Org. Setting and Reporting

This internship is located in the Publications, Conference, and Knowledge Management Division, Office of Information and Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS). The internship is UNPAID and full-time (five days per week for 35 hours), for a minimum duration of four (4) months and can be extended up to six (6) months. Interns will work under the supervision of Chief, ICTSS or his delegated staff within the Publications, Conference, and Knowledge Management Division, Office of Information and Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS).

Have a demonstrated and keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal
commitment to the ideals of the Charter.

The UNECA is mandated to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. To find out more about UNECA, please go to www.uneca.org.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, ICTSS , the incumbent is responsible for the following duties in the Publications, Conference, and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD), Information and Communications Technology Services Section (ICTSS): Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period. Examples of duties to be performed may include the following:
¿ Assist to administer, manage, maintain, and support ECA Enterprise Network infrastructure including core, distribution, access layer switches and other network related solutions.
¿ Assist to configure network devices: routers, layer three switches, content engines, wireless bridges and access points for the campus network infrastructure.
¿ Assist to administer, manage, maintain, and support network management and monitoring solutions (HP Openview: Network Node Management module (NNMi) and server operations manager module (OVOW), CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution (LMS), MRTG, Cacti and Manage engine Netflow analyzer for bandwidth monitoring, Big brother for device connectivity monitoring and GSX for Domino)
¿ Assists to monitor the network devices health, identify faults and manage and troubleshoot problems proactively
¿ Assists in operating and administering redundant Internet Firewalls to protects and prevents ECA enterprise network Infrastructure and resource from external threats;
¿ Assists in deployment, management and maintenance of security systems which includes Firewalls, DMZs, Intrusion Prevention/Protection Systems, Proxies, Content Filters, Authentication servers, ensuring secured and the delivery of high-quality and availability of network services, and seamless connectivity based on UNECA Network Security Policies.
¿ Monitors availability and performance to measure continued effectiveness of network security systems.
¿ Assists to deploy, install and configure servers OS and server applications
¿ Assists to Install new/rebuild existing servers and configure hardware, peripherals, services, settings, directories, storage, etc. in accordance with standards and project/operational requirements
¿ Apply OS patches and upgrades on a regular basis, and upgrade administrative tools and utilities
¿ Configure / add new services as necessary

– Provide assistance in improving the functionality of websites;
-Undertake various research and related issues as directed by the Supervisor by collecting, analyzing, and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources;
– Reviewing and documenting internal operational processes to assist in optimization;
– Testing of new functionality in new systems;
– Preparing training materials, user requirements, and specifications;
– Coordinating with the users, vendors, and teams within the UN system;
– Assisting in other IT Functions as necessary;
– Attending and supporting the preparation of meetings, conferences, workshops, and other events;
– Provide support for computer information systems and applications;
– Perform other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

Competencies

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.

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.

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.

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.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

1.Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
(a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
(c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation;

2.Be computer literate in standard software applications;

3.Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration. Due to the large number of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Special Notice

The internship is UNPAID and full time. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

In your Personal History Profile, please list all past work experience (if any), your IT skills, and three references.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note that this is an on-going advertisement until October 2020. Successful candidates may be contacted at any time during the posting period or shortly thereafter.

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and /or illness incurred During an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the condition of service.

A completed online application (including Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:
– Your Degree programme (what are you currently studying?)
– Your Graduation date (when will you or when did you graduate from the programme?);
– List your three main areas of interest
– any IT skills or software applications that you are proficient in;
– an explanation as to why you would be the best candidate for this internship;
– an explanation as to why you are interested in the United Nations Internship Programme.
In your Personal History Profile, please list all past work experience, your IT skills, and three references.

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.