Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 226217
Job Network : Information and Telecommunication Technology
Job Family : Telecommunications Technology
Category and Level : Field Service, FS-5
Duty Station : GAO
Department/Office : United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
Date Posted : Jan 19, 2024
Deadline : Jan 26, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is within the Liquidation Entity the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in Gao.

The Telecommunications Technician will report to the Telecommunications Officer within the Field Technology Unit in Gao. The incumbent will perform duties in one or more of the following telecommunications specialties: Radio (Takes the lead in the installation of VHF, UHF and HF Mobile, base stations and repeaters, etc.), Microwave Radio Systems (Takes the lead in the preparation and installation of microwave radio systems and related equipment, etc.), PABX/switching systems (Leads the installation and commissioning, and the operation and maintenance of a range of telephony systems); Ringing Satellite (Plans construction and maintenance of communications towers and associated antenna systems, etc.) and others.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Telecommunications Technician will be responsible for the following duties:

Radio:
• Takes the lead in the installation of VHF, UHF and HF Mobile, base stations and repeaters, rural telephone links, trunking radio systems, antennas and related equipment; programming of radios, preventive and corrective maintenance on various types of radio;
• Liaises with other UN agencies and local authorities on matters related to radio frequencies coordination;
• Coordinates the erection of antenna masts and towers;
• Coordinates the training of non-technical radio users on the operation of hand-held portable radios, mobile radios, base stations and related equipment;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Microwave Radio Systems:
• Takes the lead in the preparation and installation of microwave radio systems and related equipment;
• Supervises the setup, configuration and testing of various digital microwave radio systems utilizing a wide range of specialized and complex test equipment;
• Coordinates the programming, testing and commissioning of new equipment prior to deployment;
• Coordinates radio-link calculation and path profile analysis;
• Liaises with the Rigging unit regarding the deployment of relevant antennas and feeder lines on communications towers and masts;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Satellite:
• Coordinates the installation of satellite antennas, ODE/IDE, associated shelters, foundations, commissions, maintenance and operation of C-band, X-band and Ku-band satellite communications systems, comprising antennas in sizes up to nine (9) meters, satellite modems, satellite transceivers, LNA, High Power Satellite Amplifiers (HPA and SSPA);
• Supervises the commissioning, maintenance and the training of end users for portable satellite communication terminals;
• Liaises with UN Headquarters and UNGSC regarding initial installations, including frequency coordination;
• Performs other duties as required.

Rigging:
• Plans construction and maintenance of communications towers and associated antenna systems; determines tower location and height in coordination with the telecommunications engineers plans and ensures site accessibility;
• Oversees the construction of tower foundations and anchor points in compliance with manufacturer’s specifications and good industry practices;
• Leads the team to erect self-supporting and guyed communications towers to a height of 300ft; Installs antennas, transmission lines and accessories;
• Coordinates the planned and preventive maintenance program for the tower systems deployed across the mission;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Infrastructure:
• Prepares blueprints and plans, constructs and maintains communications cabling infrastructure for data and telephone;
• Coordinates the activities associated with trenching, external and internal wiring and conduit installations;
• Coordinates with the telecommunications engineers to plan physical network layout; provides input to complete the procurement and inventory of all hardware and cabling requirements for installations;
• Assists other technical departments in the installation of switching equipment, main and sub distribution frames and assist with RF transmission lines and accessories as required;
• Drafts relevant technical documentation for major telecommunications systems and physical plant;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Common duties:
• Assists with the planning and execution of decommissioning the Telecom systems;
• Leads the wall-to-wall survey for ICT equipment;
• Takes the lead in the installation of auxiliary equipment such as power supplies, solar power systems, UPS units, Voltage Regulators, DC converters and various protection and remote control systems;
• Supervises the gathering of specifications for the procurement of equipment, spares and supplies;
• Ensures that all the required spare parts and supplies are in place so as to minimize downtimes;
• Coordinates regularly scheduled and preventative and corrective maintenance on telecommunications installations and equipment;
• Liaises with the asset management unit regarding the upkeep of proper inventory records;
• Organizes with the Asset Management Unit the receiving/inspection of new equipment;
• Takes the lead in formulating technical training curriculum and the conduct of in-house training programs for national staff and others within the unit;
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: 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. Ability to analyze, review, and make recommendations to improve the delivery of telecommunications services. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

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 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.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job – Specific Qualification
Industry training and certification is desirable.

Work Experience
• At least eight (08) years of working experience in the planning and installation of complex telecommunications equipment, networks and information systems, including at least three (3) years of experience at the international level is required.

• Experience and knowledge of Communication Tower Construction, working at Height and Rescue Policies and Procedures is desirable.

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of large-scale telecommunications systems is desirable.

• Experience of LAN structured cabling and ICT backbone systems and regional coordination is desirable.

• Experience providing services in the field of telecommunications or related area to or in a field operation of the United Nations common system or comparable international organization is desirable.

• Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.