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TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN
United Nations Secretariat (UN)
UN Office to the African Union
FS-5 Associate Full-time Internationallly Recruited
Close on 25 Dec 2025
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Posted 2 days ago
Job Description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) was created in 2010 to strengthen the United Nations’ interaction with the African Union. UNOAU is mandated to contribute to enhancing the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security, provide coordinated and consistent United Nations advice to the African Union on both long-term capacity-building and short-term operational support, and streamline the United Nations presence in Addis Ababa to be more cost-effective and efficient in delivering United Nations assistance to the African Union. UNOAU plays a key role in the implementation of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, signed by the United Nations Secretary-General and Chairperson of the African Union Commission on 19 April 2017. This position is located in the Field Technology Services (FTS) of the Administrative Support Section of UNOAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Within delegated authority, the incumbent of the post reports to the Chief of Unit FTS.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Telecommunication Technician will be responsible for the following duties: Radio: - Takes the lead in the installation of VHF, UHF and HF Mobile, base stations and repeaters, rural telephone links, trunking radio systems, antennas and related equipment, programming of radios, preventive and corrective maintenance on various types of radios - Coordinates the training of non-technical radio users on the operation of hand-held portable radios, mobile radios, base stations and related equipment. Microwave Radio Systems: - Takes the lead in the preparation and installation of microwave radio systems and related equipment. - Supervises the setup, configuration and testing of various digital microwave radio systems utilizing a wide range of specialized and complex test equipment. - Coordinates the programming, testing and commissioning of new equipment prior to deployment. - Coordinates radio-link calculation and path profile analysis. - Liaises with the Rigging unit regarding the deployment of relevant antennas and feeder lines on communications towers and masts. PABX/Switching Systems: -Leads the installation and commissioning, and the operation and maintenance of a range of telephony systems and related equipment deployed in the mission: to include, PABX switches, voice mail systems, encrypted voice and facsimile devices, cordless mobile telephones and associated base stations, self-contained cellular telephone systems, and computerized telephone accounting and billings systems. Coordinates the planned and preventive maintenance routines for all telephony systems. Takes the lead in the implementation and maintenance of computerized telephone call logging and automated billing system. Coordinates the acquisition of local commercial and cellular services. Satellite: - Coordinates the installation of satellite antennas, ODE/IDE, associated shelters, foundations, commissions, maintenance and operation of C-band, X-band and Ku-band satellite communications systems, comprising antennas in sizes up to nine (9) meters, satellite modems, satellite transceivers, LNA, High Power Satellite Amplifiers (HPA and SSPA) - Supervises the commissioning, maintenance and the training of end users for portable satellite communication terminals. - Liaises with UN Headquarters and UNGSC regarding initial installations, including frequency coordination. Rigging: - Plans construction and maintenance of communications towers and associated antenna systems, determines tower location and height in coordination with the telecommunications engineers, plans and ensures site accessibility. - Leads the team to erect self-supporting and guyed communications towers to a height of 300ft, Installs antennas, transmission lines and accessories, - Coordinates the planned and preventive maintenance program for the tower systems deployed across the mission. Infrastructure: - Prepares blueprints and plans, constructs and maintains communications cabling infrastructure for data and telephone systems. - Coordinates the activities associated with trenching, external and internal wiring and conduit installations. - Coordinates with the Telecommunications Engineers to plan physical network layout, provides input to complete the procurement and inventory of all hardware and cabling requirements for installations. - Assists other technical departments in the installation of switching equipment, main and sub distribution frames and assists with RF transmission lines and accessories as required. - Drafts relevant technical documentation for major telecommunications systems and physical plants. Video-teleconferencing: - Leads the installation, operation and maintenance of video-teleconferencing (VTC) equipment and systems. - Liaises with the other units in the development of videoconferencing applications. - Coordinates activities associated with VTC services provision for the mission, liaising with UN Headquarters and UNGSC. Coordinates the periodic and preventive maintenance of all VTC related equipment. Common duties: - Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include, but are not limited to: - Takes the lead in the installation of auxiliary equipment such as power supplies, solar power systems, UPS units, Voltage Regulators, DC converters and various protection and remote controls. - Supervises the gathering of specifications for the procurement of equipment, spares and supplies. Evaluates vendor proposals. Formulation management of FTS Budget and monitoring expenditures in liaison with BRM OICT NYHQ DOS and Chief Mission FTS. - Ensures that all required spare parts and supplies are in place to minimize downtimes. Tests and recommend selection of telecommunication equipment, establishing performance standards for telecommunications equipment and services. - Coordinates regularly scheduled and preventative and corrective maintenance on telecommunications installations and equipment. - Liaises with the asset management unit regarding the upkeep of proper inventory records. Maintain accurate allocation and control of Telecommunications equipment in stock and distributed, ensuring synchronization with UMOJA ERP System records. - Organizes with Asset Management Unit on the receiving/inspection of new equipment. Raise Shopping Carts in UMOJA ERP System and provide inputs into creation of Purchase Orders. - Takes the lead in formulating technical training curriculum and the conduct of in-house training programs for national staff and others within the unit. - Performs other related duties as required
Competencies
Professionalism: The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision making. 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 or 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. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Education
High school or equivalent diploma is required.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of Eight 8 years of progressively responsible experience in Telecommunications and Information Systems, including at least three (3) years of experience at the international level is required. Experience working in Information Systems and Telecommunication Technology within United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) or similar international organization or non-governmental organization 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 in FTS Assets Management in ERP Systems such as UMOJA or equivalent on Expandable, Non-expandable such as Issue, Return, write off and Reporting is desirable Experience in Acquisition Planning, Vendor Management, including raising of Shopping cart, Purchase order in ERP Systems such as UMOJA or equivalent is desirable Experience in implementing high availability networking solutions, Data Center Management, Programming Network Devices is desirable Experience in using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) such as INEED, Field Remote Infrastructure Management (FRIM) or any other IOT, ERP Systems such as UMOJA or equivalent is desirable Experience in ERP Systems like UMOJA Analytics and Power BI Analytics is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
EnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year, renewal therefore is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. 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. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are • This position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2025, are strongly encouraged to apply: Un-represented: Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu. Under-represented: Andorra, Angola, Belize, China, Cuba, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America
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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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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