Background Information - Job-specific
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPY*
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries. Job Specific Context
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in support of operational requirements of peacekeeping missions as well as special political missions (hereinafter โfield missionsโ).
The Service for Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies (SGITT) at DOS/UN Global Service Center (UNGSC) provides a critical role as the resilient operational hub for the support and delivery of technology services and solutions to field operations and a broad range of Secretariat and United Nations system clients. As a unified, singular service provider, SGITT provides reliable, resilient and innovative geospatial, communications and information technology services, including centralized connectivity, hosting and monitoring support, ensuring that staff members in field Missions at Headquarters have access to critical enterprise systems.
The Technology Solutions Engineer will carry out his/her tasks at UNGSC, Technology Development, Design & Planning Section (TDDPS), Technology Development Unit (TDU) in Valencia (Spain).
The Technology Solutions Engineer initiates and promotes technology solutions and innovations, integrating military and civilian technologies and expertise, in support of making UN peace operations more safe, more effective and more efficient; and creates synergies that emphasize enhanced operational performance, impact and capacities through the introduction of modern technology to UN peacekeeping and field missions.
This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for the United Nations Global Service Center. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
The position of ICT Specialist โ Technology Solutions Engineer supports the TDDPS/ TDU and focuses on delivering innovative technology solutions to enhance the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of UN peace operations. The role supports the operational needs of field missions and UN headquarters by:
Designing and delivering training and capacity building Advising on and implementing cutting-edge technologies Supporting procurement and documentation processes Driving innovation and fostering a culture of continuous improvementUnder the overall supervision of the Senior UNOPS Programme Manager, the incumbent for this post will be placed in UNGSC/TDDPS/TDU.
The Technology Solutions Engineer will be responsible for the following duties:
Summary of Key Functions:
Technology Solutions (particularly in Counter UAS, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Force Protection, Symmetric and Asymmetric Threat mitigation and sensors) Service Design and early life support Training design and delivery Documentation and Knowledge Management Innovation and Change Management Technology Solutions
Manages relationships with technical experts and field missionsโ programmes with respect to programme and project deliverables while managing risk; Builds high quality product design documentation as well as guidelines and SOPs for the implementation of new technologies in the field missions; Identifies and advises on Technologies Solutions (particularly in Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Force Protection, Symmetric and Asymmetric Threat mitigation technologies, Command & Control systems, Situational Awareness and Sensors) that could enhance better mandate implementation; Contributes to the development of innovation frameworks, best practices and technology roadmaps; Contributes to liaising with the industry and adhere to the UN procurement rules with the technology sector, vendors, industry, research & development entities and other partners with a view to assess and apply of modern technologies in UN field missions; Actively follows technology developments and identify technology trends and solutions with respect to military requirements for peace operations to contribute to the workplan to ensure that most updated technologies are used as per mandate and activities requirements; Travel to field and other operational locations, as necessary, to support the effective delivery of work. Service Design and earliy life support
Develops and implements products as a service strategy; Documentation and Knowledge Management
Prepares procurement documentation and provides technical input; Advises UNGSC, field missions and other UN entities on technical aspects of technologies from an engineering and operational viewpoint, as required;
Innovation and Change Management
Contributes to creating and nurture a culture conducive to innovation and develops innovation roles, talents, and career paths; Identifies disruptive threats and opportunities based on trends and shape; Applies strategy, cultivates and sponsors breakthrough innovation initiative; Delivers business results from innovation and leads the measurement and analysis of innovation results; Performs other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent's scope of services above.
Impact of results
The results of the work of the ICT Specialist - Technology Solutions Engineer impact directly on delivery of services that satisfy the requirements of UNGSC and their clients. The Technology Solutions Engineer initiates and promotes technology solutions and innovations, integrating military, police and civilian technologies and expertise, in support of making UN peace operations more safe, more effective and efficient; and creates synergies that emphasize enhanced operational performance, impact and capacities through the introduction of modern technology to UN peacekeeping and field missions. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring activities for all global locations are in line with the overall business targets and UN policies, rules and regulations. Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education:
Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent) preferably in information technology, computer science, engineering, electronics or in a field related to the post description with 5 years of relevant experience OR A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) preferably in information technology, computer science, engineering, electronics or in a field related to the post description with 7 years or relevant experience. Desired experience: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)
ITIL Foundation PRINCE 2 Foundation Experience:
Required
Relevant experience is defined as experience in leading and managing complex ICT or engineering solutions; A minimum of two (2) years experience in Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) systems; A minimum of one (1) year of experience in dealing with Unmanned Air Systems (UAS); A minimum of one (1) year experience in dealing with Counter Unmanned Air Systems (C-UAS); Desired experience: The following experience is optional. (Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)
Extensive experience in ICT Project Management; Experience in dealing with Request for Proposal (RFP) development; ISR responsibilities in an operational military or civilian field environment.
Language:
Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an asset.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: ICA
Contract level: ICS 10
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA โ โOpen-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.โ
Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA 2, depending on the incumbent's personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit in duty station), a local fee scale (LICA-10) might be applied in determining the contractor's fee.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.