Posting Title: Information Systems Officer, P4

Job Code Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER

Department/ Office: Department of Political Affairs

Duty Station: VIENNA

Posting Period: 7 April 2015-6 June 2015

Job Opening number:15-IST-DPA-41964-R-VIENNA (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the United Nations Register of Damage caused by the Construction of the Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (UNRoD) in Vienna, Austria. The Information Systems Officer reports directly to the Executive Director.

For more information on UNRoD, please visit our website: www.unrod.org

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Information Systems Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Performs SQL server database administration functions, including set-up, construction and management of the databases, security and business continuity aspects as well as database maintenance and monitoring.
2. Ensures the security and confidentiality of the data and manages the database, architecture and processes accordingly.
3. In close cooperation with the Senior Legal Officer and under the overall guidance of the Executive Director, plans and directs major systems projects of significant importance to the institution, or major components of these complex systems which typically impact critical operations and large or multiple user groups.
4. Provides expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identifies the need for new systems (or modifications to existing systems) or respond to requests from users; develops plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation, including project plans, schedules, time and cost estimates, metrics and performance measures.
5. Develops cost proposals for contractual services, oversees the technical evaluation of proposals received and manages the contract service.
6. Tracks and monitors project progress against plan, requirements, quality measures, standard processes; liaises with users on all aspects and during all phases of development and implementation.
7. Extracts and systemizes the substantive information contained in the database for the use of the Executive Director.
8. Provides professional leadership and work direction to assigned project team, and/or mentor and supervises the work of new/junior officers, contract staff, etc.
9. Is actively involved in the execution of the most complex aspects of the project (e.g. systems analysis, development, programming, etc.); oversees development of document and database structures, ensuring that all design aspects are addressed and control and security mechanisms are established.
10. Develops, implements and monitors information standards and guidelines, including testing paradigms.
11. Prepares technical and user documentation for entire systems and interdependent applications; prepares training materials and detailed technical presentations.
12. Keeps abreast of developments in the field and determines the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies; provides leadership on introducing technological changes; prepares various technical reports.
13. Facilitates communications between ITS and its major clients for good client relations.
14. Serves as coordinator in the development of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the client and ITS, for either specific IT services or general technology support, including any charge back mechanisms.
15. Participates in planning and preparation of the budget, work program and spending plan.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems. Ability to develop and oversee, with minimal supervision, large centralized or decentralized institutional systems; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters with a specific focus on data confidentiality and integrity . Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, knowledge of organization's information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s). 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.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology

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

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area is required. Extensive hands-on experience in Transact-SQL Programming, including working with Stored Procedures, functions and triggers, is required. Knowledge of developing and maintaining high-performance SQL server databases, including query optimization, storage management and performance enhancement, is required. Knowledge of Java programming, including best practices and design patterns, is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

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

United Nations Considerations

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the 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.

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.

Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

Application Information: https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=41964&