Technology for development Officer, (NO-B) FT, Chisinau, Moldova (For Moldova nationals only)#120107

Moldova is looking for T4D officer to explore the use of technology to drive innovative solutions for programme.

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, Champion...

Based on the established policies, guidelines and service level agreements (SLAs), the purpose of the incumbent role is to carry out broad ICT functions and enable the provision of ICT solutions and services and assist in the delivery of results in a small size office.

More specifically, the role of the incumbent is to support the identification, development, implementation and follow-up of technological solutions to key issues impeding the realization of children’s rights in Moldova. The incumbent should work closely with the programme sectors to identify areas which are part of the Country Programme Document, where technology can play a key role in advancing child rights, specifically focusing on sustainable and scalable technological solutions that are cost-effective and impactful.

How can you make a difference?

The T4D Officer, NO-B reports to the Deputy Representative in Moldova Country Office.

1. Enable continuous operation of ICT infrastructure and accessibility to ICT services as related to UNICEF T4D solutions:

• Ensure physical and logical security and safety of ICT environment and infrastructure;
• Operate ICT infrastructure –environment, hardware, network and telecommunications;
• Assist in the management of contracts for ICT for T4D services and products;
• Implement corporate solutions, services and keep systems and applications up and running;
• Manage changes and apply upgrades, security updates and patches;
• Conduct or supervise the provision of preventive and corrective maintenance;
• Manage emergency telecommunication operations and equipment;
• Manage ICT disaster recovery plans;
• Monitor, assess and verify the use of ICT resources to ensure compliance;
• Escalate compliance exceptions (proactive) and deviations (reactive).

2. Provide help, support and assist with capacity building and knowledge management in all UNICEF T4D projects and solutions:

• Provide technical and operational support to end-users;
• Distribute T4D/ICT -related communication materials from NYHQ, GSSC or regional office;
• Prepare and circulate internal T4D-related communications –emails, manuals, newsletters, flyers, best practices, FAQs…
• Offer or coordinate training workshops or clinics to build end-users capacity or to introduce new solutions and services;
• Share local experience and lessons learned with regional office, GSSC or ITSS for the collective benefit;
• Support the planning, organization and implementation of capacity building and knowledge management initiatives to enhance staff and partners competencies.
• Support opportunities to improve productively, efficiency, effectiveness and foster innovation.
• Participate in-person or remotely in country, regional or global events, discussions setting the future of T4D evolution to achieve UNICEF mission.
• Stay abreast of ICT trends, developments and best practices through professional development –journals, training, certification, etc….

3. Support operational and administrative tasks:

• Monitor risks and threats to ICT environment or infrastructure. Take appropriate action and inform management;
• Confirm the compliance with the host government regulatory requirements vis-à-vis the Basic Cooperation Agreement (BCA), i.e., data collection of sensitive information or personally identifiable information (PII), telecommunications licenses, use of specialized equipment, such as HF/VHF radios, high-gain antennae, satellite phones, VSATs, VOIP, etc…
• Participate in inter-agency events, meetings or discussions to present UNICEF ICT interests, priorities and position;
• Act as ICT focal point for Emergency preparedness, Delivering as One, One UN or other initiatives;
• Assist in providing information for reports, reviews or audits;
• Prepare documentations for programme, planning and budgeting exercises – CPD, CPAP, IBR, MTR, AWP, etc…
• Liaise with regional office, GSSC and ITSS to keep abreast of new initiatives and opportunities to innovate and modernize office operations and to contribute to the collective ICT evolution.

4. Assist in the delivery of results:

• Participate in the development of, and spearhead approved innovation initiatives and work closely with programme staff to facilitate proper implementation to ensure delivery of results;
• Support technical and operational knowledge transfer to programme staff, implementing partners and beneficiaries;
• Study and understand the business requirements, i.e., PPP, RBM, HACT, etc… to improve the delivery of results;
• Advise programme staff to build an expert team to build better relationships with counterparts and implementing partners;
• Support counterparts and implementing partners to build capacity and nurture independence;
• Assist in the selection of training providers and the development of training materials;
• Collaborate with C4D and use their advocacy, outreach and dissemination tools for better utilization of technology to advance the delivery of results;
• Support Supply and programme staff to establish local LTAs for ICT-related programme contracts for services and products;
• Provide oversight of providers and third-parties of ICT-related services and products to programme;
• Assist in the facilitation of project management methodologies trainings and support the application by staff, counterparts and implementing partners;
• In cooperation with programme colleagues, conceptualize, develop, support the implementation, monitoring and reporting on project management aspects of T4D projects, including supporting new opportunities to use technological solutions to address social issues addressed through UNICEF programmes;

Impact of Results

The T4D function supports UNICEF’s mission and strategic plan by enabling programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency through innovation, partnerships and providing T4D solutions for programme related issues and services in a timely, secure and safe manner.With regards to the performance of the incumbent, any failures not properly addressed or corrected will have a high operational and damaging impact to UNICEF office as a whole. The absence or lack of a sound management of the ICT functions will affect UNICEF’s ability to support local counterparts and implementing partners and potentially affect UNICEF T4D/ICT globally and possibly have legal or financial repercussions affecting UNICEF’s brand and reputation.

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

• A university degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology management, business administration or related social science field is required.

• A minimum of two years of professional experience in information technology management, development of technological solutions and managing their application in social sectors/to address social problems, and/or business operations in a large international organization/corporation is required. Experience in a UN organization is an asset.

• Technical Competencies:

  Certification and/or proven experience in one of these ICT technical competencies: ICT Project Management, Business Analytics, Information Security, ICT Audit and Risk Management, Telecommunications, Networks Information Security and Software Engineering and Programming

• Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Russian, another official UN language or a language relevant for Moldova is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable male are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.