Appointment against this post is on a local basis; candidates shall be recruited in the country of the duty station, irrespective of nationality and length of time the candidate may have been in the country. If no suitable candidate is identified, overseas candidates will be considered subject to a passing grade on the relevant entry-level examinations at the duty station. The candidate is responsible for any expenses incurred in order to take the examination and, in the event of an employment offer, any costs relating to travel and relocation to the duty station.
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 when they are short-listed for a job opening. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST per applicable eligibility guidelines.
This post is located within the Information and Communications Technology Section (ICTS), Administrative Services Division (ASD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Information Technology Assistant reports directly to the Information Technology Officer of ICTS and will be under the overall supervision of the Section Chief.
Desktop Administration and Configuration
• Performs software distribution updates, scripting, testing and support.
• Performs research into new versions of centrally supported software and perform beta testing, production rollout and post production support.
• Performs 2nd level desktop troubleshooting in conjunction with the Help Desk.
• Provides technical advice to clients when necessary.
• Performs more complex hardware and software configuration tasks such as creating standard images.
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.
• Prepares, maintains, and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases.
• Drafts documentation and reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Server Operations and Administration
• Installs, configures, tests and deploys server hardware and software, including Local Area Network, Storage Area Network, Operating Systems (Windows, Unix, Linux), MS Active Directory, Email, Database systems, Internet Web content filtering systems, firewall, Domain Name Server (DNS), DHCP, mail relay, and various security software.
• Performs administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems.
• Undertakes troubleshooting of server systems. If the problem persists, escalates to higher level in accordance with procedures.
• Liaises with other groups of ICTS and the user Departments for maintaining the efficient and reliable operations of server systems.
• Performs 24x7 operations of assigned systems.
• Assists in identifying the need for new systems or re-engineering of the existing systems.
• Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems so as to conform to infrastructure standards
• Implements backups of servers following standard backup procedures.
• Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems, and produces pertinent reports.
• Maintains the documentation of server systems, pertinent to operations and system administration.
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.
• Prepares, maintains, and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases.
• Drafts documentation and reports.
• 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 problem 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 and applications;
• Drafts end-user and/or technical documentation.
• 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.
• Acts as problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels.
• Escalates problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure.
• Detects problem patterns and recommends solutions.
• Keeps abreast of developments in technology both in the UN and in the industry in general;
• Provides training to junior technical staff.
• 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.
• Troubleshoots, cleans, and repairs/rebuilds equipment.
• Sorts, compiles, and stores equipment in accordance with work orders and/or equipment condition;
• Prepares and releases equipment for service requests.
• Liaises with other areas of ITSD, focal points, and staff of the Permanent Missions.
• 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.
• Distributes work assignments and monitor progress.
• 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.
• Addresses escalated problems and monitor to resolution.
• Detects problem patterns and recommend solutions.
• Keeps abreast of latest ITSD standards and technology.
• Performs other duties as required.
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. 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.
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.
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.
High school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum of 7 years minimum experience in information technology or related area. Experience in one of the following areas is desirable: Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, SCCM, CRM, VMware, Citrix, Storage Area Network, EMC, HP Blade Servers. Certifications in one of the following are desirable: VMware, Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft System Center and ITIL.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required.
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 when they are short-listed for a job opening. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST per applicable eligibility guidelines.
In addition to the above, the shortlisted candidates will undergo a substantive written assessment related to the functions of the post and a competency-based interview. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.