Background

Encompassing 17 sub-regional offices and with presence in over 85 countries, UNIFEM is uniquely positioned within the UN to provide catalytic gender programming solutions and initiatives in partnership with UN Agencies and to deliver results in line with UN corporate values, One UN reforms and UNIFEM/UNDP corporate guidelines.
 
The UNIFEM 2008 – 2011 Strategic Plan recommended decentralization of operations and programming functions to the Sub Regional Offices (SROs) and Country Programme Offices (CPOs) and re-alignment of business functions with clear responsibilities and mandate to support the organization in delivering its outcomes.
 
UNIFEM Operations through alignment and decentralization initiatives is enhancing its standards of efficiency and accountability in a number of key functions including:
  • innovative region-wide strategic thinking, advocacy and partnerships;
  • translation of corporate and UNIFEM Operational and Programming strategies, and goals into successful project delivery and capacity development results on the ground;
  • more strategic partnerships and support to UN reform; and
  • continuous upgrading and enhancement of in-house substantive and managerial effectiveness, operational effectiveness and accountability.
UNIFEM ICT Department, under overall direction and supervision of the Chief Information Manager, Office of Organization Services is challenged to achieve the above through provision of a variety of ICT services, including development of ICT solutions, ICT quality services and sourcing of the information systems and equipment that serves the organization’s business needs as well assuring availability, reliability and high performance of the existing ICT systems
 
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the CIO, the Manager, ICT Infrastructure Unit, develops and implements ICT management, provides information management tools and technology and telecommunications infrastructure in UNIFEM systems in coordination with UNDP, its principal ICT partner. The incumbent is responsible for review of and advice on the use of new technologies that will enhance UNIFEM’s productivity. The incumbent promotes a client-oriented approach.
 
The incumbent is to guide, design, manage and review all aspects of computing and technology facilities including server and desktop operating system software, network computing, Internet/Intranet, network routing and security, data centre operations, email messaging and directory service in liaising when applicable with UNDP’s ICT specialists.
 
The incumbent is furthermore responsible for UNIFEM’s computing and technology facilities, which is a mix of technology services provided by UNDP and UNIFEM in-house infrastructure. The incumbent is responsible for ICT infrastructure related procurement and budgeting for HQ and the field, and for the implementation of ICT infrastructure related projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:
 
·         Implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies
·         Ensure secure, reliable and effective telecommunications facilities at HQ and SRO's.
·         Management of UNIFEM hardware and software packages
·         Networks administration
·         Business Continuity and ICT security
·         ICT infrastructure budgeting, procurement and asset control
·         Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
·         Oversight of effective operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and management of the UNIFEM ICT infrastructure to the satisfactions of UNIFEM's end users.
 
1. Ensures implementation of ICT strategies and introduction and implementation of new technologies, focusing on achievement of the following results:
 
·         Full compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines and procedures for the UNIFEM technology environment.
·         Implementation of ICT infrastructure projects in accordance with the Prince II methodology.
·         Analysis of the requirement and elaboration of internal policies and procedures on the use of ICT.
·         Conduct of market research and analysis, and introduction of new technology for UNIFEM system updating and improvement.
·         Provision of advice on and assistance in procurement of new ICT equipment for UNIFEM (HQ, SROs and projects), provision of technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets.
·         Development and update of the ICT Infrastructure annual plan and road map.
·         Liaising with ICT units in other UN agencies, in particular with UNDP, for UN system ICT related matters
·         Ensuring secure, reliable and effective computing, networking and technology facilities at HQ and SRO's
·         Ensuring a reliable computing and networking environment that facilitates UNIFEM access to Internet, intranet, Atlas, file and print, data interchange, computing and corporate applications.
·         Liaising with hardware and software vendors and with UNDP in ensuring technology facilities are current and provide services that meet business and user requirements
·         Liaising with SRO's through UNIFEM's regional ICT support structure in ensuring that office's local technology facilities are aligned with corporate standards, kept up to date, reliable and with adequate capacity.
·         Ensure and implement technology facilities at HQ and CO's have backup, redundancy and disaster recovery provision
·         Keeping abreast of technology industry trends and developments, and implementing upgrades or enhancements to meet UNIFEM's business' needs
·         Providing advice and expertise to the CIO and UNIFEM on ICT operational, tactical and strategic planning and co-ordination
·         Planning and managing the unit's budget, including ensuring timely payment of invoices
·         Managing technical specialist staff, vendors and contractors to achieve desired results, and
·         Conducting regular performance reviews and year-end RCA evaluations for staff.
 
