Job: INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT, FS5

Department/ Office

United Nations Logistic Base

Duty Station

BRINDISI

Posting Period

21 November 2013-6 December 2013

Job Opening number

13-IST-UNLB-31890-F-BRINDISI (M)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Global Service Centre, Service for Geospatial Information and Telecommunication Technology, Data Centre Support Section (UNGSC/SGITT/DCSS), in Brindisi, Italy. The incumbent reports to the Chief Data Centre Support Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Systems Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

APPLICATIONS SUPPORT:

• Assists with, and may lead a team in the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and support of computer application systems and programs using UN established standards for IS technologies, programming languages and tools
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of computer application systems development projects, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference; processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. organization of and participation in training, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• Maintains functional specifications for computer application systems, programs and procedures; perform ongoing reviews with users and developers; liaises with users to define and specify requirements; assists with version management, data recovery and deployment to users' offices
• Plans, implements and maintains security controls for various applications; verifies the effectiveness of security controls in place; maintains accurate access control lists including rights and privileges
• Provides support for Data Recovery/Business Continuity software applications and systems
• Prepares technical and user documentation for deployed computer application systems, training materials and conduct technical presentations; drafts correspondence and communications, including work plan revisions, as well as unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports
• Keeps abreast of developments in the field; performs benchmarking and proposes new acquisitions.

SERVER/DATA CENTRE ADMINISTRATION:

• Provides full range of technical assistance and team supervision in the area of data centre operations and administration; distribute work assignments to members of the team and monitor progress
• Oversees the installation, configuration, testing and deployment of ICT systems hardware and software, to include Storage Area Network, Storage Array, Virtual Infrastructure, Operating Systems (Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS and ESXI), switches and various security software.
• Oversees the administration, operation, technical support, monitoring and optimization of ICT services and infrastructure systems; undertakes complex trouble shooting of data centre configuration items.
• Liaises with other Units within the Service and other logistics support elements of the mission to maintain optimal 24/7 operations for the ICT systems operations
• Provides input to identify the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems
• Responds to requests from user offices and assist in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards; provides oversight of Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) implementation and backup services following standard procedures
• Participates in the security incident response activities; assists in the planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses as well as to determine the need for updating systems with fixes and patches

NETWORK ADMINISTRATION:

• Analyses, plans, designs and supervises the implementation of network projects in accordance with Mission requirements and applicable UN policies and standards
• Reviews network configuration ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources
• Participates in the management of network backup and security enforcement policies
• Assists with and may supervise the work of personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Administration Unit
• Ensures the integrity of the various internetwork connections within the missions Intra- and Extranets
• Assists with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for voice, video, and data integration
• Supports the design, implementation and maintenance of Data Security projects with emphasis in network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies
• Maintains properly administered access control lists including rights and privileges; participate in the security incident response activities
• Participates in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses and determine the need for security updates and fixes
• Participates in, and may supervise, major network implementations

IT SERVICE SUPPORT:

• Supervises a team of service coordination staff
• Streamlines the receipt and logging of service requests in the automated request management system; creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure; distributes work assignments and monitor progress
• Supervises 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 and applications
• Drafts end-user and/or technical documentation
• Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve problem or to complete task, problems encountered, current status, escalation status, etc
• Acts as problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels; escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure; monitors problems to resolution; detects problem patterns and recommends solutions
• Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction
• Keeps abreast of developments in information systems and technology in order to make recommendations to supervisors
• Occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects
• Provides advice to clients regarding Service for Geospatial Information and Telecommunication Technology (SGITT) standards and workflow processes

ICT SECURITY/ DRBC:

• Acts as the focal point for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan implemented by the mission
• Assists with the coordination of the implementation and testing of DRBC plans, and supervise teams related to DRBC management
• Manages and supervises the design, installation, operation and maintenance of a multi-user information security systems including firewalls, malware detection/prevention systems, intrusion detection/prevention, network access controls, proxy servers, VPN, encryption, URL and content filtering systems in accordance with organisational technology security standards
• Assists other SGITT groups with the determination of security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations
• Formulates and maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific SGITT resources and data
• Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the SGITT Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities
• Performs regular security assessments of production SGITT resources to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited; performs risk analysis and formulate risk treatment plans
• Determines the need for updating SGITT systems with fixes and patches
• Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include, but are not limited to:
• Providing general assistance across the various fields of ICT support services in the mission
• Being part of cross-functional teams within SGITT in order to assist with ICT related projects.
• Drafts documentation and reports
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
• Information Systems Officers, Telecommunications Officers, Technicians and Assistants throughout the UNGSC, United Nations Headquarters, United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and Peacekeeping Missions.
• Senior officers, technical staff, and end-users in user offices, as well as staff of the Permanent Missions.
• Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors and contractors.

Results Expected:

• Provide high level availability of supported Data Center back-end infrastructure, in particular high performance storage and back-up.

Competencies

Professionalism

• Knowledge of information technology and applications, including computer system networks.
• Good technical skills, ability to conduct network maintenance, provide server services, user support, implement and maintain Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity systems, and information systems security and control.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• remains calm in stressful situations.
• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Communication

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
• is willing to learn from others;
• places team agenda before personal agenda;
• supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent plus certification/diploma of other supplemental academic qualifications or training in Information Technology; industry training and certifications are desirable.

Work Experience

• At least 8 years of relevant work experience in the planning and installation of complex Information Systems, equipment, and networks, including at least 3 years experience at the international level.
• Field experience in United Nations Peacekeeping missions is desirable.
• For this post, data centre expertise, with a minimum of 3 years of experience in supporting data centre operations configuration, installation, management, monitoring and reporting, as well as good knowledge of storage array management, is required.
• Experience in supervising a team of data centre technical experts is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment Method

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This 'Recruit from Roster' job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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