"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts".
Mailing address:
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Fax: (+41 22) 917 0080
E-mail: ochavacancies@un.org
Date of issue: 3 February 2009
Post title and level: Information and Communications Technology Officer (ICT), L-3
Duty station: Kabul, Afghanistan
Duration: 12 months
Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/03/2009
Deadline for applications: 17 February 2009
Date of entry: asap
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for diversity
1. Background
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is characterized by deepening and widening vulnerability, which is driven by factors such as drought and other natural disasters, violence and armed conflict, lawlessness, widespread poverty, lack of basic social services, and high levels of migration.
OCHA operations will consist of one main office in Kabul and five sub-offices in Mazar-e-Sharif (Northern Region),
Herat (Western Region), Kandahar (Southern Region), Jalalabad (Eastern Region) and one other location. Possibility for additional field presence is also being considered.
2. Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:
The Information and Communications Technology Officer leads the ICT unit and reports to the Deputy Head of OCHA Office in Kabul.
3. Accountabilities:
The ICT Officer will support OCHA’s operations and information management activities by ensuring that appropriate IT and communications equipment, software, applications and support are available; advising the Deputy Head of Office on ICT matters; and liaising with other OCHA offices and with external partners to achieve inter-operability of systems and collaboration among people and initiatives, where possible. The ICT Officer is based in Kabul, Afghanistan and will undertake missions at various locations within Afghanistan to support the Humanitarian Operations.
Within limits of delegated authority and the area of responsibility, the Information and Communications Technology Officer will fulfill the following main functions:
- Analyze and evaluate the ICT needs for the Afghanistan Offices and in collaboration with the ITS/HQ, Information Management Unit (IMU) and counterparts in Kabul determine technical specifications to meet those needs;
- Develop timeframes and cost plans for the acquisition of required hardware, software and telecommunications services; advise the Deputy Head of Office on budgetary implications of current and future ICT needs; assist in procurement of ICT goods and services, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, preparing technical specifications, evaluation criteria and selection;
- Install and configure the ICT infrastructure (hardware, software, telecommunications) and information systems of Afghanistan Offices;
- Analyze and document user requirements and manage the design, development and implementation of required applications;
- Provide user support (Help Desk) and advice on ICT related matters;
- Manage and ensure interconnectivity between sub-offices and between the main OCHA Kabul office and sub-offices; ensuring data security and integrity;
- Ensure availability of up-to-date technical and user documentation; organize and conduct training sessions and demonstrations of ICT systems/applications.
- In close collaboration with the IMU, participate in writing reports and papers on system-related topics and system requirements.
- Assist in the implementation and application of Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) for all OCHA Afghanistan area of operation including premises and equipment;
- Represent the office in ICT related meetings with UN agencies and other parties;
- Assist in any other matters related to IT, such as telecommunications or information management, when necessary.
4. Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Staff at all levels within OCHA and the humanitarian community as well as national counterparts, donors and representatives of other UN agencies.
5. Results Expected:
Sound analytical inputs and advice on ways that ICT can contribute to improving institutional capacity and ability to fulfill OCHA’s mandate in humanitarian and relief assistance. Take action to identify issues/problems and develop creative approaches that ICT can be used for problem resolution. Develop partnerships and interact effectively with colleagues internally and externally.
6. Core Competencies/Professionalism
In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of and substantial practical experience in information technology, information management and telecommunications, which will include: systems analysis, database design and programming; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; development and maintenance of small-medium scale applications; installation and support of secure local area and wide area networks (LAN and WAN); as well as: sound judgment; ability to work under pressure, on occasion in highly stressful environment.
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience and provides helpful advice to others in the office.
- Ability to develop systems for structuring, codifying and providing access to information and knowledge.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead planning and reporting
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to provide IT support services including IT hardware/infrastructure support, ERP support, other IT applications support, web design and maintenance.
- Excellent knowledge of PC/LAN operating systems, Microsoft Windows, corporate ICT security and viral protection systems, knowledge of web design, knowledge of Microsoft Windows network administration, ERP.
- Ability to provide input to business process re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new systems.
- Excellent supervisory skills
Leadership and Self-Management
- Focus on results for the clients and respond positively to feedback.
- Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexity.
Client Orientation
- Ability to work in close collaboration with clients to identify and analyze their needs and develop appropriate technology solutions to meet business requirements
Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of information technology and telecommunications, and research innovative ICT solutions.
Communications
- Excellent communications (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, technical specifications, project plans and budgets, user guides and other communications, to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style, to advise and train users on use of ICT systems and applications.
Planning & Organizing
- Ability to plan, organize and implement work assignments, manage and prioritize competing demands and work under pressure of tight deadlines.
Teamwork
- Very good interpersonal skills and ability to guide new/junior staff and to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
7. Qualifications/ Education:
Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in Computer Information systems, Mathematics, Engineering. A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in IT, Telecommunications or other related fields may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree with 7 years of experience
8. Experience:
- Depending on the education and qualifications, 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in ICT including familiarity with any Windows operating systems and server network Administration; use of industry standard hardware/software and telecommunication systems,
- Good knowledge of computer technology, LAN/WAN, MS XP and Windows 2000, MS Office XP and 2003 and Data Management.
- Development and implementation of ICT strategies.
- Practical knowledge of VHF Equipment, Land Mobile Radio, Microwave Radio Systems, Local Government Radio Frequency Regulations; Satellite Communications Equipment, and VSAT is desirable.
- Ability to direct large projects involving planning, installation, implementation, upgrade, relocation and/or removal of communications systems. Ability to interact with all levels of management and junior staff. Ability to monitor and evaluate vendor performance.
9. Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is essential; knowledge of local languages an advantage.
10. Other Desirable Skills:
Basic understanding of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area. Familiarity with complex conflict generated emergencies and natural disaster environments.
Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
All posts are subject to availability of funds.
