Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) in Laayoune. The Telecommunications Officer will report to Chief Field Technology Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Telecommunications Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Designs, installs tests and commissions various telecommunications systems, such as local area networks, metro-area network, or countrywide or regional networks. • Drafts specifications and standards for various telecommunications equipment such as hubs, routers, switching systems firewall and telephony. • Provides support for the development of technical specifications for procurement of equipment; evaluates vendor proposals, performs tests and recommends selection of telecommunications equipment; supports the establishment of equipment and service contracts, and serves as the contract administrator. • Identifies appropriate standards to procure communications equipment at the least cost and in the most expeditious manner. • Establishes performance standards for telecommunications equipment and services and recommends corrective measures to improve service quality and operational performance. • Provides planning support for rapid deployment of communications networks and infrastructure at the inception of new missions or projects, including visiting sites for technical reconnaissance missions, • Coordinates engineering services related to planning, implementation, and maintenance of local and wide area telecommunications networks. • Coordinates deployment of assets management and live tracking systems • Provides emergency communications capabilities in support of staff security, including providing a focal point for interagency emergency field security communications liaison. • Collaborates the preparation of training modules and other training activities in all aspects of communications technology usage. • Prepares and makes presentations on telecommunications networks and equipment to staff and other United Nations agencies. • Ensures effective coordination with other UN agencies in order to maximize possibilities of inter-agency collaboration in the field of telecommunications. • Coordinates with the satellite engineering and coordinating group at the UNGSC to enhance the deployment, operation and maintenance of the mission’s satellite communications network. • Interfaces with local authorities and governmental offices to obtain telephone lines, frequency allocations, tower permissions, frequency allocations, and any other formality necessary to obtain and deliver telecommunications services to the Mission. • Manages and is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of all telecommunications networks within the mission. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting • Supervises staff/technicians as required. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of early warning systems. Knowledge of a wide range of telecommunication systems with adequate skills for leading a team through the installation, maintenance and operation of these systems. Knowledge of operations of commercial telecommunications services, voice and data communications networks, telephony switching, radio, satellite, microwave and trunked radio communication systems and firewall technology. Ability to analyze, review, and make recommendations to improve the delivery of telecommunications services. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Technical training certifications in Telecommunications are desirable. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage

Job – Specific Qualification

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Foundation Certification is desirable. PRINCE 2 Foundation Certification is desirable.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Telecommunications Technology or related area, including at least four (4) years of experience at the international level is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five years for candidates who possess a first level University degree Experience in developing and overseeing large centralized and globally distributed telecommunications systems at supervisory level is required. Experience in Telecommunications within the United Nations system or similar multi-lateral or non-governmental organization is desirable. Experience working within a Military/Law Enforcement environment is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are working languages of the United Nations. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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.

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.