ICT Officer

Office context
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements.. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and island states

UNOPS KEMC

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Support Services, the ICT Officer is responsible for the information technology related services and functions to support UNOPS KEMC in managing its operations. The ICT Officer promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.

The ICT Officer may supervise personnel of the ICT Unit. He/she works in close collaboration with teams in the Country Office or Hub Office and UNOPS HQ staff ensuring successful performance in ICT management.

** Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

1. ICT Management

2. Applications

3. Network Administration

4. Telecommunications

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

6. Support and Oversight functions

7. Asset Management

8. Provides effective ICT management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

9. Assessment and evaluation of information technology capacity and requirements of the office in terms of updating hardware and software to acceptable global levels. Identification and prioritization of areas where improvements need to be addressed to be able to effectively support the organization in achieving its goals and priorities. Provision of cost implications and benefits of recommendation for budget consideration.

10. Contribution to the planning of global IT strategies and policies by representing the office and providing feedback on local IT requirements, technical capacity in terms of web technology, support and skills available.

11. Conduct of ongoing proactive evaluation of system performance, identifying areas of inefficiencies and potential problems. Collaboration with management for corrective actions to achieve improved and uninterrupted services. Recommendation of back-up options in potential problem areas that are beyond one’s control.

12. Ensuring security of information technology operation at all times. Development of back-up programmes and ensuring strict implementation.

13. Establishment of control systems to ensure that all information technology equipment is maintained regularly and in proper working condition.

14. Interaction with HQ and IT staff in other UN agencies in the area and participation in information exchange meetings for systems co-ordination, consistency in direction, policy and standards; also for knowledge sharing on software expertise

15. Identifies, introduces and maintains software applications, focusing on achievement of the following results:

16. Identification of new areas where computerization is advantageous and applicable. Recommendation of applicable software packages to use, understanding user/clients specification, needs and requirements to achieve client satisfaction.

17. Maintenance of application systems and in collaboration with clients/users mutual agreement on changes/modifications to existing programmes and reports generated to ensure continued system effectiveness and relevance. Provision of reports, ad hoc or otherwise, required for management information and as tool for decision-making.

18. Provides efficient network administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:

19. Up to date with changes in the technology and availability in the area.

20. Implementation of corporate information technology policy changes applicable to the office, if any, to be compatible and up to par with other offices and achieve a global IT plan.

21. Provides efficient telecommunications service, focusing on achievement of the following results:

22. Recommendation of strategies to ensure and improve global connectivity and telecommunication facilities.

23. Proactive maintenance of telecommunications equipment to avoid interruption of service.

24. Provides support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

25. Organization of training for the operations/projects staff on IT-related topics to ensure personnel have sufficient ICT knowledge to perform their primary functions.

26. Advice to management, clients and colleagues on subject matter expertise

27. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

28. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in IT

29. Provide ICT Support to other Kenya Multi country offices i.e Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and other field offices as well as provide ICT oversight functions and directly coordinate with ICT focal points in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

30. Asset management

31. Update and manage the Asset Module in oU with regards to KEMC assets to ensure all the assets are properly reflected.

32. Coordinate with custodians to ensure that all assets are tagged and accounted for in accordance with UNOPS’ policies and instructions.

33. Update Asset Management Standard Operating Procedures

34. Coordinate the bi-annual and annual physical verification of assets in order to improve asset related data accuracy and ensure the asset info is reflected correctly in UNOPS Corporate Financial Statements.

35. Ensure that all lost, damaged, sold, stolen, transferred, or other items are properly recorded; Ensure that in case of loss or damage assets, correct procedures have been fulfilled.

36. Upload the documents related to the Asset Management including: Procurement, receipt, movement, loan, transfer, inventory, and disposal of assets in UNOPS formats.

37. Ensure compliance with UNOPS Financial regulations and rules, organizational Directives (ODs) and Administrative Instructions (AIs) on asset management.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the KEMC Office in ICT management, technical stability and reliability of the installed systems and success in introduction and implementation of ICT strategies and policies. Appropriate delivery of services ensures client satisfaction and enhances credibility of UNOPS as an effective and efficient organization in the ICT sector.

** Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems or Information Management or Computer Science or related discipline is required;

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree), preferably in Information Systems or Information Management or Computer Science or related discipline is desired but not required.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years working experience in ICT management and Computer Systems Security is required;

• A minimum of 2 years working experience in the usage of computers and office software packages and experience in handling of web-based management systems is required;

• A minimum of 1 year UNOPS work experience in the ICT field is required;

• Good working knowledge and skills on the Google Workspace (i.e. Google Drive, Google meet, docs, sheets, slides, calendar, emails, Google forms, etc.) is an added advantage.

• Working knowledge of LAN and WAN networks is desired;

• Knowledge of the /UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an asset;

• Experience of using System Administration tools such Windows 2012, Active Directory Group Policies, TCP/IP, DNS Windows Server, Advanced Server, Web Server and Exchange Server is desired.

Languages

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required;

• Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

** Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

** Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

• This position is based in a family duty station.
• This post is open to Kenyan nationals with the requisite UNOPS experience
• This is a local post for UNOPS internal personnel who are Kenyan nationals and have the requisite UNOPS experience**

** Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: local Individual Contractor Agreement ( LICA)
2. Contract level: Local ICA 8/ ICS 8
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’
   For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
   https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

** Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

** Background Information – Kenya

Kenya
The UNOPS Kenya office manages more than 60 projects in around 10 countries of eastern and southern Africa. UNOPS in Kenya helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including: governance, education, health, the environment, grant management and rural development.