INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT, G5 (Temporary Job Opening)

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

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (OCHA ROAP), based in Bangkok,Thailand. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a frame work within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This position is located in the Administrative Support Unit, in the OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The incumbent reports to the Senior Administrative Assistant.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Administrative Assistant, and overall supervision of the Regional Administrative and Finance Officer, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:

Desktop Administration and Configuration

• Assists in monitoring personal computers running the UN software delivery system to ensure that software distributions are being delivered correctly.

• Assist in performing software distribution updates, scripting, testing and support.

• Performs research into new versions of centrally supported software and performs beta testing, production rollout and post production support.

• Performs 2nd level desktop troubleshooting in conjunction with the Help Desk.

• Remotely desktop troubleshooting for staff who is on mission or in HAT offices.

• Maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Server Operations and Administration

• Assists in routine installation, configuration, testing and deployment of server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Unix, Linux, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, firewall, Domain Name Server (DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software.

• Assists in routine administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems / computer network systems.

• Undertakes routine troubleshooting of server systems / computer network systems. If the problem persists, escalates to higher level in accordance with procedures.

• Performs routine 24×7 operations of assigned systems.

• Assists in responding to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards.

• Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations and system administration.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Service Installation and Support

• Receives and logs problem calls or service requests in the automated tracking system with minimum delay.

• Attempts to resolve as many problems calls or service requests on initial contact.

• Performs tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, equipment installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc.

• Diagnoses and resolves any hardware, software, or connectivity problem with minimum delay.

• Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems.

• 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, etc.

• Escalates problems to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure;

• Detects problem patterns and recommend solutions.

• Keeps abreast of developments in technology both in the UN and in the industry in general.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Procurement and Logistics

• Receives, unpacks, and inspects all incoming assets.

• Enters assets and asset transactions into the automated inventory management system in accordance with established procedure.

• Obeys and enforces all security procedures.

• For stock purchases under $1000, solicits multiple bids from various vendors.

• Troubleshoots, cleans, and repairs/rebuilds equipment.

• Performs hardware and software configuration in accordance with established procedure.

• Sorts, compiles, and stores equipment in accordance with work orders and/or equipment condition.

• Monitors inventory levels and alert supervisor when low thresholds are reached.

• Keeps abreast of developments in technology in the UN and in the industry in general.

• Recommends acquisition of hardware, software, devices, tools, etc. to facilitate work.

• Performs other duties as required.

Service Coordination

• Receives and logs service requests in the automated request management system.

• Creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedure.

• Liaises with other areas of ITSD to facilitate completion of service requests.

• Provides advice to clients regarding ITSD standards and workflow processes.

• Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction.

• Escalates problems encountered to the supervisor.

• Performs filing and record-keeping tasks for the unit.

• Keeps abreast of latest ITSD standards and technology.

• Performs other duties as required.

Surge preparation and deployment for Emergency Response

• Ensures ROAPs assets are always ready for rapid deployment.

• Procures equipment and supplies necessary to maintain deployment kits.

• Ensures Office ICT deployment kits are ready to deploy at short notice.

• Ensures all deployment equipment is inventoried and accounted for.

• Keeps up with rapidly changing technology and continually improves the ICT deployment kits.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to lift, move, mount, or store equipment weighing up to 50 lbs, or up to 80 pieces of equipment on a daily basis.

• May be required to work on shift assignments on weekdays to maintain the service coverage from 08:00 to 18:00. Occasionally,

on average once a month, the incumbent may be required to work ad-hoc assignments during evenings or early mornings of working days as well as holidays and weekends.

• May be required to visit user’s premises to resolve problems on their servers or desktop PCs.

• May require the ability to cope with the working conditions of the Data Centre where the level of noise and electro-magnetic

fields may be slightly higher than the normal office environment while the temperature may be lower.

• May be required to visit HAT offices to physically IT services/supports/inventory to offices on average once a year.

• May be required to travel for onsite ICT emergency response.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of information technology and applications, including computer system networks. Good technical skills, ability to conduct network maintenance, provide server services and user support. 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.

• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; 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 or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

A first-level university degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology or related fields is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in information technology or related area is required.

Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations is desirable.

Experience in providing remote trouble shooting support for overseas offices Is desirable.

Experience in organizing or handling hybrid – off-line & on-line meeting or conferences is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

Applicants may apply and be considered for locally recruited positions no matter where they are currently located (including the current serving staff members at other duty stations), provided they are locally available upon appointment. Selected candidates/staff members will have to relocate at their own expense to report for duty. In accordance with SR 4.4(c), they shall not be eligible for the international allowances or benefits indicated under staff rule 4.5 (a). If they do not already have the right to work in the duty station, appointment is contingent on issuance of a visa from the local authorities.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application. Staff members who were granted a fixed-term, continuing or permanent as a result of having passed a predecessor test recognized by the Office of Human Resources Management, and who have continuously held such appointments, are not required to take the new test.

This is a temporary position and will be available from 1 September 2022 until 31 August 2023. If selected, an internal candidate will be on temporary assignment to the post; an external candidate will initially be offered a temporary appointment. Any extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of the post.

United Nations Considerations

According 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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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 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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