Telecommunications Assistant (Open to External Applicants)

Erbil

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Erbil
  • Grade: Administrative support - NPSA-5, National Personnel Services Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Administrative support
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
  • Closing Date: 2025-11-27

Background

  • Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
  • Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
  • Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

1. Office/Unit/Project Description  

The UNDP Country Office administers and manages common premises and shared services on behalf of the co-located UN agencies, funds, and programs. The Common Premises Unit is established to ensure the efficient, secure, and cost-effective management of all common premises, assets, and services. The unit's objective is to provide high-quality support services to all Participating Agencies, enabling them to focus on their core mandates

The Telecommunication Assistant provides technical support for telecommunications and IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and efficient communication systems. . The incumbent promotes a client, quality, and results-oriented approach.
 

2. Scope of Work

Network and Infrastructure Management:

•    Install, maintain, and troubleshoot VHF, HF, and Microwave Radios, VSAT stations, and Video Teleconference (VTC) equipment across the mission. 
•    Maintain the data/voice network infrastructure, including programming and maintaining Cisco routers and switches. 
•    Monitor the performance of LAN, MAN, WAN, and high-speed Internet access facilities, and provide advanced technical support for access routers and network nodes.


Service desk operations related to Telecommunication operations.
•    Provides timely and efficient Telecommunication operational support to all components and sites.
•    Receives and logs problem calls or service requests in the automated tracking system.
•    Attempts to resolve problem calls or service requests on initial contact.
•    Diagnoses and resolves relatively simple hardware, software, or connectivity problems.
•    Assists in resolving Telecom Issues by coordinating /Liaoning various telecom units in section.

Wide Area Network Operations (WAN):
•    Monitors transmission performance of all local and remote network nodes at the link and at the I/O levels.
•    Coordinates with leased line carrier and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures.
•    Communicates with the Users and keeps Users informed using Service Support Application tools and in person, in kind and descriptive manner as per FTS Service Level Agreement (SLA) with users. 
•    Creates immediate workaround solutions for User Requests which cannot be resolved within the Service Level Agreement (SLA).

 

Local Area Network Operations (LAN):
•    Monitors the performance of the LAN, Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and high-speed Internet access facilities.
•    Assists in the implementation of ad-hoc LAN support requirements with departmental focal points.
•    Provides remote operations and maintenance service and advanced technical support for access routers on the Wide Area Network.
•    Maintains LAN and MAN equipment inventory.
•    Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, operates and repairs all Communication Configuration Items (CI) used by end-Users in his/her location.


Audio/Visual Conference Services:
•    Installs, configures and tests audio, video conference and desktop video conference hardware/software using available communication and network connectivity.
•    Assists in meetings’ preparation by preparing and configuring conference hardware and operates equipment during conferences.
•    Provides support and training for new users of conference systems.
•    Researches and evaluates new conference products ensuring compatibility with current operational standards and growth for future needs.

 

Asset and inventory management:

•    Oversees issues/return/handover and ensures that inventory records are accurately maintained.
•    Assumes responsibility for the stock of all satellite and mobile phones purchased for the Mission.
•    Monitors the physical inventory of ICT stocked items on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of records and location of property.

     Continuous Improvement and Other Duties:

•    Contribute to the improvement of telecommunication and IT processes, support digital transformation initiatives,

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing 
Participate and assist in the organization of training for the CO staff on telecommunication issues
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

 

The incumbent shall perform other duties within their functional profile, as deemed necessary, for the efficient functioning of the Office, Organization.

3. Institutional Arrangement


The Telecommunication Assistant will work under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the ICT Specialist and will be responsible for the above-mentioned tasks.


4. Competencies

Core  
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management Digital Awareness and Literacy Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.   Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. 
    Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. 
    Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. 
    Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Management Communication Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
    Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Information Management & Technology     
    Network, Communication and Infrastructure Management 
    Ability to develop/integrate/operate/manage IT network, communications, Cloud or on-premise infrastructure, and new technologies like IoT. Cisco CCIE CCNP or similar is desirable. 
Information Management & Technology     
    Applications Management 
    Ability to set-up, develop, support, and maintain applications. Expertise in Oracle Cloud, ServiceNow, SalesForce.com and Microsoft technology and assets. 
     
Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

5. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements Secondary education is required.
  University Degree (bachelor´s degree) in Computer Science, Telecommunication Engineering/ ICT/IT/Electrical & Electronics, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience  Minimum of 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in telecommunications support, radio systems, call centers, helpdesks or IT field operations is required.
Required  skills  Basic understanding of VHF/UHF radio communication concepts (simplex, repeater use).
  Ability to operate, test, and assist in programming handheld and mobile radios.
  Familiarity with radio programming software ( e.g. Motorola, Hytera, Icom, Kenwood).
  Skill in checking signal quality, battery health, and radio accessories.
  Ability to perform routine inspections, cleaning, and minor adjustments to radios.
  Basic knowledge of antenna systems, cables, and connectors.
  Ability to assist in installation and maintenance of antennas and repeaters under supervision.
  Skill in using basic tools (multimeter, SWR meter) for simple diagnostics.
  Familiarity with safe handling of RF equipment, masts, and power systems.
  Ability to maintain records of issued radios, frequencies, and call signs.
  Support in tracking equipment movements, repairs, and user assignments.
  Competence in using spreadsheets or databases for asset management.
  Assist in labeling and organizing telecommunication assets and spare parts.
  Provide first-line support to radio users (programming channels, replacing batteries, reporting faults).
  Ability to train users on basic radio operation, safety, and communication protocols.
  Basic computer literacy (Windows, MS Office, email, documentation).
  Familiarity with GPS and mapping tools for repeater or coverage location identification.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Previous relevant experience supporting UN/International organizations or NGOs field communications systems.
  Knowledge of rigging safety standards and willingness to support tower-related tasks under supervision.
  Demonstrated ability to thrive within a complex multicultural and multinational environment.
  Knowledge of rigging safety procedures and the ability to assist in supervised antenna or mast tasks.
  Experience in engaging with stakeholders.
Required Language(s)  Fluency in English and Kurdish languages is required.
  Knowledge of Arabic language is desired.
Professional Certificates Certification/s in electronics, telecommunications, or IT is desirable.

6- The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

a)    Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
b)    A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
c)    Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as  reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

 
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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