Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports the programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and ICT services (www.unon.org). This position is located in UNON’s, Division of Administrative Services (DAS), Information and Communication Technology Service (ICTS), Infrastructure Management Section (IMS). The incumbent will report to the Chief of Infrastructure and Conference Support (Deputy Chief ICT Services). The Chief of the Infrastructure Management Section will provide strategic and operational leadership in the planning, management, and delivery of infrastructure services to UNON clients, including UN entities, governments, and other stakeholders. Within delegated authority, the Chief of the Infrastructure Management Section is responsible for the following functions:

Responsibilities

1. Manage the operation and maintenance of large-scale and complex ICT Infrastructure to achieve high reliability and continuous availability services for clients accessing cloud-based services, and local systems in a secured environment, including infrastructure hosting services for UN collocated Agencies Funds and Programmes. 2. Plan and direct major projects related to ICT infrastructure including the consolidation of dispersed data centres into a Primary Technology Centre (PTC) and a Secondary Technology Centre (STC), ensure the successful operation of voice and video communications infrastructure, Wi-Fi, 5G mobile technology and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. 3. Provide expert advice on complex networks analysis and design; identify the need for new solutions (or modifications to existing solutions) and respond to requests from users for new or enhanced services, including virtualization; develop plans for technological feasibility. Innovate towards Green ICT initiatives & disability inclusion solutions. 4. Formulate Request for Proposals (RFPs) for central infrastructure equipment (network, telecommunications, servers, and data storage), systems and services; provide technical specifications and standards for the procurement of equipment and services; evaluate proposals from vendors; perform tests and recommend selection of equipment and services in the most expedient manner. 5. Develop costing proposals for outgoing services and cost estimates for incoming services; oversee the technical evaluation of incoming proposals and technically manage contractual service. 6. Develop infrastructure solutions for clients of the Kenya Common Back Office (CBO). 7. Track and monitor project progress against plans, implement quality assurance measures, and standard processes; liaise with users on all aspects of project services during all phases of planning and implementation. 8. Remain actively involved in service reviews and monitoring, to improve infrastructure security; undertake regular programmes of self-audit and baselining by utilizing appropriate tools and support formal audits conducted by both Internal and External Auditors. 9. Act as a Change Manager for all request for change related to ICT services, and coordinate the implementation of changes. 10. Ensure that the team maintains a Configuration Management Database for all component items related to UNON Infrastructure, and the Network Operating Centre is fully functional to monitor key infrastructure components and make sure that critical alerts are addressed immediately. 11. Develop, implement and monitor ICT infrastructure standards and guidelines, and ensure that any changes take place in a controlled and auditable manner; contribute to defining ICT policy and follow up with its implementation. 12. Lead ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UN ICT infrastructure supporting ICT hosting and data centers, including by examining the current hosting landscape, assessing business continuity and disaster recovery requirements, available capacities and technologies, and by formulating an optimized adaptive hosting strategy aligned with emerging AI capabilities. 13. Provide professional leadership and direction to the Unit; mentor and supervise the work of the staff and other personnel; participate in planning and preparation of the budget, work programme and spending plan. 14. Prepare and make presentations on communications topics, networks, and equipment to staff; ensure effective coordination with other UN agencies in order to maximize possibilities of inter-agency collaboration. 15. Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of communication equipment with adequate skills for their installation and maintenance; knowledge of operations of commercial telecommunications services, voice and data communications techniques, satellite communication systems; ability to analyse telecommunication data and conduct reviews; good problem-solving skills; 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. 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. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, telecommunication, or other related fields 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. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

The Cisco Certified Network Professional qualification is required. Certification in Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), and Certification in Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud practitioner is desirable. The 5G Networking Professional Certificate is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of large-scale network and data centers technologies are required. Experience in implementing and managing enterprise ICT networks with multi-tenancy is required. Experience in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Virtual Machine Ware (VMWare) is required. Experience in implementing of Unified Communications solutions, business continuity management, Office 365, and project management is desirable. Experience in the operations of large-medium video conferencing, voice, and data communications technology aligned with emerging AI capabilities is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable. 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 for this position may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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. Applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 November 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link..

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.