Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the in the Field Technology Services (FTS) of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), duty station Bangui. The Information System Assistant will report to the Information Systems Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Systems Assistant may be responsible for the following duties:
APPLICATIONS SUPPORT:
• Under direction of the supervisor, works as part of a team in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems and programs using UN established standards for IS technologies, programming languages and tools.
• Assists with the monitoring and expedition of computer application systems development projects; provides input for the development of standard terms of reference; serves as part of the team related to various project implementations in the Mission.
• Maintains functional specifications for computer application systems, programs and procedures; assists in ongoing reviews with users and developers; liaises with users to define and specify requirements; assists with version management, data recovery and deployment to user offices.
• Implements and maintains security controls for various applications; ensures that security controls in place are monitored and enforced; assists with the maintenance of accurate access control lists including rights and privileges.
• Supports Data Recovery/Business Continuity software applications and systems.
• Provides input for the preparation of various technical and user documentation for deployed computer application systems, training materials and may conduct technical presentations; assists with the drafting of correspondence and communications, including work plan revisions, as well as unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports.
• Keeps abreast of developments in the field; implements benchmarking procedures and provides input for final decisions on new acquisitions.

SERVER/DATA CENTRE ADMINISTRATION:
• Provides full range of technical assistance in the area of server operations and administration;
• Installs, configures, tests and deploys server systems hardware and software, to include Local Area Network infrastructure, Operating Systems (Unix, Linux, Mac OS), Electronic mail, Lotus Notes, Citrix, Database systems, Web Development software, Firewall systems, Network Services Server systems (DNS, DHCP, NFS, CIFS/SMB, mail relay, and various security software.
• Provides the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems; undertakes complex trouble shooting of server systems.
• Works with other Units within the Service to maintain optimal 24/7 operations for the server systems operations.
• Provides input to identify the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems.
• Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards; implements Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) and backup services following standard procedures.
• Participates in the security incident response activities; assists in the implementation, operation and maintenance of security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses as well as to determine the need for updating systems with fixes and patches.
• Assists with the drafting of documentation and reports.

NETWORK ADMINISTRATION:
• Assists with the implementation of network projects in accordance with Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards.
• Assists with the review of network configuration to ensure maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources.
• Supports the management of network backup and security enforcement policies.
• Assists other personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit.
• Works as part of the team to ensure the integrity of the various internetwork connections within the missions Intra- and Extranets.
• Assists with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for voice, video, and data integration.
• Operates and maintains the various implemented Data Security projects with emphasis in network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies.
• Ensures the proper administration of access control lists including rights and privileges; participates in the security incident response activities.
• Participates in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses to bring to the attention of supervisors.
• Participates in all network implementations.
• Assists with the drafting of documentation and reports.

IT SERVICE SUPPORT:
• Works as part of a team of service coordination staff.
• Assists with the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system.
• Assists with tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc.
• Assists with the provision of basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications.
• Provides input into the eventual drafts for end-user and/or technical documentation.
• Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve problems or to complete tasks, problems encountered, current status, escalation status, and other related metrics.
• Escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedures; monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and consults with supervisor to recommend solutions.
• Assists with quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction.
• Keeps abreast of developments in information systems and technology in order to make recommendations to supervisors.
• Serves as a team member for various special projects within CITS.
• Performs other related duties as required. ICT Security/ DRBC:
• Works as part of the team responsible for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan implemented by the Mission.
• Assists with the implementation and testing of DRBC plans, and works within various teams related to DRBC management.
• Installs, operates and maintains multi-user information security systems including firewalls, malware detection/prevention systems, intrusion detection/prevention, network access controls, proxy servers, VPN, encryption, URL and content filtering systems in accordance with organisational technology security standards.
• Provides input for other CITS Units to determine security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations.
• Maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific CITS resources and data.
• Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the CITS Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities.
• Assists with the regular security assessments of production CITS resources to identify potential weaknesses for referral to supervisors; performs risk analysis and provides data for further analysis by supervisors.
• Maintains the scheduled updates for CITS systems with fixes and patches.

COMMON DUTIES: Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include, but are not limited to:
• Providing general assistance across the various fields of ICT support services in the Mission.
• Being part of cross-functional teams within CITS in order to assist with ICT related projects.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of information technology and applications, including computer system networks. Good technical skills, ability to conduct large scale network design, deployment and maintenance, network firewall deployment and maintenance, VoIP deployment and maintenance, provide network support services onsite and remotely, user support, implement and maintain Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity systems, and information systems security and control, be able to identify and use available tools to run vulnerability assessment and make recommendations, good knowledge of client relation management tool to ensure SLA compliance. 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. 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. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Checkpoint and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certificates are desirable.

ITIL ((Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Foundation Certification is desirable.

Work Experience

At least six (06) years of relevant work experience in the planning and installation of complex Information Systems, equipment, and networks, including at least three (3) years of experience at the international level are required.

Experience providing ICT Operational support related to network design, installation and commissioning in enterprise environment in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

Experience in the field of information systems or related area in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.