Background Information - Job-specific
Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)
The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:
UNOPS in Albania
Established in 2020 to support, develop and manage a growing portfolio of projects, the UNOPS office supports the government of Albania in implementing the Build Back Better approach in addressing the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 earthquake. In close collaboration with partners, UNOPS in Albania supports efforts to boost social and economic development of local communities throughout the country. UNOPS also supports partners' efforts to improve access to, and provision of, healthcare - helping transform medical care and diagnostic services in Albania.
From rescuing, repairing and renovating important cultural heritage sites, to procuring and delivering state-of-the-art medical equipment, UNOPS is supporting partnersโ work to improve the lives of communities across Albania.
Project Background and Role of the incumbent
The Project โSupport to the Rule of Law through digital transformation: Advancing Case Management and Business Intelligence capabilities in Albania โ is designed to contribute to the enhancement of the Rule of Law system by increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary institutions in Albania and bringing the system for promotion and protection of human rights in line with the best EU practices. The project is funded by the EU and is expected to start in 2024. It is led by an international Project Manager. The ICT Infrastructure Specialist (ICT Specialist ) will be supervised by the Project Manager and work in the core team of the project with a national Programme Support Associate and three local specialists.
We are looking for a team member with a solid background and proven track record in ICT WAN Networking & Infrastructure, preferably with experience working with public institutions. As the ICT Infrastructure lead, the Specialist will support the project's ICT infrastructure components, thus the expert should possess a deep technical foundation in areas such as ICT infrastructure, and WAN networking. His primary responsibility will be to ensure that the project's hardware expertise needs are addressed, ensuring the successful implementation of the digitalization initiatives within the General Prosecutor Offices (GPO) and Information Technology Center for the Justice System. He will play an instrumental role during the procurement phase, ensuring that all acquired equipment aligns seamlessly with the project's technical guidelines and the beneficiaries' operational demands. Beyond procurement, they will also oversee the setup, configuration, and transition of the equipment, guaranteeing optimal performance and security standards. Their insights and expertise will be essential in ensuring that the project's infrastructure foundation is solid, secure, and precisely tailored to support the unique requirements of the Albanian judiciary system.
Functional Responsibilities
Review and Assessment:
Conduct a thorough assessment of the GPO's current IT environment, including hardware, software, network infrastructure, and security systems. Conduct a specific assessment of the WAN infrastructure, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential for improvement. Identify existing strengths, weaknesses, and potential vulnerabilities. Analyze the current IT infrastructure's capacity to support the new case management system and business intelligence tools. Prepare a comprehensive report outlining the findings and recommendations for improvement.
Infrastructure Design & Planning:
Propose improvements and upgrades to the GPO's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and network infrastructure, to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security. Develop specific recommendations for improving the WAN infrastructure, including potential upgrades, network optimization, and security enhancements. Develop a detailed technical plan for the implementation of recommended upgrades, including timelines, resources, and budget estimations. Collaborate with the project team to ensure alignment with the project's overall objectives and technical specifications.
Procurement Support:
Participate during the procurement phase by preparing & validating detailed hardware requirements specifications that align with the project's technical guidelines, the beneficiaries' operational demands, and national standards. Review and evaluate technical specifications and proposals from potential vendors. Ensure that all acquired equipment meets the project's technical requirements and complies with relevant national standards and regulations.
Technical Support and Implementation:
Provide technical support during the implementation of the recommended IT infrastructure upgrades and security measures. Provide technical support for the implementation of the recommended WAN improvements. Collaborate with the project team and IT vendors to ensure smooth integration and functionality of new systems and technologies. Monitor the performance of the upgraded IT infrastructure and provide ongoing technical support to address any issues or challenges.
Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building:
Together with Training& Knowledge Specialist prepare & conduct training sessions for GPO IT staff on the new IT infrastructure, security protocols, and best practices. Share knowledge and expertise to enhance the IT staff's capacity to manage and maintain the upgraded IT environment. Functional Responsibilities
Education
Bachelor's degree preferably in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A Masterโs degree in a relevant field is an advantage and may be considered equivalent to 2 years of required experience.
Experience
Required:
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in IT WAN networking & infrastructure, with a strong understanding of hardware, software, and network protocols. Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing WAN infrastructure. Proven experience in conducting IT infrastructure assessments, security audits, and proposing solutions.
Desirable:
Excellent knowledge of security best practices and experience implementing security measures. Experience in procurement processes, specifically in preparing technical specifications for IT equipment and network infrastructure.
Language Skills
Excellent command of English & Albania Knowledge of another UN language is an asset. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local ICA, Retainer
Contract level: Local ICA 10 / International ICA 2. The contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) will be evaluated based on the nationality of the preferred candidate.
Contract duration: Up to 100 working days within 2 years, with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.
The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis specifies a โunit priceโ per day worked. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum of working days, and payment will be made only after completion of work. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.