1. Position information
Vacancy No.: VN15-32
Department: Computing
Grade: A2
Section: Servers and Desktops
Job Ref. No.: STF-PL/15-32
Reports to: Team leader of Servers and Desktops team
Closing Date: 4 May 2015
2. About ECMWF*
ECMWF is both a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing and disseminating
numerical weather predictions to its Member States. ECMWF carries out scientific and technical
research directed to the improvement of its forecasts, collects and processes large amounts of
observations, and manages a long-term archive of meteorological data. Satellite and in situ
observations provide the information for up-to-date global analyses and climate reanalyses of the
atmosphere, ocean and land surface.
For details, see www.ecmwf.int/.
ECMWF has been entrusted to operate the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and
the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on behalf of the European Commission until the end
of 2020. Copernicus is the European Union (EU) flagship Earth-observation programme. The
programme ensures operational monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces,
and will provide reliable, validated information services for a range of environmental and security
applications.
3. Summary of the role
This is a new position in the Computing Department at ECMWF. The successful candidate will be
part of the Servers and Desktops team.
The analyst will participate in designing, implementing, administering and troubleshooting solutions
that aim to provide Copernicus users with the best desktop experience. He or she will contribute to
the design and support of the various hardware, software, physical and virtual components that
ultimately offer services to users.
4. Main duties and key responsibilities
With a primary focus on Copernicus users:
- Developing solutions for the next-generation desktop running Windows 7 or Linux, including virtualization technologies like VDI
- Providing support to all client supported software, including desktop operating systems (Windows and Linux), office productivity suites, Business Information systems, desktop virtualization technologies and desktop management and security tools
- Managing Windows services, applications and infrastructure under Microsoft Windows servers and desktops
- Evaluating new products, features and upgrades
- Troubleshooting and fixing problems with Windows and Linux-based systems
- Preparing images for roll-out of workstations, PCs and laptops
- Delivering excellent customer service
- Maintaining adequate communication and documentation
- Drafting internal guides and technical documents
- Supporting the team leader in defining strategies, planning activities and procuring services and infrastructure
- Regular participation in 24-hour on-call rota to resolve urgent operational problems, with requirement to be contactable at all times and prepared to be on-site, if necessary, within two hours, when on duty
5. Personal attributes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong interest in technology and IT troubleshooting with strong problem-solving attitude
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to maintain effective communication and documentation with the rest of the team and user community
- Excellent customer service and team player skills
- Good organisational skills
6. Qualifications and experience required
Education
A university degree, preferably in computer science or in a technical or scientific
subject.
Experience
Proven expertise at enterprise level in the management, design, development and
deployment of integrated desktop solutions.
Extensive experience with Microsoft and Linux operating systems, with a solid
working knowledge of desktop computing environment.
Proven experience and strong knowledge of centralised administration tools like
directory services, configuration and administration services, file system
sharing, and printing services.
Working experience administering and troubleshooting VMware infrastructure
and VDI technologies.
Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office productivity tools. Knowledge and
experience of document management systems would be an advantage.
Considerable experience in desktop engineering, architecture and IT support.
Strong troubleshooting skills with various COTS products.
Strong demonstrated experience with laptop, desktop and printer hardware
architectures as well as end-user device technologies, security and desktop
deployment tools.
Language
Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be
conducted in English.
A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or
German) would be an advantage.
7. Other information
Grade remuneration
The successful candidate will be recruited at the A2 grade, according to the scales of the
Co-ordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be £54,776 net of tax. This position is
assigned to the employment category STF-PL as defined in the Staff Regulations.
Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at
www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs, including the Centre’s Staff Regulations regarding the terms and
conditions of employment.
Starting date: As soon as possible.
Length of contract: Four years.
Location: The position will be based in the Reading area, in Berkshire, United Kingdom.
8. How to apply
Please apply by completing the online application form available at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs.
ECMWF has an Equal Opportunities Policy and applications from all suitably qualified candidates are
welcome.
Staff are usually recruited from among nationals of the Member States and Co-operating States.
Staff from non-ECMWF States may be considered in exceptional cases where there is a strong need
for a particular competency.
Interviews for this position are expected to take place week commencing 15 June 2015.
* The ECMWF Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
The ECMWF Co-operating States are Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania and Slovakia.