Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Information Technology Unit (ITU), Production and Support Service (PSS), Division of Conference Management (DCM), Department for General Assembly and Conference Management, Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Indico.UN project manager.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Indico.UN project manager, the Associate Information Systems Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
– Participates in preparing user requirements and other technical specifications.
– Assists in the design, development, and installation of information systems, specifically the deployment of the Indico.UN system.
– Undertakes analysis of well-defined modules within the system, develops enhancements and new features to existing systems; may design and implement small, stand-alone systems as needed (e.g. to meet individual user requirements).
– Undertakes rigorous testing and proving of applications software.
– Maintains assigned portions of systems, providing operational support for system applications, analyzing and implementing system changes/upgrades, etc.
– Participates in developing and maintaining Information Systems project plans, schedules, and budgets. Assists in identifying appropriate human and technical resources to complete the project, assists in assuring that deviations from project schedule are addressed and communicated, assists in developing timely project status reports, monitors project risk factors, escalates project issues, and provides quality assurance for all project deliverables.
– Writes and develops programs to interface with existing systems.
– Ensures data security and integrity.
– Participates in developing disaster recovery plans.
– Assists in server installation, configuration, and maintenance as required (software components only).
– Assists in troubleshooting and fixing server-related issues (software components only).
– Performs tasks related to scheduled server maintenance (software components only). Prepares, updates, and maintains the system’s documentation and related technical/procedural manuals.
– Assists in procurements, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, and preparing technical specifications and evaluation criteria.
– Assists in the set-up and monitoring of software performance measures.
– Participates in Helpdesk support services.
– Participates in facilitating communications between ITSD and its clients for good client relations and is responsible for small to medium client accounts.
– Assists in the development of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the client and ITSD, for either specific IT services or general technology support, including any charge-back mechanisms.
– Advises users on the most suitable hardware and software for different tasks; maintains and enhances software.
– Drafts training materials and conducts training sessions and demonstrations of systems for users.
– Participates with senior staff in assessing and testing new technology.
– Performs ad hoc duties as required.
– May provide guidance to new/junior staff.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Strong knowledge and substantial experience in information technology, particularly in systems analysis and design, software development, database design, testing, debugging and documentation. Very good knowledge of the Python language and the INDICO System. Good knowledge of mobile application development, HTML 5, JavaScript and CSS. Knowledge of several high-level programming languages and significant exposure to and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of programming and analysis, including structured/object-oriented design, relational systems, scripting and query languages, document design and management, hardware and software requirements, systems facilities and execution protocols. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, to include proficiency in the development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity. Knowledge of interactive systems; good knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). Independently maintains assigned systems and develops innovative approaches to resolve a wide range of issues/problems. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

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

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area is required.

Experience with event management software development systems such as Indico is desirable.

Experience within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable.

Experience with the Python Language is desirable.

Experience with mobile applications, HTML5, JavaScript and CSS, MySQL/PostgreSql is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English or French is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment against this position is limited to service in the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

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.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.