Background

The Telecommunications Associate (TCA) works under the supervision of the UN Security Adviser (SA) or, in his absence, the UN Deputy Security Adviser. He is responsible for the planning, technical design, implementation and maintenance of UN-Inter Agency Communications Systems, supervises the Radio Rooms  and staff, conducts communication training for UN staff, advises the UN Agencies/Funds/Programs on matters related with telecommunications and liaises with government authorities on all matters related to radio-communications.

The lives of UN staff members both in the field and in country offices depend on the fast and correct communication in Emergency Communications System of the United Nations. In case of a crisis, the UN Community will depend on the ECS. The Telecommunications Associate with his radio license is also a legal requirement for any operator of a radio network in the Philippines.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for the UN Inter Agency Emergency Communications System including but not limited to:

  • Planning and technical maintenance of UN Inter Agency Radio Room;
  • Planning and design of VHF repeater/HF antennas and technical maintenance of these installations;
  • Implementation of radio procedures and SOPs as approved by the Designated Official or instructed by the SA;
  • Programming and installation of Base, Mobile VHF and HF Radios and Repeaters, microwave links;
  • Technical checks and quick repairs of radios, repeaters, back up power systems, antennas, and other radio support equipments;
  • Technical supervision of the Inter Agency contractors for radio-telecommunications;
  • Radio training for UN-staff and UN-drivers;
  • Radio Propagation test for the future coverage expansion of the existing UN-ECS network;
  • In charge of Emergency Radio Operations for the Crisis Management Team.

Advises the UN Agencies/Funds/Programs on technical telecommunications matters including but not limited to:

  • Establishing radio-communications in the field;
  • Recommendations on inter-agency radio telecom equipment purchases (UHF/VHF/HF Satellite phone) and software according to Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS);
  • Recommendations on radio procedures and policies (SOP-drafts);
  • Contracting of services related to radio-communications.

Liaise with government authorities on all matters related to radio communications including but not limited to:

  • Licensing of hardware and the preparation and endorsement of related documents;
  • Licensing of frequencies including the preparation and endorsement of related documents;
  • UN telecommunications assistance for relief operations of non UN organizations;
  • Enhancement and modifications of the UN ECS;

Other telecommunications related duties as instructed by the Security Adviser.

Competencies

Technical/Functional

  • Good knowledge of VHF (mostly Motorola and HF mainly CODAN) radio-telecom hard and software;
  • Advanced computer skills (MS Office/MS Excel/Powerpoint);
  • Basic experience in LAN, Desktop hardware configuration troubleshoot/support;
  • Knowledge of LAN, telephone and electricity wiring is an asset;
  • Knowledge of electrical emergency system (Solar Power, UPS/Voltage regulators, generators is an asset;
  • Good knowledge of Windows XP/Vista Desktop/Laptop configuration trouble shooting and support.

Managerial      

  • Stress resistance and perseverance for the project planning and implementation/cooperation with UN Agencies.
  • Patience, cultural sensitivity and customer orientation for the coordination with 20 UN Agencies on telecommunications issues;
  • Ability and willingness to travel with the national territory of the Philippines;
  • Ability and willingness to work overtime and weekends in case of emergency operations;
  • Initiative and sound judgement. Ability to supervise UN staff and contractors’ works and to work independently;
  • Dedication to the United Nations principles and demonstrated ability to work in harmony with persons of different national and cultural background.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • University Degree in Telecommunications or related field with at least 5 years progressive experience or at least 10 years experience in the field of radio communications (VHF, HF).

Experience:     

  • At least five years experience in radio-telecommunications project management, including HF and VHF communications
  • Experience with the UN or another international organization or as a licensed radio-amateur is a strong asset.

Language:     

  • Full working knowledge of English language;
  • Knowledge of another language is an asset.

Other Requirements:

  • Requirements   Driver’s license 1, 2, 3;
  • Radio Operator’s license according to Revised Amateur Radio Regulation (Ministry Circular No. 87174);
  • The TCA will work from 09:00-18:00 hours with one hour lunch break;
  • Place of work is the UNDSS Office 31st Floor, Yuchengco Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, Makati.  Working hours may be extended in case of necessity;
  • Frequent field missions (land, sea and air travel) within the Philippines, is required;
  • Updated Police and NBI clearance.

Note

The selected candidate will receive a salary that is commensurate with his/her background and work experience.  Interested applicants are requested to complete and attached the UNDP Personal History Form (P.11), available in our websitehttp://www.ph.undp.org/jobs/  on or before 24 October 2014.  Kindly note that only completed P.11 forms will be reviewed.  UNDP is an equal opportunity employer.  Please note that we will contact only the short-listed candidates.