Senior Telecommunications Assistant

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located centrally in the Office of Information and Communications Technology, Operations Support Division, Technology Operations Service (OICT/OSD/TOS). The incumbent reports to the Chief, Global Engineering and Conferencing Unit. Functional responsibility for these profiles rests with the OICT. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Telecommunications Technician will be responsible for the following duties: Transmission/dissemination Technology Operations: • Installs, configures, tests and commissions various broadcast and associated equipment. • Operates and maintains equipment, inclusive of the antenna system, RF equipment, IF equipment, base-band equipment, and the control, supervisory, and test facilities. • In coordination with stakeholders, conducts periodic system testing and circuit line-up of existing digital systems. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Ensures that preventative maintenance and repairs schedules are carried out per established guidelines and procedures. • Advises the Unit/Section Chief on matters relating to operations. • Coordinates the provisioning of point-to-point and multi-destination digital carriers. • Performs preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair. • Maintains up to date records and documentation. • Monitors spare parts and ensures that the operation has sufficient spare parts. • Supervises crews of skilled Engineering Technicians. • Prepares monthly reports on facility performance, including detailed reports of service outages for outage rebate purposes. • Performs other related duties as required. Wide Area Network Operations: • Installs, configures, tests and commissions various UN Wide Area Network (WAN) systems and associated equipment. • Provides support to missions overseas. • Coordinates with leased line carrier and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at Headquarters, the OAHs, and/or Missions. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests for Proposals and evaluation. • Carries out fault diagnosis and resolve transmission and switching impairments arising between the OAHs, Missions, and/or Headquarters. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Advises the Unit/Section Chief on matters relating to operations of WAN. • Supervises crews of skilled Wide Area Network Engineering Technicians. • Ensures that the Network Control Center/Network Operations Center records and Wide Area Network records/documentation are kept current. • Ensures that preventative maintenance and repairs schedules are carried out per established guidelines and procedures. • Performs advanced technical support activities, including module level system repairs, with respect to Wide Area Network Switches, routers and frame relay nodal processors. • Monitors transmission performance of all local and remote network nodes at the link and at the I/O levels. • Prepares monthly reports on node and transmission facility performance, including detailed reports of leased facility outages for outage rebate purposes. • Performs other related duties as required. Local Area Network Operations: • Performs advanced technical support activities, including firmware upgrades, and module level repair of multi-layer switches, routers, remote access servers, content switches and Ethernet hubs. • Installs, configures, and maintains multi-protocol routers, multi-layer switches, Ethernet hubs and other LAN equipment. • Monitors the performance of the LAN, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and high-speed Internet access facilities. • Coordinates and facilitates the implementation of ad-hoc LAN support requirements with departmental focal points. • Provides remote operations and maintenance service and advanced technical support for access routers on the Wide Area Network. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Maintains LAN and MAN equipment inventory and tracks repair history of Local Area Network equipment and modules. • Prepares system engineering plans, generates and revises network diagrams and network documentation. • Supervises crews of skilled Local Area Network Engineering Technicians. • Performs other related duties as required. Communication and Collaboration Technology Services Operation: • Installs, configures, tests and commissions remote collaboration and telecommunication facility, management and accounting systems, servers, and encrypted communication devices. • Provides support to missions overseas. • Coordinates with service requesting departments, Facilities Management Division, local and remote service providers, leased line carrier and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at Headquarters, the OAHs, and/or Missions. • Ensures that system operate smoothly and meet availability and reliability targets. • Ensures that preventative maintenance schedules system is carried out per established guidelines. • Analyzes service level provided by contractors in correcting reported troubles in service. • Monitors contractors' performance in carrying out Moves, Adds and changes and ensures that established guidelines are met • Supervises UN and contractor staff responsible for Service and Quality Control. • Assists the Chief of Section in implementation of projects. • Advises the Chief on matters relating to operation of systems. • Ensures performance of traffic analysis and recommends measures to alleviate overload situations. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Manages intranet site and post policies, procedures, and guidelines in intranet. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to operating Units. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests for Proposals for equipment and services. Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Assists in establishing performance benchmarks for contractor works. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to changed operating environment or optimize operation. • Assists in drafting operational performance standards and maintenance guidelines for services. • Gathers statistical data on operational performance of telecommunication equipment and prepares engineering drawings. • Performs other related duties as required. Audio-Visual, Conference, and Television Production Services: • Installs, configures, tests and commissions Conference Management and Simultaneous Interpretation (CMSI) systems. • Provides support to missions overseas. • Coordinates with service requesting departments, conference, and videoconference bridging service providers leased line carrier and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at Headquarters, the OAHs, and/or Missions. • Ensures that installed conference systems operate smoothly and meet availability and reliability targets. • Ensures that preventative maintenance schedules on audio-visual (AV) and conference systems are implemented out per established guidelines. • Analyzes service level provided by contractors in correcting reported troubles in conference, AV and videoconference bridging services. • Monitors contractors' performance in carrying out Moves, Adds and changes and ensures that established guidelines are met. • Supervises UN and contractor staff responsible for a) conference services b) conference systems installation c) conference systems maintenance. • Assists the Chief of Unit/Section in implementation of projects. • Advises the Chief on matters relating to engineering and operation of AV and conference systems. • Analyzes trends in AV and conference service and supports requests and the level of service and support provided and identifies future resource requirements needed to satisfy demand and advises Chief of unit and Section accordingly. • Assists in large projects when engineering services are to be provided in the Secretariat locations. