Posting Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT, G6 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT

Department/Office: United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia

Duty Station: MEDELLIN

Posting Period: 15 September 2023 – 19 October 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Information Management Systems-UNVMC-218232-J-Medellin (M)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), Mission Support Division, Operations and Resource Management Service, Field Technology Unit (FTU), duty station Medellin. The incumbent will report to the FTU Chief Operations.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Systems Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Applications Support:

•  Assists with and may lead a team in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems and programs using UN-established standards for IS technologies, programming languages and tools;
•  Serves as a focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of computer application systems development projects involving extensive liaison with diverse organisational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference; processes and follows up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. organisation of and participation in training, procurement of equipment and services, etc.;
•  Maintains functional specifications for computer application systems, programs and procedures; performs ongoing reviews with users and developers; liaises with users to define and specify requirements; assists with version management, data recovery and deployment to users’ offices;
•  Plans, implements and maintains security controls for various applications; verifies the effectiveness of security controls in place; maintains accurate access control lists, including rights and privileges;
•  Provides support for Data Recovery/Business Continuity software applications and systems;
•  Prepares technical and user documentation for deployed computer application systems and training materials and conducts technical presentations; drafts correspondence and communications, including work plan revisions, as well as unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports;
•  Keeps abreast of developments in the field; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions;
•  Provides guidance to new/junior staff;
•  Performs other related duties as required. Server/Data Centre Administration:
•  Provides a full range of technical assistance and team supervision in the area of server operations and administration; distributes work assignments to members of the team and monitors progress; provides guidance and training to new/junior staff;
•  Oversees installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server systems hardware and software, including Local Area Network infrastructure, Operating Systems (Unix, Linux, Mac OS), Electronic mail, Lotus Notes, Citrix, Database systems, Web Development Software, Firewall systems, Network Services Server systems (DNS, DHCP, NFS, CIFS/SMB), mail relay, and various security software;
•  Oversees the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems; undertakes complex troubleshooting of server systems;
•  Liaises with other Units within the Service and other logistics support elements of the mission to maintain optimal 24/7 operations for the server systems operations;
•  Provides input to identify the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems;
•  Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards; implements Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) and backup services following standard procedures;
•  Participates in security incident response activities; assists in the planning, implementing, and operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses as well as to determine the need for updating systems with fixes and patches;
•  Drafts documentation and reports;
•  Performs other related duties as required. Network Administration:
•  Analyses, plans, designs and supervises the implementation of network projects following Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards;
•  Reviews network configuration, ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources;
•  Participates in the management of network backup and security enforcement policies;
•  Assists with and may supervise the work of personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit;
•  Ensures the integrity of the various internetwork connections within the missions Intra- and Extranets;
•  Assists with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for voice, video, and data integration;
•  Supports the design, implementation and maintenance of Data Security projects with emphasis on network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies;
•  Maintains properly administered access control lists, including rights and privileges; participates in security incident response activities;
•  Participates in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses and determine the need for security updates and fixes;
•  Participates in and may supervise major network implementations;
•  Drafts documentation and reports;
•  Performs other related duties as required. IT Service Support:
•  Supervises a team of service coordination staff;
•  Streamlines the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system; creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure; distributes work assignments and monitors progress;
•  Supervises tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc;
•  Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications;
•  Drafts end-user and/or technical documentation;
•  Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve a problem or complete the task, problems encountered, current status, escalation status, etc;
•  Acts as a problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels; escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and recommends solutions;
•  Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction;
•  Keeps abreast of developments in information systems and technology in order to make recommendations to supervisors;
•  Provides training to junior technical staff; occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects;
•  Provides advice to clients regarding Field Technology Unit (FTU) standards and workflow processes;
•  Performs other related duties as required. ICT Security/DRBC:
•  Acts as the focal point for the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan implemented by the Mission;
•  Assists with the coordination of the implementation and testing of DRBC plans and supervises teams related to DRBC management;
•  Participates in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of a multi-user information security systems, including firewalls, malware detection/prevention systems, intrusion detection/prevention, network access controls, proxy servers, VPN, encryption, URL and content filtering systems in accordance with organisational technology security standards;
•  Assists other FTU groups with the determination of security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations;
•  Formulates and maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific FTU resources and data;
•  Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the FTU Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities;
•  Performs regular security assessments of production FTU resources to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited; performs risk analysis and formulates risk treatment plans;
•  Determines the need for updating FTU systems with fixes and patches;
•  Performs other related duties as required. Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialities above include, but are not limited to:
•  Providing general assistance across the various fields of ICT support services in the Mission;
•  Being part of cross-functional teams within FTU in order to assist with ICT-related projects;
•  Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions.

CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of information technology and applications, including computer system networks. Good technical skills, ability to conduct network maintenance, provide server services, user support, implement and maintain Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity systems, and information systems security and control. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required.

Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (07) years of progressively responsible experience in information systems analysis, database installation and management and website development, systems administration and maintenance, software applications, hardware installation and related work is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and Spanish is required.

AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by an informal interview.

Special Notice

•  This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2023. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
•  While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
•  Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
•  At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
•  The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
•  This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.
•  As per the Staff Rule 4.4 if a serving General Service and related categories is selected for a temporary job opening in another duty station, the staff member would have to be separated and reappointed on a temporary appointment since a lien cannot be maintained on their parent position.
•  This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
•  Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
•  Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.