General

Description of assignment title: Information Systems Assistant

Assignment country: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected start date: 07/01/2023

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

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No

Host entity: MONUSCO

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Kinshasa

Details

Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

Assignment is with family (KINSHASA)

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief ICT Service Management, the duties of the Information Systems Assistant will include but are not limited to the following:

•  Develops automated workflows and applications using Microsoft Power Apps
•  Transforms raw performance data into relevant insights via dashboards and reports using Microsoft Power BI
•  Contribute to Change Management process, Problem Management process and the Knowledgebase e.g., by assisting in creating-materials to expedite service request fulfilments/incident resolutions, and training manuals.
•  Assists with the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system.
•  Assists with tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc
•  Develop and implement SharePoint site and group site permissions; develop, configure and maintain custom solutions, sites, pages, document libraries and lists including access control and issue resolution.
•  Assists with the provision of basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications.
•  Provides input into the eventual drafts for end-user and/or technical documentation
•  Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, steps taken to resolve problem or to complete task, problems encountered, status, escalation status, and other related metrics
•  Escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and consult with supervisor to recommend solutions
•  Carry out delivery of the Work Order for computers, accessories and related equipment, as deemed necessary, and follow up on the Work Orders;
•  Provide technical and client-oriented operational support to users;
•  When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training; and
•  Performs other related duties as required.

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 Communications Engineering / Business Information Technology

•  In depth knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Azure environment is desired
•  Possession of either Microsoft Office 365 Power User, Microsoft Power Apps, Microsoft PowerApps and Dynamics 365 Developer or Microsoft Power BI Fundamentals qualifications are an asset.
•  Certification in ITIL is desired.

Area(s) of expertise

Information technology

Driving license

Yes Required

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Technical/vocational diploma in Communications Engineering/Business Information Technology/Business Systems Engineering/Computer Science/Software Engineering/Information Technology or related discipline

Competencies and values

Professionalism Communication Respect for diversity and gender Teamwork Integrity

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu,), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.

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

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy