ASSOCIATE INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe mission of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five new strategic directions, which are advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take the local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), a subsidiary and training arm of ECA, is headed by a director and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support). It is responsible for strengthening African countries' development planning and improving their capacity to formulate and manage effective public sector policies for structural transformation and sustainable development. The core functions of IDEP are as follows: a) Deliver training on sectoral, national, and regional development and medium to long-term planning to address the socioeconomic impact of emerging crises, based on updated content on risk-informed economic and social policy formulation and management b) Promote peer learning and collaboration among African development planners through communities of practice, and broaden access to the digitized knowledge repository of the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning c) enhance countries’ capacity to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, and national development agendas d) Foster knowledge generation, cross-fertilization, and knowledge-sharing through research products, fellowship programmes, development seminars, and high-level policy dialogues, as well as research networks spanning multiple African countries, consisting of universities, think tanks, Member States, United Nations country teams, and regional stakeholders e) Support the integration of a gender perspective and youth-related issues in all relevant public policies through capacity-building programmes that also consider social inclusion, entrepreneurship, employment, and green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, innovation, and digital transformation This position is located in the eLearning and Knowledge Management Section of the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Dakar, Senegal. The Associate Information System Officer works under the direct supervision of the Head of the Division of Knowledge Management, ICT, and E-Learning, who provides guidance, oversight, and evaluation of the incumbent's work. ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities: Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Associate Information System Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Knowledge Management & ICT Division of IDEP, the incumbent is expected to provide a full range of technical assistance in the area of desktop administration and support to ensure the design, development and maintenance of the telecommunication and information systems at IDEP. • Prepares parts of the user requirements and other technical specifications, designs, development and installation of well-defined and simple sections of information systems and maintains assigned portions of systems. • Assists with the initial analysis of well-defined modules within the system, by developing enhancements and new features to existing systems, and may design and implement small, stand-alone systems as needed. • Executes rigorous testing and proving of applications software, and repairs, updates, and maintains system’s documentation and related technical/procedural manuals. • Provides helpdesk support services, troubleshoot or escalate technical issues, and provide operational support for the system’s applications. • Ensures data security, integrity and business continuity planning supported by weekly backup, and develops defined sections of disaster recovery plans under supervision. • Sets up simple software performance measures or parts of complex measures and monitors them • Tests new technology and assesses it under guidance by higher-level officers. • Designs, develops and maintains high-quality web-based online courses suitable for LMS (Moodle) to respond to learners’ needs and harness technology advancement. • Manages content on IDEP platforms including all communications and announcements, undertakes quality control for the platform, and ensures content is current, comprehensive, and follows relevant metadata standards. • Extracts analytical reports for all digital training deployed under the Moodle platform and maintains the trainees' database. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, manage, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. The ability to analyze, model, and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey information succinctly to management. Adept at queries, report writing, and presenting findings. Takes pride in the work for the organization and understands the impact that can be brought into the organization by allowing data-driven and evidence-based decisions. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, development, Implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems or related areas, including relevant experience in the field of Moodle Learning Management systems, development, and support. Experience in technical ICT programming with Java is required. Knowledge of at least two programming languages, basic systems analysis and design techniques, testing, debugging, and documentation standards, database design, storage, and internal systems is required. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and identify priority activities and assignments is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview. Special NoticeStaff 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. An appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal, therefore subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF SENEGAL ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. Should there be a need for examination the candidate will be responsible for any travel expenses incurred. Internal Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience, and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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. 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