2. Ensure secure, reliable and effective telecommunications facilities at HQ and SRO's focusing on the achievement of the following results:
 
·         Ensure a reliable telecom environment that facilitates UNIFEM access to telephony, Internet, video and corporate applications.
·         Liaises with UNDP OIST on technological issues including upgrades, system backup functions, adopting and configuring new software and hardware standards;
·         Liaise with service providers and vendors, including UNDP, HQ units and development partners in ensuring telecom facilities are current and meet business and user requirements.
·         Ensure and implement telecom facilities at HQ have backup, redundancy and disaster recovery provision.
·         Keep abreast of telecom industry trends and developments, and to implement upgrades or enhancements to meet UNIFEM's business' needs.
·         Lead efforts in negotiations on telecom goods and services with UNDP and with external vendors, and defining telecom strategy and requirements, and issue operating guidelines.
·         Management of the UNIFEM PABX at 866 UN Plaza, ensuring full functionality and minimum disruption of the telephone system.
·         Planning for upgrades and implementation of enhancement of the PABX systems at UNIFEM
 
3. Manages UNIFEM hardware and software packages, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
 
·         Hardware and software platforms meet the UNDP and UNIFEM corporate standards and the CO key business processes.
·         Provision of advice on maintenance of equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies
·         Supervision of the implementation of corporate UNIFEM systems.
·         Development of new software for high impact results (e.g. office management system, e- registry, intranet, etc).
·         Ensure that the UNIFEM desktop and network resources are protected from malicious virus attacks and deploy countermeasures in the event of the attacks.
·         Management of software patch updates for all users in UNIFEM at HQ and in the field
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4. Ensures efficient networks administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:
 
·         Monitoring of the computing resources to provide a stable and responsive environment.
·         Operation of network utility procedures defining network users and security attributes establishing directories, menus and drive-mappings, configuring network printers and providing user access.
·         Monitoring of backup and restoration procedures for both server and local drives.
·         Timely upgrade of LAN infrastructure and Internet connectivity to meet UNIFEM requirements.
·         Provision of technical advice on network administration to other agencies as required and monitoring preparation of bills for cost-recovery for the services provided.
 
5. Provide advisory support to safeguard and protect UNIFEM system to ensure business continuity, focusing on achievement of the following results:
·         Ensure the protection of corporate electronic information stored on the server; preparation of statistical charts, tables and reports as required.
·         Ensure that data centres hosting the server are well-protected and safeguarded against intrusion.
·         Work with solutions providers and ICT experts, in overall, ensuring ICT services continuity and full use of ICT tools and facilities, and that recovery for all stalled ICT tools and equipment is within acceptable time interval.
·         Keep proper and complete documentation of all systems, Implement and maintain change control procedures and update systems inventory as needed
·         Ensuring successful server backup, routine testing of disaster recovery planning, backups and restore procedures for local drives. Maintain logs, determine critical versions of data, and execute related archiving procedures.
·         Support the creation of new staff in UNIFEM Computing network, and allocate the necessary resources using Microsoft Active Directory
·         Ensure secured LAN through configuration of firewalls
·         Test and implement security patches and bug fixes and monitor and ensure proper operation of servers after application of security patches and bug fixes
·         Advise and coordinate with technical staff across the organization on available upgrades, bug fixes and security patches for Microsoft Windows server and related software that may be required
·         Determine, recommend, set and update optimum version and configuration standards relating to server operations and computing environment. Publish and share these standards with technical staff throughout the organization.
·         Development and update of the ICT disaster recovery plan that serves as input into the UNIFEM business continuity plan, ICT infrastructure and training plans. Follow up on implementation and testing.
·         Keep abreast of technology advancements and evaluate how these may be used by UNIFEM to further enhance operations.
·         Develop test platforms of new technologies for eventual implementation.
 
