General
Description of assignment title: Senior ICT Assistant
Assignment country: Niger
Expected start date: 08/27/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 17. Partnerships for the goals
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNHCR
Type: Onsite
Duration: 5 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Diffa
Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assem-bly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. The UN Refugee Agency in Niger acting within its mandate of protecting persons in need of international protection, and in partnership with the Government of Niger has established the Evacuation Transit Mechanism (ETM). The mechanism aims at evacuating persons of con-cern with acute protection needs from Libya to Niger, where they undergo RSD and are di-rected to appropriate durable solutions. Most of these evacuees come from Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia and are victims of severe human rights violations during their journey.
Context
The project to which the national UNV is assigned is the “Support, protection and assistance project for refugees and asylum seekers in Diffa, Niger. This project aims to provide refugees and asylum seekers with various forms of assistance in the areas of protection (registration, documentation, promotion and defense of the rights of refugees), security of persons and property (fight against violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination), access to essential services and coverage of basic needs (access to health services, education, employment and income-generating activities), promotion of the participation of refugees in the search for solutions to their problems and their self-management.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of Admin Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s) and technical supervision from ICT unit in Niamey, the UNV Sr ICT Assistant will:
- Assist the office in implementing DIST standards that meets the needs of users and supports the overall operation in term of Information and Communication Technology.
- ICT User supports.
- Monitor and maintain the LAN Network Servers, Routers, Printers, Switches, Patch panels, Access points, HF and VHF radios Satellite equipment to prevent faults occurring.
- Carry out missions for new installations and routine maintenance tours of ICT equipment.
- Ensure that ICT problem are quickly resolved.
- Assist with the installation of the software packages, basic repair/maintenance of computer hardware, HF and VHF equipment.
- Train UNHCR staff on email system, utilization of VHF handhelds, telephone system.
- Add and remove users from the Networks.
- Maintain the inventory of ICT equipment and keep track of movements of ICT equipment.
- Draft mails and memoranda on ICT matters.
- Assist in the drafting of technical documentation on radio equipment operating procedures.
- Certify invoices and delivery notes and pass for payment.
- Evaluate needs for upgrading and eventually replacing ICT equipment to meet with UNHCR standards.
- Carry out administrative duties, within the area of competence as assigned.
- To decide on appropriate resolution to incidents.
- Escalating incidents where they cannot be resolved at the office level.
- Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
- Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs:
- As an active [insert name Host Agency] team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: – Full ICT Supports to the operational needs. – Better planning of ICT activities – Better enjoyment by the beneficiaries (of) for the services provided (staff) – Principles and procedures for managing vehicle connectivity and radio links, respected and compliant with UNHCR ICT policy. – Regularly maintained office computer equipment (backup, updates, cleaning, etc.) – Office ICT equipment and data protected. – Movements of ICT items and equipment regularly monitored according to standard procedures and rules, and inventories carried out. – Proper functioning of the server room
- Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in 3 years of relevant experience;
- Education/training: Graduate of post-secondary studies.
- Write and speak French and/or English fluently and an understanding of the other language (French or English) if applicable. Knowledge of local languages would be an asset.
- Good knowledge of the IT-Systems
- Computer skills (Microsoft windows, office 365, Teams,
- Professional experience related to the position.
- Knowledge of the humanitarian context and particularly of refugees/asylum seekers would be an asset.
- Knowledge of the field would be an asset.
- Motivation to contribute to peace and development and to serve others.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to contribute to the work as a member of a team
Area(s) of expertise
Information technology, Facility management
Driving license
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Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Desirable French, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Certificates and/or Licenses in Telecommunication, Networking, database, System solutions.
Competencies and values
, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Diffa is a category E non-family duty station and is about (1400 km from Niamey) with a small airport served by UNHAS with return flights to Niamey at least three times a week. The town provides some necessities (shops, pharmacy etc.), however due to security restrictions movements are to be limited. There is a government hospital, which offers basic health services. Temperatures are above 33 degrees Celsius for most of the year with the hottest months of March to June daytime temperatures hovering above 38 Celsius. Security level in Diffa is 4. Since the beginning of 2019, Diffa region has experienced an escalation in terrorist acts. The threat remains real with several cases of incursion or infiltration. On the other hand, crime is quite high with targeted kidnappings and killings and the looting by armed elements, especially in outskirts of main towns. This subjects the population to a climate of constant fear. Diffa Region will continue to remain influenced by concerns attributed to terrorism. Staff require extreme caution and strong adherence to security measures. UNHCR has an Assistant Field Security Officer on ground for any security related issues while participating in daily field missions. To continue to operate, a- package of measures called- intermediary security measures adopted by SMT is applied. Two safe rooms and a bunker are available in the UN Compound. The state of emergency is still in force and night movements are restricted.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds
