Information Systems Assistant

*** THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS THE ITALIAN NATIONALITY OR A VALID RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT IN ITALY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION *** 

The United Nations Global Service Center in Brindisi (UNGSC) is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of Information and Communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, system software applications in support of operational requirements of peacekeeping missions as well as Special Politicial Missions (hereinafter “field missions”).

ICT plays an integral role in the global operations of the field missions. It is one of the fundamental infrastructure component that support the substantive work of the field missions.

Timely 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: 1. Technical Responsibilities

• Assists in routine installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Linux, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software,  firewall, Domain Name Server, Microsoft SCCM, (DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software.

• Assists in license and technical operational support of Microsoft Office O365 cloud tenant.

• Assists in development, quality assurance and deployment of software packages in field missions.

• Assists field missions in migration and operational support for their systems migrated to UNGSC hybrid cloud.

• 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 using enterprise Customer relationship management tool iNeed (Siebel).

• 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.

• Travels on short notice to field missions. Sometimes for extended period of time. 2. Project Administration and  Execution

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

• Assists 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 3. Network and Systems Operations

• Assists in the interfacing activities of multi-layer LAN and WAN switches, routers, bridges multiplexers and concentrators.

• Assists 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.

• Interacts with network and systems administrators to proactively facilitate integration of hosts and storage array systems;

• Maintains 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.

• Assists 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.

• Performs other related duties as required.

The results of the work  of the Information Systems Assistant 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.

• Secondary school education or equivalent technical school. First level degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related  field highly desirable.

• 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.  
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types

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