ICT Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the  Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers). ICT Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the supervision of Senior ICT Officer or Senior Administrative Officer, the incumbent implements the ICT operational plan in a well defined geographical area. They provide technical supervision and guidance to locally recruited staff and ensure that ICT equipment is fully operational at all times.
Internally, the incumbent liaises directly with own Service Delivery Team on a daily basis as well as with end users to clarify, analyse and resolve reported issues. S/he may also liaise with external service providers, as required, to resolve escalated infrastructure issues.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR Country operation has modern and cost-effective ICT systems.
- UNHCR ICT equipment and data are protected.

Responsibility

- Participate in the assessment of operational and security infrastructure needs in each UNHCR office in the area of responsibility (AOR).
- Supervise the implementation of the ICT operations plan and thereafter ensures that all equipment is in good working conditions at all times as to meet the ICT needs of the offices.
- Discuss infrastructure needs with the Head of offices in the AOR and provide input for the budget submission.
- Monitor and coordinate the work of other ICT staff as directed by the Head of Offices in accordance with the standards set by Headquarter.
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all infrastructure equipment under AOR.
- Provide coaching, and training to ICT staff and users. Draft procedures and instructions to promote a better understanding of the use of the ICT equipment.
- Participate in the assessment of security related projects in coordination with the Field Security Advisor and assists in the formulation of recommendations for security communications.
- Promote relation with UNHCR implementing partners to enhance communication and avoid duplication of efforts.
- Liaise with the National Regulatory Authority to ensure that licenses and permissions required to operate UNHCR Networks are granted.
- Assist and advises offices in the recruiting and training of ICT staff.
- Actively participates in ICT related meetings to ensure that all decisions taken meet UNHCR's operational and security requirements.
- Liaise directly with end users to clarify, analyse and resolve reported issues, delivering high standards of customer service.
- Undertake other tasks or assignments within his / her area of competence as directed by Supervisor/Head of Service.

Authority

- Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents / problems.
- Escalate issues to supervisor if incident / problem cannot be resolved with scope of responsibility.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- University Degree in Information Systems, Telecoms or related fields.
- Minimum of 8 years of previous job experience in the ICT support.
- Knowledge of radio systems, LAN installation and support, messaging infrastructure.
- Knowledge of LAN configuration and network implementation.
- Knowledge of different satellite and terrestrial communications and network systems.
- Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of UN working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)

***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Hands-on experience with wireless and VOIP systems and knowledge of Windows 200/2003 Server, Linux Server, and network monitoring software an asset.
- Working knowledge of any other official UN language. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X003L3 - Technological Awareness Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3 The position requires someone with hands-on experience with wireless and VOIP systems and knowledge of Windows 200/2003 Server, Linux Server, and network monitoring software an asset.  We operate a 24/7 radio services therefore , knowledge of radio systems, LAN installation and support, messaging infrastructure is important.
- Knowledge of LAN configuration and network implementation.
- Knowledge of different satellite and terrestrial communications and network systems. The ethnic dimension of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan has led to continued new arrival from South Sudan to Kakuma camp in Kenya. On average 300 new arrivals are registered in Kakuma camps. A proactive approach to peacebuilding activities in the camp is therefore crucial, to promote peaceful co-existence. To ensure effective response and sustainability, it is also important to empower the refugee leadership to promote self-management and conflict resolution in their communities, including efficient case management, monitoring and continued follow-up.

In June 2015, the Government of Turkana County allocated some 1,500 hectares of land for a new refugee settlement in Kalobeyei. With the influx from South Sudan since December 2013 and continued new arrivals from the Great Lakes region, the existing camp could no longer accommodate the increasing number of refugees. Land that would allow for expansion was crucial. UNHCR and the (then) Department for Refugee Affairs  agreed with the Government of Turkana that the land would be used to develop a settlement that would promote the self-reliance of refugees and host communities, by providing them with better livelihoods opportunities and enhanced service delivery. This effort is ongoing and has significantly advanced, with the support of a broad spectrum of actors, including development partners and the private sector. The Operation endeavours to mobilize the required resources to adequately and comprehensively address the needs of the refugee populations residing in both Kakuma and Kalobeyei, towards appropriate and progressive interventions.

The Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS) is the main government counterpart. The Kakuma Sub-Office has 15 Implementing Partners (including three local NGOs) and 9 Operational Partners. The Sub-Office currently has 15international staff, 85 national staff and 80 affiliate workforce. Staff members live in accommodation provided within the Sub-Office compound. The staff are accommodated in houses with toilet and bathrooms. The houses are equipped with TV sets, 20 international and national channels and have access to good internet with large bandwidth. In addition to 1.4 km track around the compound, a gym with fitness equipments is available. Staff cafeteria offer three meals a day although most staff prefer to cook for themselves in their houses. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the local market. With 28 partners, Kakuma operation is sustained by large humanitarian personnel from various backgrounds and nationalities. Religious structures are available in Kakuma and accessible to staff members. Subject to funding, five flights of one and half hours connect Kakuma and Nairobi: three times a week by UNHAS and two times a week by ECHO-financed planes. In addition to these, there are regular commercial flights between Nairobi and Lodwar, a town near Kakuma. Most of the year the climate is characterized by hot and dry weather, while the rainy season may result in some flooding and bring to the surface crawling reptiles and insects. There are limited medical facilities in Kakuma that are not equipped to deal with serious medical cases.  Evacuation opportunities are limited. Air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies, but only during the day.  Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.  Banking facilities are available in Kakuma. Unlimited access to communication means (the internet at 50 Mbps, PAMA, mobile phones and so forth) is available.

As general advice, applicants for the post should be psychologically prepared for the aforementioned context. The Office is of the view that, all things being equal, the two year SAL should be upheld to avoid burnout. Kakuma is a Security Level 3 duty station with difficult living conditions. The Kakuma Operation is largely shaped by the security situation, which remains tense and unpredictable, with daily reports of various security incidents in the County and environs. As a consequence, staff movements are restricted. Given the environment, the incumbent should demonstrate the ability to overcome hardships, have sound security awareness and, most importantly, be able to adapt to fast-changing security situations. The incumbent should also have experience in working in stressful conditions. S/he should also be sensitive to social, cultural and religious norms. The complex nature of the Kakuma Operation requires the incumbent to receive a full orientation at the UNHCR Country Office in Kenya, to ensure that s/he takes up the function with sound knowledge of the overall strategic priorities of UNHCR Kenya, key operational issues, major pressing issues in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, and reporting requirements.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add. 3 to March 2017 Compendium is Thursday, 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time).