart. – Provides first echelon maintenance to the equipment use by the facility. – Respects and observes the confidentiality of any or all of the documents that flow through the Communications Centre. – Performs other related duties as required. Operations support: – Performs related administrative duties, as required, such as drafts routine correspondence, and assists with the coordination of the travel programme. – Monitors accounts and payment to vendors and individual contractors for services. – Assists with the coordination of physical space planning. – Assists with the administrative arrangements for seminars, conferences and meetings. – Assists with the coordination of translation/interpretation services for the section/unit – Monitors status of expenditures and allotments through IMIS, records variations, updates budget tables. consolidates data received and provides support to higher-level staff with respect to budget reviews. – Prepares, processes and follows-up on administrative arrangements and forms related to the official travel of staff. – Maintains files of rules, regulations, administrative instructions and other related documentation; maintains up-to-date work unit files (both paper and electronic); coordinates extensively with service units and liaises frequently with internal team members both at Headquarters and in field missions. – Performs other duties as required. Other duties and responsibilities: – Ensures that all the required spare parts and supplies are in place so as to minimise downtime of ICT equipment. – Assists with the regularly scheduled and preventative and corrective maintenance on ICT equipment. – Coordinates with the asset management unit regarding the upkeep of proper inventory records. – Assists organizes the receiving/inspection of new equipment. – Assists in formulating technical training curriculum and the conduct of in-house training programs for national staff and others within the unit.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and 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. 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. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Additional technical or vocational training in telecommunications or other related field is desirable.

Work Experience

At least three (03) years of working experience in information technology and telecommunications field, knowledge in setting up voice and data infrastructures, as well as in electrical infrastructures by pulling, connecting and splicing cables, as well as UN / DFS experience in similar work is required. The number of relevant work experience is reduced to one (1) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in French is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Special Notice 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. 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. 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. 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.

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.