Closing date: Saturday, 3 January 2015

Posting Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER, P3

Job Code Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER

Department/ Office: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Duty Station: GENEVA

Posting Period: 19 December 2014-3 January 2015

Job Opening number: 14-IST-UNCTAD-39473-R-GENEVA (E)

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

Special Notice

This post is financed by project funds. The duration of the initial appointment is subject to the availability of funds. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate, job performance, and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS) Programme of the Debt and Development Finance Branch of UNCTAD's Division on Globalization and Development Strategies. The DMFAS Programme is a technical cooperation programme that provides technical assistance to developing countries to assist them in strengthening their capacity to manage public debt. The Programme provides debt management software (the DMFAS system), and training and advice in debt management through technical assistance projects. The position is a technical role of the Systems Management Unit of the DMFAS Programme, under the general direction of the programme Chief, and the supervision and technical direction of the Team Leader of the Systems Management Unit.

Responsibilities

• Within limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Information Systems Officer may be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Information Systems Officers.)
• Participates as a member of a development team providing support for the development of technical specifications for procurement of equipment; evaluates vendor proposals, performs tests and recommends selection of Hardware and/or Software elements.
• Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for major systems.
• Provides specialized advice to users, analyzing 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 user 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.
• Organizes and performs software installations, updates, needs assessments and/or training workshops for external users (e.g. governments, international organizations, etc.). .
• Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.
• Develops disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.
• Researches, analyzes 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.
• Facilitates communications of relevant users with ITSD, ensuring that that the IT support resources (hardware and software) available to defined teams are adequate and that needs of users, with regards to hardware and operating system issues are fully satisfied. .
• 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.

Competencies

Professionalism: Thorough understanding and demonstrated proficiency in information technology and particularly in Operating Systems, Database Administration and maintenance, administration of relational systems, document design and management of hardware and software requirements. Thorough knowledge of the Oracle database management system, installation and configuration of different application servers such as Apache Tomcat, Oracle and Jboss. Thorough understanding of the United Nations procurement procedures and the outcomes of contractual agreements with major hardware and software suppliers. Demonstrated proficiency in the development of technical specifications for procurement of equipment and in the recommendation of Hardware and/or Software elements. Knowledge related with the DMFAS system or other debt management applications and basic sovereign debt management is a distinct advantage. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area. Relevant working experience in the installation, administration and maintenance of Oracle databases is required. Experience in the provision of technical assistance to developing countries is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French or Spanish or Arabic is also required (as the Programme manages projects with over 50 countries with a small IT support staff, the incumbent must be capable of effectively engaging with clients in at least one of the main languages other than English).

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.