UNDP Jobs - 12462- Global Information Communication Technology Specia

Global Information Communication Technology Specialists (GIS) - 2 Posts

Location :

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2010

Application Deadline :

29-Nov-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One-year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One-year (Expectation of Renewal)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the supervision of the Global Information Technology Adviser (GIA), Global Services Section (GSS), the Global Information and Communication Technology Specialist (GIS) provides technical support to the development and maintenance of the ICT environment in UNDP Offices guided by the organizational policies and standards.

The GIS works closely with the GSS teams in New York and Copenhagen and wider OIST teams (both at HQ and outposted units) to propose or develop technology solutions which address conditions at the Country Office level.

The GIS acts as the focal point for assisting Country Offices for technical ICT matters, and provides guidance and support for maintaining baseline ICT standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key tasks and responsibilities BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

Infrastructure design and implementation

Provide support to Country Offices in analyzing, planning, designing and implementing ICT infrastructure and network projects. Review Country Offices network configurations and plan cost-effective upgrades within the context of corporate standards. Assist UNDP offices not under Managed Firewall Security Arrangement with designing and implementing secured network and computing infrastructure. Coordinate with other OIST units, service providers or external partners to ensure optimum connectivity and infrastructure services, and provide a quality assurance role. Use network management and monitoring tools to identify bottle-necks in the infrastructure and provide technical guidance to remedy. Advise Country Offices on backup connectivity solutions in the framework of business continuity planning. Assist Country Offices in technical negotiations, preparation of terms of reference or specifications for services and products.

Minimum standards for ICT landscape

Assist Country Offices to ensure conformance with minimum ICT standards across the ICT landscape, including hardware, software, connectivity solutions, operations and policies. Monitor and provide technical support to the progress of the implementation of the minimum ICT Standards. Determine needs for Country Offices to be in compliance with minimum standards, and develop implementation plans as required. Provide support to Country Offices in developing action plans to reach and maintain corporate ICT standards. In coordination with the GIA, prepare status reports to present to the various Bureaus and OIST management teams.

Connectivity solutions

Plan and direct infrastructure connectivity projects and/or systems, and provide advice and technical support to the maintenance of communication systems for electronic messaging, voice, data, and video. Provide technical support and guidance in performance issues related to Wide Area Network connectivity. Coordinate with relevant OIST units and satellite network service provider to ensure best quality of VSAT connectivity service for Country Offices. Monitor efficient usage of bandwidth in the region, and plan for proper capacity to ensure effective application and business usage. Assist in the design and implementation of connectivity or infrastructure solutions for Country Offices.

Video and Telephony technologies

Assist Country Offices in the design, planning, and implementation of telephony/voice services, including digital PABX and IP Telephony technologies. In coordination with external service providers and/or vendors, assist Country Offices in implementing cost recovery models in line with accountability and billing modalities. Work closely with other OIST units and other ICT Officers to set standards in concurrence with emerging voice technologies for applicability in the region.

UN common ICT services

Where applicable, provide guidance and support to Country Offices in the area of inter-agency connectivity and UN common ICT services, e.g. shared/integrated telephony service, joint backup ISP connections, and joint business continuity initiatives. Provide technical support to Delivering as One offices in the sphere of common ICT services. Advise Country Offices on network security implications in common infrastructure models. Identify potential inter-agency solutions, and develop action plans and cost-benefit analysis for consideration by UN Country Teams.

Other functions

Assist the GIA in maintaining the overall ICT strategic framework and work plan pertaining to the minimum ICT standards, infrastructure, and connectivity dimensions. Provide training to Country Offices ICT staff in areas of infrastructure and telecommunications. Develop instructions or guidelines to assist Country Offices ICT staff in maintaining operational aspects of the ICT function in their offices. In coordination with the GIA, propose technologies or solutions for consideration and possible adoption as corporate standard. Assist in contract management, resource management, and people management functions, as required. Other duties as may be assigned by the GIA, the Deputy Director OIST (GSS), or the Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Impact of Results

UNDP has made extensive capital investments in information and communication technologies. Errors in this function could lead to costly wastage of UNDP’s resources and investment in ICT, or interrupt and cause to shutdown the whole UNDP operations, resulting in major loss of money, UNDP creditability and image, and staff productivity.

Errors in the design of local infrastructure and acquisition of equipment, can lead to wasteful investment of money and time, and the creation of systems upon which staff are dependent but not well served. The absence of a properly configured communications network (including equipment and personnel) can impact on the ability to deliver assistance to programmes and emergencies and could furthermore lead to injury or loss of life.

Competencies

Managerial:

Client oriented and service minded
Strong communication skills
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to build and lead as well as work in teams
Ability to motivate and influence to action
Ability to write technical documentation
Proven analytical capacity
Proven vendor relationship/management experience
Strong results orientation
Respect for diversity

Technical/Functional:

Strong technical background in ICT technologies, inclusive of:
TCP/IP network design and troubleshooting
Network administration in a Windows server/Active Directory environment
Desktop client environment with Windows XP or later
Firewall deployment and related network security practices
Wireless technologies, including WiFi and WiMAX, and wireless security practices
Satellite communications
Voice over IP technologies
Video Conferencing solutions
Telephony technologies, including PABX
Microsoft Exchange messaging platform

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s Degree in Information and Communications Technology or Computer Science, Telecommunications or Engineering or related discipline or Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 9 years of specialized relevant experience in supporting ICT infrastructure systems in a complex environment may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.
Cisco (CCNE or CCNP) and/or Microsoft certification (MCSE) would be an asset.

At least 7-9 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of ICT support (hardware and software), installation, operation, maintenance, and management of network and communications equipment, preferably in an international/global organization setting; experience across a broad range of hardware and software platforms is desirable; experience in telecommunications, specializing in the field of satellite communications; practical experience in setting up and maintaining a Microsoft Exchange messaging environment; demonstrated experience dealing with IT security-related issues in an international setting; good knowledge and understanding of current and emerging ICT technologies; strong working knowledge of UN system rules, regulations, procedures and practices.

The best candidate will have:

A good understanding of ICT challenges in developing countries, particularly in Africa;
Some experience working with Crisis Countries
Understanding of UN reform/harmonization, as it pertains to ICT operations;
Minimum 3 years experience with Microsoft Exchange 2007 and Windows 2X / AD;
Substantial involvement in large-scale ICT infrastructure support;
Experience in Quality Assurance and Vendor Management roles;
Certification in IT service management or governance (ITIL, CoBit) and/or project management (Prince2)
Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable.