Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile. The Senior Telecommunications Technical Assistant reports to the Chief of the Information and Communications Technology Section. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region’s economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Telecommunications Technical Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Satellite Earth-station Operations • Installs, configures, tests and commissions various earth station sub-systems and associated equipment. • Operates and maintains Intelsat Standard satellite earth-station equipment, inclusive of the antenna system, RF equipment, IF equipment, base-band equipment, and the control, supervisory, and test facilities. • In coordination with INTELSAT, conducts periodic SSOG system testing and circuit line-up of existing digital carriers. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Ensures that preventative maintenance and repairs schedules are carried out per established guidelines and procedures. • Advises the Section Chief on matters relating to operations of the earth station. • Coordinates with the Intelsat Operations Center and remote earth-station sites the provisioning of point-to-point and multi-destination digital carriers. • Performs preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair. • Maintains up to date earth-station records and documentation. • Monitors spare parts and ensures that the earth station has sufficient spare parts. • Supervises crews of skilled Earth-station Engineering Technicians. • Prepares monthly reports on node and transmission facility performance, including detailed reports of leased facility outages for outage rebate purposes. • Performs other related duties as required. Wide Area Network Operations • Installs, configures, tests and commissions various UN Wide Area Network (WAN) systems and associated equipment. • Coordinates with leased line carrier and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at ECLAC Headquarter, sub-regional and national offices. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests For Proposals and evaluation. • Carries out fault diagnosis and resolve transmission and switching impairments arising between the ECLAC Headquarter, sub-regional and national offices. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Advises the Chief of Section Chief on matters relating to operations of WAN. • Supervises crews of skilled Wide Area Network Engineering Technicians. • Ensures that the Network Control Center/Network Operations Center records and Wide Area Network records/documentation are kept current. • Ensures that preventative maintenance and repairs schedules are carried out per established guidelines and procedures. • Performs advanced technical support activities, including module level system repairs, with respect to Wide Area Network Switches, routers and frame relay nodal processors. • Monitors transmission performance of all local and remote network nodes at the link and at the I/O levels. • Prepares monthly reports on node and transmission facility performance, including detailed reports of leased facility outages for outage rebate purposes. • Performs other related duties as required. Local Area Network Operations • Performs advanced technical support activities, including firmware upgrades, and module level repair of multi-layer switches, routers, remote access servers, content switches and Ethernet hubs. • Installs, configures, and maintains multi-protocol routers, multi-layer switches, Ethernet hubs and other LAN equipment. • Monitors the performance of the LAN, wireless LAN and high-speed Internet access facilities. • Coordinates and facilitates the implementation of ad-hoc LAN support requirements with departmental focal points. • Provides remote operations and maintenance service and advanced technical support for LAN services at sub-regional and national offices. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Maintains LAN and wireless LAN equipment inventory and tracks repair history of equipment and modules. • Prepares system engineering plans, generates and revises network diagrams and network documentation. • Supervises team of skilled Local Area Network Engineering Technicians. • Performs other related duties as required. Voice and Messaging Operation • Installs, configures, tests and commissions Unified Communications, voice mail systems, telecommunication facility management and accounting systems and encryption devices. • Coordinates with telephone service requesting departments, Facilities Management Unit, local and long-distance telephone service providers, Internet Service Providers and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at ECLAC Headquarter, sub-regional and national offices. • Ensures that Unified Communications and voice mail system operate smoothly and meet availability and reliability targets. • Ensures that preventative maintenance schedules on Unified Communications and voice mail system are carried out per established guidelines. • Analyzes service level provided by contractors in correcting reported troubles in telephone and voice mail service. • Monitors contractor performance in carrying out moves, adds and changes and ensures that established guidelines are met. • Supervises UN and contractors’ staff responsible for a) Voice Mail b) Service and Quality Control c) Traffic Analysis. • Assists the Chief of Section in implementation of telecommunications projects. • Advises the Chief of Section on matters relating to operation of telephone and voice mail systems. • Ensures performance of traffic analysis and recommends measures to alleviate overload situations. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Manages Intranet site and post policies, procedures, and guidelines. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to operating Units. • Provides assistance in the preparation of Requests For Proposals for equipment and services. Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Assists in establishing performance benchmarks for contractor works. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Assists in drafting operational performance standards and maintenance guidelines for VMS services. • Gathers statistical data on operational performance of telecommunication equipment and prepares engineering drawings. • Performs other related duties as required. Audio-Visual Conference and Social Media Broadcasting Services • Installs, configures, tests and commissions videoconference and broadcasting systems. • Coordinates with videoconference service requesting departments, Facilities Management Unit, Videoconference Unit, Conference Unit, videoconference bridging service providers Internet Service Providers and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at ECLAC Headquarter, sub-regional and national offices. • Ensures that installed videoconference systems operate smoothly and meet availability and reliability targets. • Ensures that preventative maintenance schedules on videoconference systems are carried out per established guidelines. • Analyzes service level provided by contractors in correcting reported troubles in videoconference, network links and videoconference bridging services. • Monitors contractor performance in carrying out moves, adds and changes and ensures that established guidelines are met. • Supervises ECLAC and contractors’ staff responsible for a) Videoconference services b) Videoconference systems installation c) Videoconference systems maintenance, d) Social media broadcasting services, e) Social media broadcasting systems installation, e) Social media broadcasting systems maintenance. • Assists the Chief of Section in implementation of projects. • Advises the Chief on matters relating to operation of videoconference and social media broadcasting systems. • Analyzes trends in videoconference and social media broadcasting services and supports requests and the level of service and support provided; identifies future resource requirements needed to satisfy demand and advises Chief of Section accordingly. