Telecommunications Assistant (Broadcast and Conference Operations Technician)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Operations Unit (OU), Broadcast and Conference Support Section (BCSS), Regional Service Management Service (RSMS), Operations Support Division (OSD), Office of Information and Communications Technology OICT). The Broadcast and Conference Support Section is responsible for designing and operating the conference and broadcast service solutions in all conference rooms in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The solutions include Congress Microphone and Interpretation systems, transmission, broadcast media, content management, editing suites and studios, and collaboration platforms [video conference, WebEx, remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI), etc. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section. The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) is leading the digital transformation of the Organization to enable a better, safer, more sustainable future through secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. OICT is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. OICT supports the principles of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Broadcast and Conference Operations Technician will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides technical support to the supervisors in managing installation, repairs, and maintenance of broadcast related audio, video, conference, and all related network appliances, including Congress Microphone and Simultaneous Interpretation equipment, radio, audio visual, television, internet, transmission, studio production, postproduction, and related hardware and software systems. • Installs and repairs electronic voting systems, projection equipment, broadcast related network appliances such as videoconferencing units, and all communications equipment, cable TV distribution systems Televisions, and other Audio/Video equipment at the UNHQ, official residences, or OAHs or missions. • Under the direction of his/her immediate supervisor, sets up work priorities each morning for each specific assignment. • In coordination with Production Operations and Broadcast Systems, assists in carrying out periodic system testing and maintenance of related broadcast and conference operation equipment, network appliances. • Provides technical support for the ad hoc operation of audio visual, Congress Microphone and Simultaneous Interpretation equipment, and television production and postproduction equipment and systems. • Provides hardware and software troubleshooting support to UN Headquarters, OAHs and Peacekeeping missions, seeking technical advice and support from the supervisors as required. • Performs maintenance and minor repairs on hardware equipment. • Ensures that all required services and personnel are available in order for meetings/conferences to convene according to the schedule. • Supports United Nations Agencies and Governments radio, audio and television facilities, conference services and telecommunications. • Monitors and supervises, as needed, the voting and election process and the preparation of tabulation of voting patterns. • Performs equipment operations as well as other related duties as required. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Maintains equipment inventory to ensure that operational needs are met. • Produces monthly activity reports; assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations such as analyzing user requests, preparing wiring layouts and wiring termination details, supervising and testing cable plants and equipment installed by vendors. • Prepares engineering drawings such as schematic drawings, system layouts, terminations details, wiring diagrams, etc. • Provides assistance in workflow analysis of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operations. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Chief of Broadcast and Conference Operations officer at the Headquarters or in Peacekeeping operations; Special Events Unit, DPI and Meeting Services staff at all levels including senior management; Engineers and IT officers and assistants throughout the Secretariat and at offices away from the Headquarters; Chief Communications officers at the Headquarters or in Peacekeeping operations; Technical staff and managers in client offices; Security and Safety personnel; Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors and contractors. Results Expected: Provides effective broadcast and conference operations support - properly installed, well maintained and monitored equipment and good interaction with IT staff and users. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of broadcast related equipment, principles of operations, including local area networks, satellites, radio and video surveillance systems, voice and messaging systems. Knowledge in the following: installation and repair of High Definition (HD) digital television systems and equipment; audio, video and IP networks, servers and storage systems; file-based media ingest, systems, and media asset management systems; design of RF distribution, and cable television ancillary equipment; must be able to read and understand electronic schematics, demonstrate knowledge of basic signal workflow and have experience with the use of bench maintenance equipment, including soldering iron, crimping tools, coax/audio/CAT5/fiber, and all other industry standard video and audio equipment. Experience diagnosing and repairing all broadcast related equipment; ability to apply knowledge and technical skills to install and test relevant equipment, provide maintenance services and user support. Ability to assist with analog and digital transmission facility testing and troubleshooting. 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. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. • 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. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceSeven years of experience in broadcast and conference operations or related area is required. At least five years of experience working as a broadcast and conference operations or production maintenance technician, including experience in diagnosing and repairing all broadcast related equipment is required. Experience with ST2110 transport and related discovery, control, routing, and switch configurations is desirable. Experience in how to safety approach and carry out repairs where levels of high voltage, RF and lasers are present is desirable. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience in working with video conference, audio visual, broadcast and transmission systems and/or file based or tapeless broadcast equipment is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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).