General

Description of assignment title: Associate ICT Officer

Assignment country: Nigeria

Expected start date: 10/01/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNHCR

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Ogoja

Details

Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. 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 (www.unhcr.org). UNHCR has also been involved in various IDP operations at the request of the concerned countries or the United Nations General Assembly/Secretariat General (UNGA/SG). Further to the humanitarian reform in 2005, UNHCR has been appointed to ensure the leadership of Protection, Shelter/NFI, and Camp management and camp coordination clusters in emergency settings. As a result, the staffing requirements have increased in UNHCR’s operations worldwide. In Nigeria, UNHCR plays the role of co-sharing with IOM the Shelter/ NFI and CCCM sector, coordination for the Protection sector working group. In the meantime, UNHCR, as a protection agency, is implementing activities to promote a favorable protection environment. In addition, UNHCR Nigeria continues to respond to a complex humanitarian situation in northeast Nigeria which has caused massive internal displacement and refugee outflows into the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Context

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. 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 (www.unhcr.org). Following continued protests from the population in the English-speaking part of Cameroon, which started in October 2016, against marginalization, historic injustices, including the deployment of French speaking teachers to Southern Cameroon, over 35,700 officially registered refugees have fled into Nigeria for their safety. As the crisis in Cameroon’s South-West and North-West Anglophone regions continues, and the government in Yaoundé intensifies its actions against the pro-independent movement, the number of people crossing the border into neighbouring Nigeria is increasing. More Cameroonians are arriving through Cross River, Taraba and Benue States in South-South and Middle-Belt Nigeria. The steady influx of refugees into the country is putting more pressure on the refugee settlements that are now beyond capacity. As a result, L2 emergency declared in February 2018, was further extended on 11th December 2018 until March 2019. Initially, UNHCR and its partners established office in Calabar, Ikom and Adikpo in order to ensure timely delivery of service. Effective 1st November 2018, the Ikom Field Office was moved to Ogoja for proximity to the point of delivery. Similarly, the Ogoja office has become the epicenter of UNHCR operation in the South-East Nigeria and has been upgraded to Sub Office due to the high concentration of refugee population. UNHCR and the Government of Nigeria continue registration of Cameroonian refugees.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Officer and the overall supervision of the Division of Information Systems and Telecoms (DIST) Chief ICT Field Operations, the Associate ICT Officer will undertake the following tasks:

•  Participate in the assessment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) voice, security and data services needs in each UNHCR office in the area of responsibility (AOR).
•  Discuss ICT material and human requirements with the Head of offices in the AOR and provide input for the budget submission.
•  Supervise the implementation of the ICT operations plan and thereafter ensures that all equipment is always in good working condition to meet the ICT needs of the offices.
•  Assist and advise offices in the recruiting and training of ICT staff.
•  Actively participate in inter-agency ICT working groups and ensure effective coordination between agencies and services provided.
•  Report actively ICT activities undertaken in the AOR to DIST HQ ICT Field Operations.
•  Monitor and coordinate the work of other ICT staff as directed by the Head of Offices in accordance with the standards set by Headquarters.
•  Actively participate in ICT-related meetings to ensure that all decisions taken meet UNHCR’s operational and security requirements.
•  Liaise directly with end users to clarify, analyze, and resolve reported issues, delivering high standards of customer service.
•  Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all infrastructure equipment under AOR.
•  Provide coaching and training to ICT staff and end-users. Draft procedures and instructions to promote a better understanding of the use of the ICT equipment.
•  Assist in liaising with the National Regulatory Authority to ensure that licenses and permissions required to operate UNHCR telecommunications networks are obtained.
•  Act as a Service Delivery Manager (SDM) and oversees the delivery of technology services to customers. The manager follows established ICT principles, operational guidelines, and service-level agreements to ensure consistently high-level service performance.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in supporting ICT infrastructure (LAN/WAN, HF/VHF radio, VSAT satellite systems, PABX, Cisco networking devices).

•  Hands-on experience working in current versions of Microsoft Windows Server, and Active Directory.
•  Knowledge of VoIP technology and network systems based on Cisco infrastructure, knowledge of satellite-based communications, VSAT, MSS and knowledge of VHF/HF communications.
•  Good knowledge of ICT networks, Microsoft applications, Satellite, and security telecommunications; ITIL certification to the V3 Foundation level as a minimum. B) Desirable Qualifications and Skills
•  Formal training and certification on satellite communication and ICT systems.
•  Good understanding of energy/power-related systems.
•  Good analytical, Innovation and Creativity and Technological Awareness skills.
•  Other C) Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge
•  Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
•  Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
•  Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
•  Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
•  Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
•  Sound security awareness.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Communication, Information technology

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Administration, Logistics and Inventory, Product Safety and/or related fields.

Competencies and values

•  Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in the area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
•  Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
•  Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
•  Planning and Organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
•  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
•  Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
•  Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary.
•  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

•  Ogoja is the northern senatorial district of Cross River state. It covers 4 other neighboring LGAs namely, Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Yala.
•  Spoken language is English (official). Some speak the Pidgin English.
•  Prevailing climate in Ogoja is hot and dry with extreme rainfall during the rainy season.
•  Temperature is generally between 25 and 38 °C. Driest month is January, and May is warmest.
•  Relatively calm Environment with pockets of crises caused by Higher institution students, kidnapping and robbery happening from time to time. UN Staff are advised not to stay beyond 2000hrs per day.
•  Nightlife is relatively okay with sit-outs and beer parlors in town.
•  International staff have been provided with a guest house and opportunities for sit out chats and barbeque are available.
•  Affordable houses at the rental disposal of national staff but security clearance is mandatory before renting houses regardless the environment.
•  International UNVs in Ogoja are entitled to rest and recouperation travel(R&R), a 5-day absence which is observed in every eight weeks.
•  UN Clinic is not present. There is a diagnostic center recognized by the UN which only operates in the daytime. There are other clinics though. But staff members discretion may be advised. Nigeria is a unique country, and it provides for an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. As this is an international UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

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