Information Communication Technology (ICT) Associate, GS6 level, Fixed-Term Appointment (Only for Afghan Nationals) based in Kandahar/Afghanistan Readvertisement

The ICT Associate is accountable for the effective and efficient technical assistance and support for all networks services in the administration, maintenance, documenting, and monitoring of UNICEF's Wide Area Network (WAN), Quality of Service (QoS) services and its network service components. Ensures that effective and efficient network operation and services, providing installation and upgrades of software and hardware, along with operational support for UNICEF's Global networks.  Identifies risks and emerging faults and enhances network capacity, security, redundancy and fault tolerance.

UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds 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.

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. Our workplace policies promote flexible work arrangements, to support all staff in maintaining a healthy life balance, both in and out of the office.

We are the first United Nations agency to be awarded the EDGE certification - the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace.

UNICEF prides itself on fostering a multicultural and harmonious work environment, guaranteed by a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

For every child, a fair chance

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Work for UNICEF: https://youtu.be/43aiG4w2q_M?t=2 

For every child:  https://www.unicef.org/afghanistan/ 

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The ICT Associate is accountable for the effective and efficient technical assistance and support for all networks services in the administration, maintenance, documenting, and monitoring of UNICEF's Wide Area Network (WAN), Quality of Service (QoS) services and its network service components. He/she should ensures that effective and efficient network operation and services, providing installation and upgrades of software and hardware, along with operational support for UNICEF's Global networks.  Identifies risks and emerging faults and enhances network capacity, security, redundancy and fault tolerance.

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Timely and effective technical assistance and support for UNICEF's WAN (Wide Area Network) and QoS (Quality of Service) are provided, including software/hardware installation and operational support.
2. WAN problems are timely and effectively resolved to ensure its availability and connections to UNICEF's Global networks at all times.
3. Physical layout of network and service components is documented and maintained, including diagrams and network descriptions.
4. Support for telecommunication, emergencies and office business continuity including maintenance of applicable equipment and infrastructure performed at all times
5. Assignments of additional duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS  

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. Timely and effective technical assistance and support for UNICEF's WAN and QoS services are provided, including software/hardware installation and operational support.

• On a continuing basis, administer and maintain UNICEF's WAN services  and UNICEF's Global network components: ranging from hardware installation of network equipment (including Routers, QoS Gateways, QoS Management server, QoS Policy Management, etc. ) to software/firmware upgrades, capacity & availability management, and QoS system monitoring tools.
• Ensures minimal down time and maximum staff productivity through effective services, infrastructure improvement, monitoring and compliance to standards.

2.  WAN problems are timely and effectively resolved to ensure its availability and connections to UNICEF's Global networks at all times.

• Provides & maintains Wide-Area-Network (WAN) connections to UNICEF's Global networks by following up and resolving all WAN & QoS services problems reported by Global Help Desk, and escalating faults to ITSS/GTS, as required..
• Ensures optimal WAN services to all UNICEF's field offices by working closely with ITSS/GTS Network Architecture staffs to address issues and to optimize services.

3. Physical layout of network and service components is documented and maintained, including diagrams and network descriptions.

• Prepares and maintains a physical layout of WAN & QoS services component including diagrams and network description.
• Prepares and maintains a logical WAN topology; including diagrams and topology descriptions. Periodically produces statistical reports on availability, capacity and other related matrix's in support of the overall infrastructure.

4. Provide support for telecommunication, emergencies and office business continuity including maintenance of applicable equipment and infrastructure performed at all times

• Installs, configures and maintains IT disaster recovery infrastructure (software & hardware) in accordance to guidelines provided
• Provides technical and logistical support for telecommunication infrastructure (VHF, HF, & satellite communication) Performs office backups and maintains logs in accordance to guidelines provided
• Maintains log of all equipment & infrastructure maintenance  

5. Assignments of additional duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

•  Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

EDUCATION:

Completion of Secondary education supplemented with formal training (at university level) in Computer Science, or related discipline(s) with additional training in networking and telecommunication technology is required. Some industry-wide vendor certification in a technically relevant field an asset.

Computer literacy and ability to effectively use standard office software, tools and technologies.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of Six years practical work experience in information technology, as well as systematic methods of troubleshooting and analytical problem solving, providing assistance to users on IT products and services, and use of applications and diagnostic tools. For candidates holding a BA degree 5 years of experience is required and those candidates with a Master's degree 3 years of experience will be required. 

Practical training in wide-Area-Network (WAN) & QoS services and network operations.

Fundamental working knowledge of TCP/IP in an Ethernet Local/Wide Area Network environment. Knowledge of WAN connectivity. PC, and Disk operating System, Network Operating System, MS Windows, MS Windows NT.

Work experience in emergencies is an asset.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English and local languages of the duty station (Dari and/or Pashto) is required.

Technical Knowledge:

 Common Technical Knowledge Required

Practical knowledge of computer programming, software information management, data processing applications, database development, network administration, data communications, telecommunications, hardware and software installation, service management, end-user assistance, preparation of end-user documentation and manuals.

 UNICEF Field Offices environment and use of ProMS and/or SAP

  Computer knowledge: WORD, EXCEL,POWER POINT, VISIO,SAP,LOTUS

Specific Technical Knowledge Required

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

Fundamentals of networking and communications.

Knowledge of LAN/WAN connectivity, Personal Computer, Disk Operating System, Network Operating System, and MS Windows.

Knowledge of UNICEF's Global Infrastructure, network architecture, security architecture ,TCP/IP, firewall administration/support, Ethernet switches, routers, Microsoft/UNIX Operating Systems

COMPETENCIES

Core Values (Required)

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Analyzing 
• Applying Technical Expertise 
• Following instructions and Procedures 
• Planning and Organizing 

View our competency framework at:  http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.

Remarks: Only attested education degrees from accredited universities will be considered.

UNICEF is an equal opportunity employer and qualified females are particularly encouraged to apply.