6 Coordinates budgeting with regards to UNIFEM's ICT infrastructure requirements, facilitates procurement of ICT goods and services and oversee proper asset control, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
 
·         Manage procurement of ICT infrastructure goods and services for HQ and the field (ICT procurement is centralized and the incumbent acts as the procurement focal point)
·         Provision of advice on and lead efforts in procurement of new equipment for the SROs and projects, provision of technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets as well as existing UN LTAs, review of quotations and bids.
·         Prepare submissions for UNIFEM's Procurement Review Committees (CAP).
·         Identifies ICT infrastructure upgrade requirements in UNIFEM (HQ and field), and prepare/review budgets for consideration by the CIO and UNIFEM's management.
·         Oversee through the work of the ICT Associate that proper asset control is in place for UNIFEM's ICT infrastructure elements.
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7. Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in UNIFEM, focusing on achievement of the following results:
 
·         Organization of training for the operations/projects staff on ICT issues.
·         Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices directly linked to ICT management.
·         Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
 
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency UNIFEM Operations, including improved business results and client services. Forward-looking ICT management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision.

Competencies

UNIFEM end-user community relies heavily on Information and Communication Technology solutions to communicate within the organization, with donors, program countries and other entities. Timely and quality response to user of Information Technology is essential in ensuring reliable and high performance services and communication tools to UNIFEM.

The results expected from this post will have a major impact on the ability of UNIFEM's ability to meet its strategic management objectives. The successful implementation of the above activities will ensure, and, at the same time, depend on the effective interfacing of IT technologies and business processes throughout the organization. 
Errors in this function and failure to resolve issues with ICT facilities in a timely manner have severe impact on the staff's ability to deliver services to the organization's clients, the results of which will ultimately affect deliverables of the organization.
Key indicators include systems availability, turn-around of technical support and user requests, timeliness of application of enhancements and security patches.

Knowledge Management and Learning

·         Shares knowledge and experience and provides helpful advice to others in the office.
·         Ability to develop systems for structuring, codifying and providing access to information and knowledge.

Development and Operational Effectiveness
·         Ability to lead  planning and reporting
·         Strong analytical skills
·          Ability to provide IT support services including IT hardware/infrastructure support, ERP support, other IT applications support, web design and maintenance.
·          Excellent knowledge of PC/LAN operating systems, Microsoft Windows, corporate ICT security and viral protection systems, knowledge of web design, knowledge of Microsoft Windows network administration, ERP.
·          Ability to provide input to business process re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new systems.
·         Proficiency in telecommunications hardware and software and IP routing.
 Excellent supervisory skills

Leadership and Self-Management
 Focus on results for the clients and respond positively to feedback.
 Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
 Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexity. Focus on results for the clients and respond positively to feedback. Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexity.
 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Communication Technology, Information Systems or related discipline.

Experience:

5 years of relevant working experience, including implementation of ICT strategies, management of hardware and software platforms, telecommunications facilities, knowledge of Windows-based packages/applications, experience in web design and development of web-based office applications. Experience in implementing telecom facilities

Technical Expertise

  • Prior excellent experience Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and 2003 Operating Systems
  •  Demonstrable experience in supporting Microsoft Office XP and 2003 suite of products
  •  Proficiency in desktop hardware and software, network and cabling
  • Proficiency in telecommunications hardware and software and IP routing.
  • Prince II Certification. If incumbent has no Prince II certification, he/she is required to obtain such certification within 6 months after commencing appointment.
  • Familiarity with the COBIT principles for ICT architecture

Language Requirements:

Fluency in the English. Additional UN language is preferable

Other:
Demonstrates commitment to UNIFEM's mission, vision and values
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability