Information Systems Technician

Background Information – DFS - UNGSC

The United Nations Global Service Center in Brindisi (UNGSC) is responsible for the delivery and

maintenance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, systems software applications in support of operational requirements of Peacekeeping Missions as well as

Special Political Missions (hereinafter “field missions”).

ICT plays an integral role in the global operations of the field missions. It is one of the fundamental

infrastructure components that support the substantive work of the field missions. Timely and

secure communications and information exchange within and between UN peace operations and

between these operations and Headquarters is critical in meeting the core strategic, operational

and tactical mandates of the United Nations. Ensuring that a robust and fault-tolerant ICT

infrastructure is in place to continue or restart operations in the event of a natural or man-made

disaster or disruption has become a necessary and permanent consideration.

The UNGSC is charged with operational support for the data technology center and V-Sat

telecommunications hub in Brindisi, Italy (UNLB) and the operation of the secondary active

telecommunications hub in Valencia, Spain (UNSB-V, mirroring the UNLB ICT Hub). Project

services required for this agreement revolve around providing systems engineering support to the

Remote Mission Support Section (RMS) in relation to the support that is provided to field missions.

RMS aims to comprehensively manage and coordinate the delivery of intra-mission technical,

administrative and managerial support services and functions, from both Brindisi and Valencia, in

a new and efficient way to ensure the short and long-term success of its mission customers.

UNOPS has been requested to assist in the implementation of this activity.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Remote Mission Support Section, the incumbent is

responsible for the following duties:

• Assists in routine installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server hardware and

software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Unix, Linux,

Lotus Notes, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, firewall, Domain Name Server

(DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software.

• Assists in routine administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server

systems.

• Undertakes routine troubleshooting of server systems. If the problem persists, escalates to

higher level in accordance with procedures.

• Performs routine 24x7 operations of assigned systems.

• Assists in responding to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring

systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards.

• Implements backups of servers following standard backup procedures.

• Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems, and produce

pertinent reports.

• Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations and system

administration.

Project Administration and Execution

• Drafts project outlines and execution plans including timelines, resource requirements and

budgets

• Assist the supervisor with the installation of equipment and implementation of projects

• Identifies and liaises with stakeholders verbally and in writing

• Assembles and composes information relevant to the project

• Manages tasks up to completion while adhering to deadlines

• Assists in the coordination and delivery of projects

• Participates in project meetings and presents information when required

• Drafts report on regular intervals

• Documents project progress and lessons learned

Network and Systems Operations

• Assist in the interfacing activities of multi-layer LAN and WAN switches, routers, bridges

multiplexers and concentrators.

• Assist in the installation, commissioning and maintenance/repair of a range of medium and

high capacity VoIP terminals, computerized telephone accounting and billings systems.

• Assists in routine installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server hardware and

software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Unix, Linux,

Lotus Notes, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, firewall, Domain Name Server

(DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software.

• Assists in routine administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server

systems.

• Undertakes routine troubleshooting of server systems. If the problem persists, escalates to

higher level in accordance with procedures.

• Interact with network and systems administrators to proactively facilitate integration of hosts

and storage array systems;

 • Maintain up-to-date documentation on field storage system hardware and software

configurations and performance measurement statistics;

• Assists in responding to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring

systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards.

• Implements backups of servers following standard backup procedures.

• Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems, and submit to

supervisor for the preparation of pertinent reports.

• Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations and system

administration.

• Assist in coordinating the factory calibration and repair of ICT test equipment.

• Performs tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement,

equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock,

site surveys, etc.

• Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems.

Performs other related duties as required.
Impact of Results

The results of the work of the Information Systems Technician impact directly on delivery of

services that satisfy the requirements of the Department as well as the performance of these

services implemented in the DFS/DPKO field missions and headquarters. It will also ensure proper

processes and methodologies are followed and implemented according to the latest of the industry

standards. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring activities for all global locations are in line

with the overall business targets and UN policies, rules and regulations.

Professionalism: Good knowledge and understanding of theories, techniques and strategies relevant to audio and video conferencing; ability to assess video-conferencing needs; Technological background and experience in video-conferencing systems installation and maintenance. Work independently without constant supervision or guidance.

Client Orientation: Ability to identify and analyze clients’ needs and develop appropriate technological solutions to the business needs. Experience in working with contracted service providers in a globally dispersed environment.

Planning and Organizing: Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. Sound organization and interpersonal skills, ability to coordinate teams of individuals with diverse skills set. Organize, prioritize and multitask various simultaneous assignments.

Communications: Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Ability to advise and coach in the areas of expertise and effectively prepare specifications and other written reports/documentation in a clear and concise style. Ability to clearly and concisely relay information during a VC to far site technicians and in room participants. Provide clear feedback on the status of tasks and be persistent in ensuring that tasks are completed. Quickly adopts established processes and communicates improvement opportunities in a clear manner, if discovered.

Education:       

• A minimum of 4 years of experience working with ICT projects.
• Experience performing routine tests on servers, network, software quality, user acceptance, and/or management tools is highly desirable.
• Experience in network management solutions in particular network monitoring and analytics is desirable.
• Familiarity with centralized and globally distributed systems.
• Good knowledge of Windows operating system, database, web server, web application server, enterprise system architecture and Windows/Linux TCP/IP network stacks.
• Knowledge of data communications and networking especially WAN environment based on satellite link. 

Language:       
Fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

UNOPS vision is a world where people can live full lives supported by appropriate, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and by the efficient and transparent use of public resources in procurement and project management.

With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it.  By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

 ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Based in the New York, the UNOPS Development Group Cluster supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. For example, within the United Nations Development Programme, the Cluster works with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support and the Office of South-South Cooperation.

The cluster also supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations in the delivery of project management and implementation services