Consultancy: Infrastructure Operator, ICTD New York

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide infrastructure support to UNICEF New York Headquarters Data Centers in any of the eight-hour shifts.  Infrastructure Operators work on semi-fixed shifts; however, these are subject to change with minimal notice. The major responsibilities and duties are to maintain daily operations, carry out proactive and reactive monitoring to ensure the integrity of platforms, systems and applications by taking the appropriate preventive and/or corrective and/or escalation actions as needed.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a connected world

The overarching strategic goal of UNICEF's ICT Division (ICTD) is to transform and build partnerships with our stakeholders to successfully implement UNICEF programmes globally using innovative technology-enabled solutions.

The Platform and Service Delivery (PSD) section of ICTD is responsible for defining, designing and operating the IT infrastructure, identity management, and the underlying platforms that are hosting UNICEF applications and solutions, both for in-house and in the cloud.

As part of ICTD/PSD, the UNICEF New York Headquarters Data Centers operate 24/7 and therefore, are the backbone of UNICEF operations around the globe. 

How can you make a difference?

Note:  This consultancy may be awarded to an individual or to a vendor/institution, depending on the outcome of the competitive selection process. Both entities are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide infrastructure support to UNICEF New York Headquarters Data Centers in any of the eight-hour shifts. 

Infrastructure Operators work on semi-fixed shifts; however, these are subject to change with minimal notice. The major responsibilities and duties are to maintain daily operations, carry out proactive and reactive monitoring to ensure the integrity of platforms, systems and applications by taking the appropriate preventive and/or corrective and/or escalation actions as needed.

Under the direct supervision of the Data Centre Specialist, the Infrastructure Operator is expected to:

• Manage the Command Center
• Ensure Domain Controller (DC) Physical Security
• Perform monitoring and inspection
• Maintain production activities –scheduled tasks, backups and restores
• Maintain the Data Center physical environment

This consultancy will be for a period of 11.5 months with the possibility of extension. The consultant will be based at New York Headquarters.

Required skills and experience:

• Completion of secondary education supplemented with study in computer science or related field;
• A minimum of four years of practical hands on experience in a multi-platform/multi-location data centers is required;
• Strong knowledge of major operating systems and platforms –Windows, Unix, Linux, VMware and HyperV;
• Practical experience on EMS –SAM, VeeamOne and native OS/platforms;
• Practical experience on data protection –HP Data Protector, Veeam Backup + Replication;
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to prioritize actions;
• Demonstrated interest and ability to keep up to date with technological development;
• Working knowledge of UNICEF environment is desirable;
• Good written and oral communication skills, with fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above.  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.