Snr Reg IT Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Regional IT Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

Advise and support UNCHR staff in the region concerning ITTS standards for computer equipment, software tools and systems development.
Liaise with technical personnel in other UN organisations, NGOs, and governments; and Internet Services Providers and other computer companies.

- Proposals to senior management concerning hardware/software acquisition/upgrades, user training, feasibility of LAN implementation, different administrative procedures due to change in software, selection of maintenance contractors, selection of training institutes, etc.  
- Incorrect or poorly defined recommendations could have negative operational and/or financial consequences in the region, such as excessive/insufficient equipment in the wrong place; inappropriate use of software causing serious loss of confidence in the system and user; inappropriate technology negatively impacting on previous gains achieved; inappropriate choice of contractors causing financial implications; compromise of office security with the risk of data loss or corruption and disruption of e-mail communications.
- Poorly trained staff could damage equipment, cause loss of/damage to data, compromise office security and negatively affect operations.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT:

The incumbent will function under direct supervision of the Regional Representative and will have close working relationship with the respective Heads of UNHCR officers that fall within the domain of the Regional Office. He/She will liaise directly with the concerned technical unit at UNHCR HQ for all technical matters relating to the given functions. The incumbent will advise and support UNCHR staff in the region concerning ITTS standards for computer equipment, software tools and systems development. Depending on the operational needs he/she will liaise with technical personnel in other UN organisations, NGOs, and governments; and Internet Services Providers and other computer companies. The specific functions of the position include:
1. Plan, develop and support a secure UNHCR IT network which operates to its maximum potential for the benefit of UNHCR staff and operations, by:
-      Assessing the hardware/software standards and requirements of UNCHR offices in the region;
- Overseeing the installation and maintenance of LAN systems, including e-mail and inter/intra-net facilities, in the UNHCR offices;
- Defining, testing and implementing new IT standards and strategies for UNHCR based on user requirements and IT policy directives from Headquarters;
- Maintaining a stockpile of LAN core equipment as backup for faulty equipment in the region;
- Ensuring an updated inventory of IT systems and equipment is submitted by IT personnel together with regular reporting to Headquarters.
2. Ensure UNHCR¿s IT needs are supported, as required, by external parties by:
- Identification, evaluation and assessment of a range of competent professional external contractors/ suppliers, consultants, data entry companies, service providers and other UN agencies in the region with the technical expertise and facilities to complement UNHCR¿s IT network;
- Assisting in the establishment of local contracts for UNHCR offices in the Field which safe-guard UNHCR¿s interests and ensures needs, such as maintenance and repairs, are met. Promote a competent and motivated IT workforce in UNHCR by:
- Identification and recommendation of relevant training activities and the acquisition of further skills needed for career planning and advancement of IT staff within information technology systems;
- In liaison with HQ, planning and formulating coordinating and conducting training workshops/courses as required.
- Guidance and support in achieving required standards of performance;
- Advice on the recruitment of local IT staff and identification of focal points in the offices.
3. Provide a responsive support service/focal point for all IT matters in the region by:
- Regularly discussing and coordinating with Heads of Office, senior Administrative staff and IT staff on operational and administrative matters relating to IT equipment, systems and personnel requirements;
- Providing workable and sustainable solutions to hardware/software problems following analytical diagnosis and discussions with users/Headquarters.
4. Any other responsibilities deemed necessary or as delegated by the Regional Representative and/or the respective Head of UNHCR office that fall within the domain of the Regional office in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Information Technology, Computer Science or other related field plus 8 years of experience in progressively responsible functions at the professional level in the Information Technology industry. He/She should have experience in the entire practical range IT application that includes acquisition and maintenance (of IT equipment), care, user training, evaluations, needs assessment, course design, LAN implementation/administration. Of 8 years, minimum 5 years should be in an International capacity.
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Good knowledge in IT practices/ standards, processes and exposure to provision of IT support services in an International organization, preferably UN/UNHCR.
- Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service oriented manner under demanding working conditions that often have short deadlines.
- Ability for analytical and creative thinking for rapid solution(s).
- Ability to produce high quality out put with desirable results.
- Good communicator with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to deal with S/M of different cultural and educational backgrounds. Strive to live up to high ethical and professional standards.
- An outgoing personality and a team player with service oriented attitudes.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

- Exposure to UNHCR specific learning/training activities
- UNHCR Field Experience
- Proficiency of the local languages spoken in the region concerned.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.


This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Senior Regional  IT Officer positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. 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
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

The Region does not have a dedicated ICT support except for the Snr. Regional IT Officer and one other staff in Lusaka, Zambia, all other offices are dependent on non-technical staff to act as LAN Focal points on a day to day basis. The SRITO must therefore be well versed in all technical aspects and must be able to guide the non-technical LAN Focal points via phone and email communications and undertake missions to the country offices for installation and implementation ICT infrastructure in the Region. Training skills will be necessary in order to build capacity and to guide the ICT focal points on monitoring and support ICT infrastructure and staff. The Senior Regional IT Officer (SRITO) provides support for both the IT and Telecoms systems within the Southern Africa Operation and will require skills and knowledge in both fields. Over the past couple of years infrastructure improvements have been made in all country operations including regional representation and projects have been carried out in respect of the communications systems; state of the art voice/VoIP systems, Contact Centre, Call Centre for refugees as well as VSAT networks are now in place requiring support for proper configuration, adjusting and functioning. Several Connect & Collaborate projects have been implemented by Snr. Regional IT Officer in the Region as well as upgrade and improving ICT infrastructure and connectivity for continuing implementation of PRIMS/ProGres V4 project in the Region. The living conditions in South Africa are generally very good.  Housing and basic commodities are readily available.  The country has an abundance of health providers of all sectors.  The country's infrastructure and communication facilities are of international standard and are amongst the best in the world. Currently at security level 3.  Security clearance mandatory.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October  2018 (midnight Geneva time).