Background and Organizational Context

OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to:

• alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies

• advocate for the rights of people in need

• promote preparedness and prevention

• facilitate sustainable solutions.

In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 46/182 designed to strengthen the United Nation’s response to both complex emergencies and natural disasters. In addition, it aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the UN’s humanitarian operations in the field.

Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous and most violent, crisis-ridden countries in the world with a continued deepening and geographic spread of the conflict. Violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights Law (HRL) occur regularly – including targeted killings, forced recruitment, and attacks on health and education facilities.

At the same time, Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes, flooding, drought, landslides, and avalanches. Over three decades of conflict, coupled with climate change, environmental degradation, and insufficient investment in disaster risk reduction strategies, have contributed to the increasing vulnerability of the Afghan people to cope with the sudden shock of natural disasters and increased risks posed to livelihoods. On average, each year, around 230,000 people are affected by natural disasters. Destruction of shelters, crops, food stocks, and damage to household and community assets such as water and sanitation infrastructure result in the need for emergency support to protect people from the elements.

Position Purpose: 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Admin & Finance, the ICT Officer manages ICT services, develops, and implements ICT management systems, and provides information management tools and technology infrastructure in Afghanistan Country and Regional/Antenna Offices. The ICT Officer is responsible for review of and advice on the use of new technologies that will enhance productivity. The ICT Officer promotes a client-oriented approach.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

Summary of key functions:

• Implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies
• Development of information and documentation management system
• Management of CO hardware and software packages
• Networks administration
• Provision of web management services
• Facilitation of knowledge-building and knowledge sharing

 1) Ensures implementation of ICT strategies and introduction and implementation of new technologies, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines, and procedures for the CO technology environment.
• Analysis of the requirement and elaboration of internal policies and procedures on the use of ICT.
• CO ICT business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in ICT management, control of the work/lows in the ICT team.
• Participation in the office business process re-engineering activities and ensuring that business needs drive IT solutions related to corporate resource management.
• Provision of advice on and assistance in procurement of new ICT equipment for the CO and projects, provision of technical specifications, and information on best options in both local and international markets.
• Development and update of the ICT annual plan and road map. Development and update of the business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan, ICT infrastructure, and training plans. Follow up on their implementation.

2) Ensures the development of the information and documentation management system focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Development and implementation of CO information and documentation management system by using OCHA’s corporate applications and tools

3)  Manages CO hardware and software packages, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• CO hardware and software platforms meet OCHA’s corporate standards.
• Provision of advice on maintenance of equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies
• Supervision of the implementation of corporate OCHA systems.

4) Ensures efficient network administration, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Monitoring computing resources to provide a stable and responsive environment.
• Operation of network utility procedures defining network users and security attributes establishing directories, configuring network printers, and providing user access.
• Timely upgrade of LAN infrastructure and Internet connectivity to meet OCHA   requirements as per corporate standards.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

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  

People Management Competencies:

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

IT Customer Support: Ability to support l 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.

Data Management & Analytics: Knowledge in data management, data sciences, ability to structure data, develop dashboard and visualization. Design data warehouses, data lakes or data platforms concepts. Familiarity with Machine leaning natural language processing or generation and the use of artificial intelligence to support predictive analytics. CDMP or TOGAF9 or equivalent certification desirable.

Network, Communication, and Infrastructure Management: Ability to develop/integrate/operate/manage IT network, communications, Cloud or on-premises infrastructure, and modern technologies like IoT. Cisco CCIE CCNP or similar is desirable.

Configuration Management – Business analysis, requirements: Knowledge of configuration management changes, ability to manage and control the configuration change management process.

IT Research and Development: Regular following modern technologies and technical trends, research the technologies that are applicable and beneficial to the organization and develop the systems

Innovation management: Being able to create the strategies, conditions, structures, and systems to enable innovation at an organizational level.

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 fulfill and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide input to the development of customer service strategy.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, telecommunications, or other related fields with a specialization in ICT is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in information and communication technology management, ICT infrastructure programme development, implementation, and coordination including web design, database, development, system management, internet, /intranet system.
• Experience/proficiency in telecommunication hardware and software, IP routing, and network security.
• Solid ICT and information strategies knowledge, and proficiency in relevant hardware and software platforms and packages are required.
• Previous working experience with United Nations or International Organizations is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English, Pashto, or Dari is required.

Note: Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNOCHA rosters

Note: UNOCHA 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 UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNOCHA 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.

UNOCHA 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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