Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Kabul Main Office. The Information Systems Assistant reports to the Chief of Unit, UNAMA Field Technology Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of Chief FTS, the Information Systems Assistant will perform the following responsibilities: • Plans and directs 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 the more complex systems; • Manages the budget of the Information Systems unit, formulating and monitoring budget allocations and expenditures, verifying funding and ensuring no overrun occurs; • Develops technical specifications for the procurement of equipment and contractual services, and coordinates the technical evaluation of offers and proposals received; • Develops and recommends strategies to implement global information systems projects originating out of DFS/ICTD and the mission; • Develops, implements and monitors information systems standards, guidelines and procedures; • Develops detailed systems and other functional specifications and user documentation for system as required; • Provides specialized advice to users, analysing 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 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; • Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems; • Develops 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; • Provides professional leadership and work direction for the Unit, develops the yearly work plan, mentors and supervises personnel of the Unit. • 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. Internetworking & Infrastructure • Develops plans for major IT systems projects within the mission, monitoring the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of the various systems; • Leads the team in the operation and maintenance of internetworking 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 to implement these plans to ensure optimal readiness; • Responsible 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 • Oversees the user access control for network resources and overall network security. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. Performs other related duties as required.

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. 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. 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

Secondary school, technical school, university and other courses and training programmes relating to the work. High school diploma or equivalent and certification/diploma in other supplemental academic qualifications, training in Information Systems is required. Information System Security Professional certification is required (CISSP). Cisco Certified Networking Professional certification is required (CCNP). Additional Industry training and certifications are desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Information System Security Professional certification (CISSP) is required. Cisco Certified Networking Professional certification (CCNP) is required.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Information Systems and Technology, Telecommunications, or related area is required. Experience in developing ICT disaster recovery & ICT Security plans and performing related exercises is required. Experience working in a 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 – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. 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, and recruitment of staff is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only 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.

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.