Functional area: Information Systems

Reference: 2014-344-EXT

The Directorate General Information Systems (DG/IS) provides the information and communication systems of the ECB and undertakes the development and support activities needed for carrying out the tasks of the Eurosystem/European System of Central Banks (ESCB).
Within DG/IS, the Infrastructure and Operations Division is responsible for: (i) the operation and support of ECB/ESCB systems and applications in line with the agreed service levels; and (ii) the infrastructure development portfolio. The Division is organised into four sections: the Data Centre Section, the Data and Networks Section, the Systems Section and the Infrastructure Development Section.
The Systems Section is responsible for technical services related to server and end-user device operating systems, virtualisation, databases, directory services and identity management, middleware (Java, Tomcat), the intra-application message bus, the Business Objects shared service, remote access services, as well as web and internet services. The Section ensures that these services are designed, developed, operated and supported so that they meet agreed service levels by:

• defining, maintaining and further developing the different technical services assigned to the Section;
• providing expert guidance and third-level support on server-related issues to the Division, IT projects and end-users of IT services;
• developing operational procedures and documentation for the Data Centre, where first and second-level support is provided.

The successful applicant will be entrusted with the following main tasks:

• assuming ownership for one or more technical services within the Section’s portfolio; enabling operations to meet service level agreements (SLAs), anticipating demands and developing strategies for future development;
• contributing to the further development of the ECB’s technical infrastructure with his/her strong technical knowledge and design experience;

• providing third-level support for assigned services, including using diagnostic tools to identify and monitor any need for preventive or remedial maintenance; investigating, diagnosing and resolving incidents and problems escalated by other support lines;
• contributing, during different stages, to IT projects with his/her expertise in MS Windows and related technologies (analysis, verification of concepts and development, testing, maintenance, release and documentation-related work);
• developing and maintaining accurate and up-to-date technical documentation and procedures for technical services;
• maintaining the link between the ECB and relevant suppliers for assigned technical services (involves escalating incidents, calling off supplies and services and contributing to contract and SLA management);
• training and mentoring colleagues within the team and in other support lines;
• contributing to the overall success of the Systems Section by presenting proposals for the continuous improvement of the ECB’s IT infrastructure and by supporting colleagues within and outside the Section through the provision of IT expertise.

The holder of this position is expected to perform on-call duties.To enable the Section to maintain its business continuity capability, the successful applicant will occasionally be expected to perform work during non-standard working hours and to work at the ECB’s standby sites.

Applicants must have the following knowledge and competencies:

• a master’s degree in a relevant field;

• in addition, a minimum of three years of work experience in designing, engineering or supporting (advanced level) complex infrastructure services in a Windows server landscape;

The following qualifications and competencies would be an asset:

• familiarity with ITIL v3;
• design and implementation experience with Active Directory 2008 or higher;
• design and implementation experience with MS SQL or Oracle database;
• design and implementation experience with MS Exchange 2010 or higher;
• design and implementation experience with enterprise systems management tools for the Microsoft Windows platform, automation, remote deployment and software maintenance, alerting and configuration management;
• experience with Business Objects design and implementation in a Windows landscape;
• an advanced command of English with proven drafting ability;
• a good knowledge of at least one other official language of the EU;
• a working knowledge of MS Office, in particular Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

The successful candidate will have the following behavioural competencies:

• collects relevant technical information efficiently and is able to balance implementation with business and operational requirements;

• creates a conceptual framework which aids the deployment of practical IT solutions;
• continuously assesses the status quo and prepares proposals for further improving IT services;

• communicates technical subjects in an effective manner and ensures mutual comprehension by technical and non-technical colleagues;
• anticipates requirements, manages expectations and will go the extra mile to satisfy clients;
• shares information and supports team members in the achievement of common goals;

• is comfortable working without close supervision, but knows when to involve others;
• can be relied upon to deliver and keeps a clear mind in difficult circumstances;
• manages multiple assignments and tracks progress on numerous activities simultaneously while prioritising tasks and paying attention to detail.

Three-year fixed-term contract, which may be extended subject to individual performance and organisational needs.
To further enhance the diversity of its workforce, the ECB particularly encourages applications from female candidates.
The recruiting business area is willing to discuss part-time arrangements for this position.

Applications are to be made in English and submitted using our online application form. An "Applicants' Guide" can be downloaded from our recruitment pages.

The recruitment process may include a pre-screening exercise, a written exercise, a presentation and interviews.

Applications are accepted from nationals of Member States of the European Union.

The requirements laid down in the vacancy notice must be met by the closing date for applications.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill the same position again, or similar positions, within 12 months of the selection decision.

Closing Date for Applications: Mon, 5 Jan 2015

This position has been allocated to salary band: F/G

 Apply on the ECB e-recruitment portal