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to operating Units. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests For Proposals for equipment and services required by the Commission, Agencies, Funds and Programmes and peacekeeping missions. Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Assists in establishing performance benchmarks for contractor works. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Assists in drafting operational performance standards and maintenance guidelines for videoconference services. • Gathers statistical data on operational performance of telecommunication equipment and prepare engineering drawings. • Performs other related duties as required. Radio Communications and Video Surveillance Systems Installation and Maintenance • Installs, configures, tests and commissions radio communications and video surveillance systems. • Coordinates with the Section of Safety and Security, Facilities Management Unit, radio communications and video surveillance systems and service providers, service restoration during facility failures at ECLAC Headquarters, OAHs, Agencies, Funds and Programs and/or Missions. • Ensures that radio communications and video surveillance systems operate smoothly and meet availability and reliability targets. • Ensures that preventative maintenance schedules on radio communications and video surveillance systems are carried out per established guidelines. • Analyzes service level provided by contractors in correcting reported troubles in radio communications and video surveillance systems and services. • Monitors contractor performance in carrying out moves, adds, and changes and ensures that established guidelines are met. • Supervises UN and contractors’ staff responsible for a) Radio communications b) Video surveillance. • Assists the Chief of Section in implementation of projects in the subject. • Advises the Chief of Section on matters relating to the operation of radio communications and video surveillance systems and services. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to operating Units. • Provides assistance in the preparation of Requests For Proposals for equipment and services. Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Assists in establishing performance benchmarks for contractor works. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Assists drafting operational performance standards and maintenance guidelines for radio communications and video surveillance services. • Gathers statistical data on operational performance of telecommunication equipment and prepare engineering drawings. • Performs other related duties as required. Service Coordination • Supervises all staff and oversees the operations of the Telecommunications Unit. • Ensures that all requests are logged and tracked with minimum delay. • Ensures that quality assurance procedures are implemented. • Distributes work assignments and monitors progress. • Liaises with other areas of ICTS to facilitate completion of service requests. • Acts as the client contact point for ICTS services. • Provides advice to clients regarding ICTS standards and workflow processes. • Establishes and documents workflow procedures for simple ICTS requests. • Assists in the design and documentation of more complex workflow procedures. • Assists in the design and continuous improvement of the automated request management system. • Keeps abreast of latest UN systems standards and technologies. • Generates workload and performance reports on a regular basis. • Performs other duties as required. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of telecommunication equipment, principles of operations, including local area networks, satellites, radio and video surveillance systems, broadcasting and videoconference, voice and messaging systems. Knowledge of satellite earth station technology, and principles of analog and digital transmission. Knowledge of synchronous and asynchronous data interface standards and protocols. Knowledge of satellite modem, CSU/DSU, and digital line driver operation. Ability to apply knowledge and technical skills to install and test relevant equipment, provide maintenance services and user support. Ability to assist with analog and digital transmission facility testing and troubleshooting. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of 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& 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 diploma or equivalent is required. NOTE: For positions in the General Service category, candidates are required to clearly indicate in their Applicant Profile (AP) relevant information confirming completion of High School.

Job – Specific Qualification

Supplemental training in computer engineering, computer science, information systems, communications or related field is required.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunications or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to seven (7) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Relevant experience in Project Management is required. Experience in telecom infrastructure operations management is required. Practical experience in network security is required. Practical experience with Cisco switching/routing systems and Unified Communications is required. Experience working within the United Nations Common System, or a comparable international organization is desirable. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Spanish is a working language of ECLAC. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both English and Spanish is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

– 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. – Appointment for positions in the General Service category is done on a local basis. Applicants shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office, irrespective of nationality and length of time the candidate may have been in the country. Applicants will be responsible for any expenses incurred in taking the relevant examinations at the duty station, and of any costs related to traveling and relocating to the duty station in the event of an employment offer. -Applicants for positions subject to local recruitment are required to be authorized to work in the country regardless of where they live at the time of applying for the job opening. – A staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. – The expression “Internal candidates”, shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15. Please note that candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. – 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. – The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

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. 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.