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 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 information services (www.unon.org).

The post is located within the Infrastructure Management Section (IMS) of the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) of the Division of Administrative Services at the Nairobi duty station. Under the general guidance of the Chief, UNON/ICTS/IMS and the direct supervision of the Chief UNON/ICTS/IMS/Network and Communications Unit (NCU) the incumbent will be responsible for day-to-day network administration, network security and technology research. Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Responsibilities

1.Network Operations and Administration (LAN/WAN/IPT)
• Support all aspects of network hardware and software.
• Manage/administer/maintain the network firewall.
• Maintain all switches/routers at recommended operating system and security patch levels.
• Supervise and manage the installation, configuration, testing and deployment of network hardware and software.
• Manage the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of network switchers/routers and possible redistribution of load between routers/switches.
• Supervise complex trouble shooting of routing problems and conduct frequent security audits.
• Liaise with other groups within ICTS and the user Departments for maintaining efficient and reliable network connectivity.
• Ensure 24×7 operations and monitoring of assigned systems.
• Identify the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems. Implement backups of all switch/router configurations.
• Collect various statistics on the performance and reliability of switches/routers and produce pertinent reports.
• Write and maintain the documentation for LAN/WAN/IPT configurations pertinent to operations and system administration.
• Provide technical advice to network users and coordinate user support services.
• Organize and conduct periodic user training sessions to ensure effective use of LAN/WAN/IPT hardware.
• Set guidelines and principles for problem reporting, resolution and follow-up.
• Oversee the network security VPN and firewalls.
• Act as the technical escalation point for all unified communications related issues.
• Design, implement, manage and troubleshoot the Cisco Unified Communications Systems.
• Manage and troubleshoot the Cisco Analog and Digital voice gateways and devices as well as the Cisco IP phones.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

2.Network Product Evaluation and Acquisition
• Develop, revise and update Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Terms of References (TORs) in line with the Sections requirements.
• Review Technical Proposals and give recommendations based on existing TOR’s and RFP’s.
• Evaluate multiple vendor products through test plans, select vendor, and develop network engineering specifications and guidelines for implementation.
• Strive for standardized technology implementation throughout the campus.

3.Cloud Native Technologies
• Act as a subject matter expert for the team on cloud-native technologies.
• Evaluate new and emerging technologies and translate the business requirement into viable technical solutions for the client.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information technology, including information security and computer system networks. Knowledge of information technology security architecture across a variety of platforms, including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, SSL certificates, proxy and content filtering technologies, and cloud services. Knowledge of tools and techniques used for threat and risk assessment and understanding of current threat modeling and risk assessment techniques. Knowledge of hacking tools and monitoring capabilities. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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.

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 limitation of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Completion of high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Supplemental courses/technical certificate in information technology or related field is required.

Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva
(UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST. The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Job – Specific Qualification

Proficiency with IT Security or certification with emphasis on Intrusion Detection Systems and Network Security is desirable.

Additional technical training or certification with emphasis on Network Routing and Switching is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in the information technology field is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree.

Experience in network security, LAN/WAN and IPT systems design, implementation and operation is required.

Working experience in network routing and switching, troubleshooting network related problems and network security is desirable.

1 year 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 UN official language is desirable.

NOTE: ‘Fluency’ equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write and 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 year and may be subject to extension. A limited duration and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred to take-up the appointment.

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 in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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.

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.

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. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 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 “Need Help?” 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.

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.