JOB DESCRIPTION

Job description

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU”s expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About Institute (UNU-VIE)

The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), established in 2007 in Bonn, Germany, is one of two UNU Vice-Rectorates and the only one located in Europe. It supports the institutional development of UNU, facilitates collaboration across UNU and the UN, as well as fosters strategic partnerships – particularly with the Global South – and shares knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition, UNU-VIE conducts frontier research reinforcing existing UNU programming and supporting the implementation of key UN priorities. More information about UNU-VIE can be found here: https://unu.edu/vie.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Vice-Rector/Director EHS and the direct supervision of the Senior Systems Administrator (Head of ICT Services (ViE)), the appointee will be responsible for the following tasks:

Desktop Support

· Deliver responsive first- and second-level ICT support ensuring accurate, timely resolution of service requests through effective use of the ticketing system.

· Configure hardware and software, including deploying Operating Systems and applications to endpoint devices.

· Manage and maintain the corporate software repository and deployment systems to ensure software is up-to-date and delivered correctly.

· Maintain accurate records of ICT assets and asset assignments to staff in the service desk database.

2. Service Support

· Administer and support Office 365 services including Entra, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive.

· Perform scripting administration tasks and reporting using PowerShell.

· Manage Office 365 licenses and subscriptions.

· Monitor emerging technologies and recommend improvements and acquisitions of ICT hardware, software, devices, tools, to enhance operational efficiency.

3. Infrastructure Administration

· Install, configure, test, and deploy server hardware and software in accordance with established standards.

· Perform day-to-day administrative tasks and provide technical support of server systems to ensure reliability and availability.

· Administer the VMware vSphere environment, including virtual machines, High Availability, and Fault Tolerance.

· Implement and monitor server backups in line with established procedures to ensure data integrity and business continuity.

· Develop and maintain accurate systems and infrastructure documentation to support continuity and knowledge sharing.

· Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, recommend solutions and escalate as appropriate to ensure timely resolution.

 

4. Security and Compliance

· Implement UNU ICT policies and guidelines, security baselines, and data protection requirements, in line with UNU-ViE and UNU-EHS business requirements.

· Verify that devices accessing UNU-ViE and UNU-EHS resources meet UNU baseline compliance requirements, regardless of management platform, and take corrective action where non-compliance is identified.

· Maintain and configure network security and network hardware, including Switches Firewalls, Remote Access technologies to safeguard ICT infrastructure.

· Regularly deploy security- and product updates to mitigate emerging cyber-threats.

· Conduct periodic reviews and audits of ICT systems to verify adherence to data protection requirements and promptly address any identified gaps or vulnerabilities.

5. Perform other duties as required or assigned by supervisor

Key performance indicators

· Timely and quality development and implementation of ICT systems and solutions in line with organizational standards and timelines.

· Quality service response and resolution of first- and second-level service requests within established Service Level targets with positive client feedback and accurate ticket documentation.

· Maintenance of secure, stable and reliable ICT systems by achieving established uptime targets.

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

Qualifications

1) Education and certification

Completion of secondary education is required.

Valid certifications in at least two of the following areas are required:

· Windows Server Management across multiple versions (2008 through the latest releases, 2022/2025);

· Microsoft & M365-related technologies (SharePoint, Teams, Exchange 2010 through Exchange Online);

· Network and Remote Access (Sophos, Cisco, Arista);

· ITIL version 3 or ITIL version 4 certification;

· Prince2 certification.

2) Required skills and experience

At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in the ICT field, some of which preferably in an international setting;

Experience working with End Users to ensure first- and second-level requests are addressed;

Knowledge and experience in the configuration and administration of any of the following:

· Entra and Microsoft 365 services;

· ManageEngine products such as ServiceDesk Plus, Desktop Central;

· Cisco/Arista networking;

· Veeam backup and recovery systems;

· VMware Vsphere;

· Familiarity with testing, patching, and upgrading client and server systems;

· Experience with monitoring, and reporting of server and network resource utilization and performance;

· Experience building, maintaining and auditing documentation related to configuration, operating procedures, services and network and systems topologies;

· Ability to learn and adapt to ICT systems that may be unfamiliar;

· Good communication, analytical and problem-solving skills;

· Flexibility and willingness to work outside normal business hours as needed;

· Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work well in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

3) Language Requirements

· Fluency in oral and written English is required;

· German language skills will be considered a strong asset;

· 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:

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);

provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;

answer a few questions that are tailored to the position;

apply via the apply link;

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

Application Deadline: 2 January 2026

Submissions must be received by 23:59, CET on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

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

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.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements