Background Information – Job-specific

 

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their Peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed a service-based agreement with the UN to provide ICT scope of services agreed in the financial agreements.

Our UN partner has requested the assistance of UNOPS in providing various ICT services. UNOPS has entered into a service-oriented agreement with the UN ICT partner to deliver support in various ICT domains. The objective of this function is to support our partner in executing the activities outlined in this TOR.

This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for or in the United Nations Secretariat. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

Under the overall supervisor of UNOPS Senior Programme Manager within the direction and guidance of the Chief, Hybrid Cloud Computing Section, the Cloud Solutions Architect ensures that the cloud architecture discovery process is conducted effectively and efficiently and provide consultation to clients in terms of cloud solution implementation. The Cloud Solutions Architect will be performing the following functions:

Summary of Key Functions

1. Cloud Governance
2. Cloud Implementation
3. Knowledge Management

1. Cloud Governance:

• Review Technology Architecture Task Force (TATF) documents and translate the deployment diagram into the actual implementation architecture while abiding by security policy.
• Ensure that the UN applicable security policies are applied on the Cloud environments, defining the necessary requirements.
• Identify internal policies related with Security and ensure they are adapted and applied to the Cloud environment.
• Identify secure access management solutions and best practices that are being applied in Cloud.

2. Cloud Implementation

• Understand customers’ overall applications portfolio, IT and business priorities and success measures to design implementation architectures and solutions (Azure and AWS solutions) using IaaS, PaaS, DevOps & Advanced Cloud Services.
• Coordinate the entire implementation process with other team members while communicating with clients to meet their timeline and business needs.
• Ensure all solutions exhibit high levels of performance, security, scalability, maintainability, and appropriate reusability and reliability upon deployment.

3. Knowledge Management

• Share insights and best practices and connect with Enterprise Architecture Task Force and Cyber Security members to reflect their requirements into the Cloud Solution Architecture.
• Collaborate with other Cloud Solution Architects in developing complex end-to-end Enterprise solutions on the Azure/AWS platform.
• Performs other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Expected Results:

The results of the work of the ICT Specialist – Cloud Solutions Architect impact directly on delivery of services that satisfy the requirements of the Server, Storage and Backup Unit as well as the performance of these services implemented in the OICT clouds environment. It will also ensure proper processes and methodologies are followed and implemented according to the latest of the industry standards. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring activities for all global locations are in line with the overall business targets and UN policies, rules and regulations.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent preferably in Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science or a related area is required. An Undergraduate degree or equivalent and two years of additional, relevant work may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Certificate: Azure Solution Architect or AWS Solution Architect Associate is required.

Work Experience

Required Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in consultative/complex technical sales and deployment projects, architecture, design, implementation, and/or support of large-scale web applications and data management system.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience and understanding of large-scale application portfolios in enterprise-wide environments (including migration of on-premises workloads to the cloud)
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in solving customer problems through cloud technologies (Azure and/or AWS)

Desired Experience: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with experience in driving decisions collaboratively, resolving conflicts and ensuring follow through with exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Language:

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

 

Competencies

 

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.
• This position will be based in New York, USA which is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.