INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Information System Assistant will be in Torit. The incumbent will report to the Field Office Coordinator of the Field Technology Section (FTS) with overall supervision of the Field Administrative Officer. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Information System Assistant FS-5 will perform the following information technology (IT) specialties: 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; • Maintains functional specifications for computer application systems, programs and procedures; performs 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 conducts 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 server operations and administration; distributes work assignments to members of the team and monitors progress; provides guidance and training to new/junior staff; • Oversees the installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server systems hardware and software, to include Local Area Network infrastructure, Operating Systems, Firewall systems, Network Services Server systems (DNS, DHCP, NFS, CIFS/SMB), and various security software; • Oversees the administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems; undertakes complex troubleshooting of server systems; • Liaises with other units within the service and other logistics support elements of the mission to maintain optimal 24/7 operations for the server 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 assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards; implements Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity (DR/BC) 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; • Drafts documentation and reports. Network Administration: • Analyzes, plans, designs and supervise 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 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; • Participates 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; • Drafts documentation and reports. 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 monitors progress; • Supervises tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/decommissioning, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc; • 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 Tier-2 support 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; • Provides training to junior technical staff; occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects; • Provides advice to clients regarding FTS 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 supervises teams related to DRBC management; • 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 organizational technology security standards; • Assists other FTS groups with the determination of security requirements and integration of these requirements in system design and operations; • Maintains security procedures, including user identification and access control processes to specific FTS resources and data; • Acts upon all security incidents and violations, including reporting them immediately to the FTS Security Coordinator; participates in incidents management activities; • Performs regular security assessments of production FTS resources to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited; performs risk analysis and formulate risk treatment plans; • Determines the need for updating FTS systems with fixes and patches; • Performs other related duties as required. . Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include but are not limited to: . Provides guidance to new/junior staff • Being part of cross-functional teams in order to assist with ICT related projects; • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of Information Technology and Applications, including Computer system networks. Good technical skills, ability to conduct network maintenance, provide support to physical and virtual 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Client Orientation: Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress and setbacks in projects; meets time line for delivery of products or services to clients. • Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationCertification/diploma of other supplemental academic qualifications or training in Information Systems and Technology are required. PRINCE2 Foundation and ITIL v3 or v4 Foundation certifications and other industry trainings and certifications are desirable. Work ExperienceAt least eight (8) years of working experience in the planning and installation of complex information technology equipment, networks and information systems, including at least three (3) years of experience at the international level is required. Related experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programs) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Experience in implementing high availability networking solution, programming network devices, and integrating data and voice networks, and doing Active Directory support and administration is desirable. Experience in using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Processing (ERP) tools is desirable. Experience in acquisition processes, including raising shopping carts and technical evaluation, is desirable. LanguagesFrench and English are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. AssessmentPreviously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment. Special NoticeThis \"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. Qualified women that meet the requirements of this job opening are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration in accordance with the United Nations efforts to increase women participation in its workforce United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE 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.