Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the ICT Analyst, the Network Associate – Common Services provides leadership in execution of ICT services for the UN Agencies under the Common services umbrella. The ICT Network Associate is expected to spend 60% of his time for agency services while 40% should be dedicated UNDP. The ICT Network Associate implements ICT management systems and strategies, provides daily technical support to users of information management tools and technology infrastructure. The incumbent in consultation with the ICT Analyst is responsible for review and advice on the use of new technologies that will enhance the productivity of partner agencies.  The Network Associate promotes a client-oriented approach.

The Network Associate – Common Services works in close collaboration with the ICT, operations, programme and project teams in CO, UN Agencies and UNDP HQs staff for resolving complex ICT-related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Implementation of  ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies.
  • Effective functioning of the UN Agencies hardware and software packages.
  • Networks administration.
  • Provision of web management services.
  • Provision of Helpdesk and administrative support.
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures implementation of  ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines and   procedures for UN Agencies technology environment.
  • Elaboration of internal policies and procedures on the use of ICT. Elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance in consultation with office management.
  • Development and update of the ICT annual plan.
  • Provision of support to the use of Atlas functionality for improved business results and improved client services.

2. Ensures effective functioning of the UN Agencies hardware and software packages focusing on the achievement of the  following results:

  • Provision of advice on maintenance of equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies, making routine repairs and change of hardware electronic components.
  • Supervision of the implementation of corporate UN Agency systems.
  • Development of new softwares for high impact results (e.g. office management system, Atlas, electronic registry, etc).

3. Ensures efficient networks administration focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Operation of network utility procedures defining network users and security attributes establishing directories, menus and drive-mappings, configuring network printers and providing user access.
  • Trouble-shooting and monitoring of network problems.
  • Response to user needs and questions regarding network access.
  • Maintenance of up-to-date parameters of information for the network clients and electronic mail.
  • Implementation of backup and restoration procedures for local drives. Maintenance of backup logs. Organization of off-site storage of backups.
  • Plan and implement UNDP’s network security policy and procedures or comparable UN Agency security policy and procedures including building firewalls, managing host security, file permissions, and file system integrity, and adding and deleting users and mail accounts.  Put in place a formal LAN and Comms  F&R plan and test the plan regularly. Maintain security incident reporting.
  • Monitor all communication equipment and devices i.e. routers,  ODU, antenna, VC, VOIP, etc. to ensure availability  with minimum downtime . Liaise with local Internet service providers,  EMC helpdesk and/or OIST helpdesk for supplementary support.
  • Timely LAN Infrastructure and Internet connectivity upgrade to meet UNDP and other UN Agencies requirements.

4. Provides web management services  focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Identification of the opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency (office management system, donor profile software, knowledge management systems).
  • Creation and maintenance of UN Agencies web sites and intranets ensuring that the content is updated and meets their requirements.

5. Provides Helpdesk and administrative support    focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Troubleshooting and resolving all network problems with supplementary support from OIST helpdesk. Record all support requests, resolutions, escalations etc. using a problem tracking and resolution tools.  Providing statistics  (KPI’s) on how well they are achieved. Manage creation/deletion of network and mail user accounts and security attributes.
  • Provision of advice on and assistance in procurement of new equipment for the UN Agencies and projects, provision of technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets, review of quotations and bids.
  • Maintenance of an up-to-date inventory of the software and hardware.
  • Maintenance of the library of reference materials.
  • Maintenance of the inventory and stock of supplies and spare parts in cooperation with the Procurement Units of UN Agencies.

6. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the UN Agencies and CO focusing   on achievement of the following results:

  • Identification and promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge management and sharing, information provision.
  • Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on ICT issues.
  • Maintenance of staff training profiles.
  • Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in ICT.
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the UN Agencies and Country Office 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

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

  • 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 provide IT support services including IT hardware/ infrastructure support, ERP/ATLAS support, other IT applications support, web design and maintenance.
  • Good knowledge of PC/LAN operating systems, Microsoft Windows, corporate protection systems, programming with UNIX, Perl, PHP, SQL, HTML, JavaScript, knowledge of web design, knowledge of Novell Netware network administration, ERP.
  • Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new systems

Leadership and Self-Management

  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • First University Degree, preferably in Computer Science. Cisco Certified Network Engineer (CCNE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) required. If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within 6 months.

Experience:

  • Minimum 7 years of working experience in network administration and use of hardware/software, telecommunications facilities, knowledge of database packages, experience in web design.

Language Requirements: 

  • Fluency (both written and oral) in English.  Ability to communicate in one national language.