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to operating Units. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests For Proposals for equipment and services required by entities across the UN Secretariat. Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Assists in establishing performance benchmarks. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to changed operating environment or optimize operation. • Assists in drafting engineering and operational performance standards and maintenance guidelines for AV and conference services. • Gathers statistical data on operational performance of communication equipment and prepare engineering drawings. • Performs other related duties as required. Radio Communications and Video Surveillance Systems Integration and Maintenance: • Installs, configures, tests and commissions radio communications and video surveillance systems. • Provides systems support to missions overseas. • Coordinates with UN Security, Facilities Management Division, radio communications and video surveillance systems and service providers, service restoration during facility failures at Headquarters, the OAHs, and/or Missions. • Ensures that radio communications and video surveillance systems operate smoothly and meet availability and reliability targets. • Ensures that preventative maintenance schedules on radio communications and video surveillance systems are carried out per established guidelines. • Analyzes service level provided by contractors in correcting reported troubles in radio communications and video surveillance systems and services. • Monitors contractors performance in carrying out Moves, Adds and changes and ensures that established guidelines are met • Supervises UN and contractor staff responsible for a) Radio communications b) Video surveillance. • Assists the Chief of Section in implementation of projects. • Advises the Chief on matters relating to operation of radio communications and video surveillance systems and services. • Assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to operating Units. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests For Proposals for equipment and services. Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Assists in establishing performance benchmarks for contractor works. • Provides assistance in workflow analyses of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to changed operating environment or optimize operation. • Assists drafting operational performance standards and maintenance guidelines for radio communications and video surveillance services. • Gathers statistical data on operational performance of telecommunication equipment and prepare engineering drawings. • Performs other related duties as required. Other: • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages, digital signage, power point presentations or brochures. • Co-ordinates and provides advanced technical support to engineering and operating Units. • Provides assistance in preparation of Requests for Proposals for equipment and services. • Performs cost-benefit analyses. • Drafts system engineering plans, requests for proposals, generates and revises diagrams and technical documentation. • Coordinates and performs assessment, and drafts reports on installations, configuration, maintenance and operation of multi-protocol routers, multi-layer switches and other networking, broadcast, multimedia, conferencing and communications equipment and systems. • Assists in development and support of Governance and Compliance processes. • Coordinate and contributes to security and risk assessment activities. • Maintains up to date records and documentation. • Supervises technical staff and servers as a team leader in assigned projects • Performs other related duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Telecommunications Engineers, Technicians, Facilities Management Division and IT specialists throughout the Secretariat, at the OAHs, and at DPKO Field Missions Technical staff and managers in user offices Security and Safety personnel Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors and contractors Results Expected: Delivers reliable AV, conference, and network services and provides sound operational support to the UN user community at Headquarters, at the OAHs and in missions; provides leadership and demonstrates technical ability in telecommunications. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of telecommunication, AV and conferencing equipment, principles of operations, including local area networks for video network (SMPTE 2110), satellites, radio and video surveillance systems, voice, and messaging systems. Knowledge of television technology, and principles of IP and digital transmission. Knowledge of synchronous and asynchronous data interface standards and protocols. Knowledge of Conference Management and Simultaneous Interpretation (CMSI) technology and operation. Ability to apply knowledge and technical skills to install and test relevant equipment, provide maintenance services and user support. Ability to assist with IP and digital transmission facility testing and troubleshooting. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. EducationHigh School Diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of 10 years of experience in working with conference management and simultaneous interpretation (CMSI), audio visual, television production and post-production, and other broadcast equipment is required. Experience in telecommunications or related area is required. Project Management skills and experience are desirable. Progressively responsible experience in implementation, operation and maintenance of a large television, video production, conferencing facility or related area is required. Familiarity with ST2110 transport and related discovery, control, routing, and switch configurations is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview. Special NoticeThis position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Applicants for GS and related positions may apply and be considered for locally recruited positions no matter where they are currently located (including the current serving staff members at other duty stations), provided they are locally available upon appointment. They must be authorized to work in the country regardless of where they live at the time of applying for the job opening. 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. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. 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Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. 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