ICT Associate

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

UNDP invests in improving access to rights and services through strengthening effective, inclusive and accountable governing institutions, promoting a transparent, gender-sensitive and digitalized public administration with innovative solutions.  UNDP focuses on the advancement rule of law and access to justice and facilitates people’s meaningful participation – in particular, women, indigenous peoples and youth - in decision-making to promote equality and social cohesion at local level. 

It serves as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy.

Under the broader framework of the SDGs and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Guyana continues to deliver on its key strategic priorities within its Country Programme for the period 2022-2026, namely: (i) Economic Resilience and shared prosperity, (ii) Safety and Security, (iii) Natural Resource Management and Resilience to Climate Change, (iv) Equality and Well-being.

This strategic approach by UNDP to Guyana’s to national development priorities aims to advance human development based on economic, social and gender inequalities; supporting effective governance and social protection; and enabling sustainable low-carbon trajectories (including climate change adaptation,) all supported by digital transformation and strengthened data. 

In order to better leverage UNDP’s value propositions and improve the developmental gains of the organization in Guyana, the UNDP Guyana Country Office must further develop its communications functions. This will allow the Office to widen the reach of its work on the ground and expand its partnerships.

 

The ICT Associate plays a crucial role in the Country Office (CO) as reliance on digital technology continues to increase in all office operations, projects, and programme deliveries. The team drives UNDP’s digital transformation efforts in the CO to better enable, leverage and deploy technology solutions that help the CO implement new ways of doing business to work smarter and more efficiently, and ultimately to improve the way it provides value to UNDP partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Operations Coordinator, the ICT Associate provides ICT services, implements ICT management systems and strategies, and provides daily technical support to users of information management tools and technology infrastructure. The ICT Associate promotes a client-oriented approach.

The ICT Associate works in close collaboration with Programme, Operations and projects teams in the CO, UNDP HQ staff, Regional Information Officer (RIO), and the Regional Bureau Information Manager (RBIM) to resolve complex ICT- related issues.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

 

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1.)   Ensure implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies.
Ensure compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines, and procedures for the CO technology environment. Participate in development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures in ICT services.  Conduct market research and analysis and provide support in introducing new technology for CO system updating and improvement. Provide advice on and assistance in procurement of new ICT equipment for the CO and projects; and provide technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets. Review quotations and bids.  Participate in development and implementation of ICT annual plan. Maintain the measures in place for business continuity and disaster recovery processes and procedures.  Provide support to use of ERP functionality for improved business results and improved client services.  Provide ICT support for key events.
2.) Ensure effective functioning of the CO hardware and software packages.
Support effective functioning (installation, operation, and maintenance) of all UNDP hardware equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies. Perform specific technical functions, including changing of hardware electronic components (disks, memories, network wiring, power sources, etc.) and making routine repairs.
3.) Assist in providing automation and digitalization support for both CO Operations and Programmes.
Install commercial and in-house developed software and related upgrades. Support development of new automation tools using UNDP corporately developed platforms. Participate in developing Terms of Reference (TOR) for software products and provide monitoring and evaluation support to Programme teams during the development life cycle.  Support provision of in-house development of tools for programme and operations when needed. Assist in identifying opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web- based systems to address the issues of efficiency (e.g., office management system, donor profile software, knowledge management systems).
4.) Ensure efficient network administration.
Monitor the network connection on a daily basis to ensure a stable and responsive network environment. Ensure UNDP desktop and network resources are protected from malicious virus attacks and deploy countermeasures in the event of attacks. Implement cloud-based backup and restoration procedures for local drives. Install anti-virus programs on a timely basis.  Respond to user needs and questions regarding network access. Maintain up-to-date parameters of information for the network clients and electronic mail. Trouble-shoot and monitor network problems.  Maintain an up-to-date inventory and stock of supplies and spare parts in cooperation with the Administration and Procurement Teams.
5.)  Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.
Identify and promote different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge management and sharing, and information provision. Participate in the organization of training for the CO staff on ICT issues. Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in ICT. Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:  None

 

Education

 

• Secondary education is required with formal training in IT systems, business software and/or web-based applications. Certifications in CCNA, MSCA, MSCE, and/or MCP are an asset.   
• A university degree in Information Technology, Information Management, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or an equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant working experience in network administration and operations, web design, providing technical support for hardware/software or Cloud ERP environments, working with telecommunications facilities; and applying knowledge of database applications, web-based management systems and cloud infrastructure solutions.
• Experience working with user-centered designs and conducting user research and testing is desired.
• Specialized certification in hardware and software management and application (Microsoft Certification, Cisco Certification; CCNA, MSCA, MSCE, and/or MCP) is an asset.
• Demonstrated and substantive experience in developing web-based applications, including databases, and mobile apps is a distinct asset. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of UN/UNDP ICT practices is desired.
• Knowledge of UNDP policies and guidelines is an advantage.

Language Requirements

Fluency in the UN language (English) of the duty station is required.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core
Achieve Results	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Results-based Management	Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.
Business Management	Customer Satisfaction/Client Management	Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs, provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy, look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests, Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Management	Working with Evidence and Data	Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of  discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting  decision-making.
Business Management	Digital Awareness and Literacy	Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact  and empowering others to use them as needed.
Information Management and Technology	IT Customer  Support	Ability to support customers on IT related issues and generate and contribute to continuous improvement processes to deliver a great user experience. Knowledge of ISO 9001 desirable. ITIL certification or similar is desirable.
Information Management and Technology	Network, Communication, and Infrastructure Management	Ability to develop/integrate/operate/manage IT network, communications, Cloud or on-premises infrastructure, and new technologies like IoT. Cisco CCIE CCNP or similar is desirable.
Information Management and Technology	User Experience and Business Analyst	Capacity to translate efficiently user needs into IT requirements around human-centered design.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Candidates selected pursuant to this vacany may be subject to UNDP´S policy on Probation upon assignment. 

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

 

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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