Information Systems Assistant at United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS)

Responsibilities

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Information Systems Assistants will be responsible for performing the following duties:

• Assists with the planning of 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 more complex systems;
•  Assists with the management of the Information Systems budget, formulating and monitoring budget allocations and expenditures, verifying funding and ensuring no overrun occurs;
• Supports the development of technical specifications for the procurement of equipment and contractual services, and coordinates the technical evaluation of offers and proposals received;
• Handles all aspects of contract administration including the establishment of service level agreements with vendors and chargeback policy for users;
• Assists the team with the development of strategies to implement global information systems projects originating out of OICT and the Mission;
• Assists the team with the development of detailed systems and other functional specifications and user documentation as required;
• Provides advice to users, analysing user 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;
• Supports the team with the development of training materials, operating and user manuals and trains staff in the use of assigned systems;
• Assists with the development of 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.;
• Develops the yearly work plan, mentors and supervises personnel of the Unit.

Internetworking and Infrastructure

• Participates in the development of plans for major IT systems' projects within the mission, monitoring the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of various networks and systems;
• Contributes to the maintenance of internet working 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 in implementing these plans to ensure optimal readiness;
• Shares responsibility 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;
• Supports the user access control for network resources and overall network security.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc.

Competencies

• Professionalism: 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 limitations 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 or equivalent diploma is required.
• Technical or vocational certificate in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field is required.

Work Experience

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in Information Systems and Technology, or related area is required.
• 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, contracting vendor services is required.
• Experience providing services in the field of Information Systems and Technology or related area to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the field of Information Systems and Technology or related area in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.