Information Systems Assistant

Mission and objectivesUnited Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) – http://monusco.unmissions.org MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).

ContextAssignment is with family (Kinshasa) Until 30 June 2025, with possible 1 year extension until 30 June 2026, depending on the availability of funds and satisfactory of performance.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the ICT Operations Officer, the duties of the Information Systems Assistant will include but are not limited to the following: Provides a full range of technical assistance in the area of video conferencing and support of camp security/CCTV systems: • Develop design concepts, specifications and provide subject matter expertise for Physical Access Control, Video Surveillance and Analytics, Perimeter Intrusion Detection, and other physical security protection systems. • Provide support to simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) platforms, Audio Visual (AV) Distribution and Control, AV Broadcasting and Recording Systems, Web Streaming, Video Conferencing & Digital Signage. • Develop and design concepts, specifications and expertise in conferencing systems both audio and video conferencing technologies. • Assist in the implementation of all Physical Security System projects, policies, and procedures within their area of responsibility. • Take hands-on lead in developing, installing, implementing, and managing integrated security solutions. • Resolve complex system issues related to physical security systems and infrastructure. • Troubleshoot system performance issues, perform preventive maintenance actions, and implement corrective actions. • Provides physical security recommendations to meet and maintain compliance with organization and industry security standards. • Prepare, maintain and update electronic inventories of security hardware, software, product documentation and project drawings. • Train end-users on security system operation and other system support personnel. • Participates in the security incident response activities related to the conference services equipment and the CCTV system; assists in the implementation, operation and maintenance of security controls; performs regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses as well as to determine the need for updating systems with fixes and patches. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies and valuesClient Orientation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarksThe Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.