Senior IT Associate

Hardship Level

C

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS7

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted

No

Target Start Date

2024-01-15

Job Posting End Date

December 24, 2023

Standard Job Description

Senior IT Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

Senior IT Associate is a technical position within the UNHCR operation. Direct supervision is normally exercised by an (Assistant/Associate) IT Officer. In locations without a professional IT supervisor, the incumbent must be able to work independently due to the technical nature of the work and liaise directly with regional and HQs technical units for problem solving and consultations. Main task of the position is to ensure routine functioning of the IT system within the country operation and assist the management to improve and refine it with the technical progress.

The incumbent has regular contacts with all staff members maintaining smooth and friendly relations with a high responsive attitude towards problem solving and finding solutions. S/he has also contacts with external parties such as contractors and suppliers of IT equipment and services.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Undertake needs assessment on site and installations of UNHCR Telecommunications equipment considering the overall IT strategy of the region, the operational needs and the security constraints.
• Install and configure the most appropriate type of UNHCR IT and Telecommunications systems (HF, VHF, UHF, Microwave Links, Telephony, satellite systems) to meet the needs of operations within the AoR.
• Ensure that the equipment under area of responsibility is in good working condition, by inspecting regularly the hardware and installations. If required, arrange promptly repairs or replacement as necessary according to established procedures.
• Maintain records of the installations and repairs/replacements done and keeps the supervisor fully informed on the status of the equipment.
• Provide the office, where equipment is installed, with full information for their asset management records.
• If applicable, keep a proper inventory level of all sites spares and return spare parts for repair/replacement;
• Monitor and maintain the LAN, Network Servers, Printers, LAN points, Hubs, Patch pane, etc. to prevent faults occurring.
• Add or remove users from the Network.
• Carry out minor hardware maintenance.
• Maintain up to date inventory of all infrastructure equipment under AOR.
• Carry out missions for new installations and routine maintenance tours of telecoms equipment.
• Maintains the VSAT Network and local PABX systems in the AOR.
• Undertake coaching, and training of IT staff and users. Draft procedures and instructions to promote a better understanding of the use of the IT equipment.
• Undertake upgrading of computers (Hardware, Software) in UNHCR offices to maintain current UNHCR standards and, subsequent installation of the new software platforms.
• Liaise directly with end users to clarify analyses and resolve reported issues, delivering high standard of customer services.
• Undertake other tasks or assignments within his/her area of competence as directed by Supervisor/Head of Service.
• Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents / problems.
• Escalate issues to supervisor if incident / problem cannot be resolved within scope of responsibility.
• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Satellite Communications;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Experience with PAMA satellite systems, PABX, Cisco routers and satellite modems. Knowledge of computer application packages.

Desirable

Hands-on experience with wireless and VoIP systems, electricity, generators, lightning protection an asset.

Functional Skills

• IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
• IT-IT Radio Communications (HF, UHF, VHF)

TR-Training – Virtual and face to face

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

Soft skills of the ideal candidate are as follows:

• Ability to manage IT vendors and understand IT support operations at the management level
• Ability to explain to staff members problematic technical issues translated into a general non-technical language for the successful resolution of IT problems)

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

French

,

,

Desired languages

English

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Under the supervision of the Administration Officer, the successful candidate will be in charge of the implementation of IT and Communications tasks in the Representation Office in Djibouti as well as the two Field Offices of Obock and Ali-Sabieh. He/she will work closely with the team in the

Regional Bureau in Nairobi.

The successful candidate will ensure that the IT applications and solutions are available and delivered consistently, reliably, and effectively. The incumbent supports day-to-day operations and may coordinate the work of multiple support groups, both internal to UNHCR, as well as, Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The incumbent monitors various MSPs deliver efficient and effective applications and solutions in accordance to contractual obligations and best practices. Understanding the current and future needs, the incumbent will work with a Business Analyst and/or Solution Engineer to ensure that the IT requirements are understood and have adequate IT applications and solutions to meet business needs the organization and have the IT tools necessary to support their work.

The incumbent has regular contact with MSPs, with other Service Delivery Managers (SDMs), with Solution Engineers, with vendors, and all Services of DIST. S/he understands and communicates the UNHCR IT strategy and vision, policies, and decisions in a positive manner and leads by example in the adherence and adoption. S/he establishes and sustains relationships with respective business leaders & management in order to achieve technical and business strategic alignment. S/he is not expected to have supervisory responsibility for other IT staff. The specific reporting relationships may vary based on the size and structure of the team, solution offerings, products and responsibilities and will be specified in the Operational Context.

Living and Working Conditions:

Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, is a mostly French- and Arabic-speaking country of dry shrublands, volcanic formations and Gulf of Aden beaches. Djibouti is a multi-ethnic nation with a population of over 1,012,361 inhabitants (the smallest in mainland Africa) ). French and Arabic are the country’s two official languages.

About 94% of residents adhere to Islam which is the official religion and has been predominant in the region for more than a thousand years. Djibouti is strategically located near some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, controlling access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. It serves as a key refuelling and transshipment center, and is the principal maritime port for imports from and exports to neighboring Ethiopia. A burgeoning commercial hub, the nation is the site of various foreign military bases, including Camp Lemonnier. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional body also has its headquarters in Djibouti City.

There is moderate risk from crime in Djibouti. Most reported incidents are crimes of opportunity (e.g. pickpocketing, petty theft) for immediate gain. Panhandlers and street children target foreigners for petty theft by creating distractions. Unreported crimes also commonly occur within the local community. Exercised caution in congested areas such as the central market, city center, and downtown neighborhoods (known locally as quartiers), especially after dark. Avoid isolated areas, particularly along the urban coastline.

Djibouti is in Seismic Zone 4, indicating a very high likelihood of damage resulting from earthquakes. Although hot conditions prevail year-round, brief periods of moderate to heavy rains can cause severe flooding of roads and homes due to poor infrastructure. High tides exacerbate flooding. In recent years, flooding has led to several fatalities across Djibouti, especially when unpredicted rain leads to flash flooding in the country.

Availability of flight is as follows:

One weekly flight Air France from Djibouti to Paris,

Two daily flights with Ethiopian Airlines from Djibouti to Addis Ababa.

Twice a week, flight with Turkish Airlines from Djibouti to Istanbul,

Three weekly flights with Flydubai from Djibouti to Istanbul,

And a twice a week flights with Qatar Airways from Djibouti to Doha.

Skills

Additional Qualifications

Education

Certifications

Satellite Communications – Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Les candidats doivent être de nationalité djiboutienne ou détenir un permis de travail local/ carte de séjour valide au moment de la candidature.

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance