INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Kabul Main Office. The Information Systems Assistant reports to the Chief of Unit, UNAMA Field Technology Section. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority and under the direct supervision of Chief FTS, the Information Systems Assistant will perform the following responsibilities: • Plans and directs all major information systems projects within the mission, monitoring the progress of the systems analysis, design, development, testing and implementation of new, moderately complex systems, and/or, participates as a member of a team with responsibility for major components of the more complex systems; • Manages the budget of the Information Systems unit, formulating and monitoring budget allocations and expenditures, verifying funding and ensuring no overrun occurs; • Develops technical specifications for the procurement of equipment and contractual services, and coordinates the technical evaluation of offers and proposals received; • Develops and recommends strategies to implement global information systems projects originating out of DFS/ICTD and the mission; • Develops, implements and monitors information systems standards, guidelines and procedures; • Develops detailed systems and other functional specifications and user documentation for system as required; • Provides specialized advice to users, analysing users’ requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues; • Maintains, upgrades or enhances existing user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of assigned systems, etc; • Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems; • Develops disaster recovery plans relating to information systems and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible; • Researches, analyses and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for their deployment; • Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy etc; • Provides professional leadership and work direction for the Unit, develops the yearly work plan, mentors and supervises personnel of the Unit. • Handles all aspects of contract administration including establishment of service level agreements with vendors and chargeback policy for users. • Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc. Internetworking & Infrastructure • Develops plans for major IT systems projects within the mission, monitoring the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of the various systems; • Leads the team in the operation and maintenance of internetworking systems that includes routers and switches, operating systems platforms, database management systems, servers, workstations, and related equipment; • Devises and administers disaster recovery plans; provides training for support staff to implement these plans to ensure optimal readiness; • Responsible for the proper implementation of backup and recovery procedures • Maintains a regular review of the network resources access control, data security, and server and data stores security systems; • Ensures all information security systems are properly configured and maintained • Oversees the user access control for network resources and overall network security. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: 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. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. EducationSecondary school, technical school, university and other courses and training programmes relating to the work. High school diploma or equivalent and certification/diploma in other supplemental academic qualifications, training in Information Systems is required. Information System Security Professional certification is required (CISSP). Cisco Certified Networking Professional certification is required (CCNP). Additional Industry training and certifications are desirable. Job - Specific QualificationInformation System Security Professional certification (CISSP) is required. Cisco Certified Networking Professional certification (CCNP) is required. Work ExperienceAt least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Information Systems and Technology, Telecommunications, or related area is required. Experience in developing ICT disaster recovery & ICT Security plans and performing related exercises is required. Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Experience in carrying out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit including preparation of cost estimates/budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, and recruitment of staff is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).