Information Systems Officer - United Nations (Apply by: March 21, 2016)

Posting Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER

Job Code Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER

Department/Office: UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

Duty Station: GENEVA

Apply by: March 21, 2016

Special Notice

This post is financed by project funds. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate, job performance, and/or the availability of the funds.

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.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is situated in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics of UNCTAD.
Under the supervision of the Chief of the ASYCUDA Programme, the Information System Officer will be responsible for the IT strategy of the Programme and for providing guidance and support to the IT Teams based in Geneva and in the field.

Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to undertake the following duties without specific training:

Plans and directs major systems projects of significant importance to the Programme , or major components of the complex systems which typically impact critical operations and large or multiple user groups.
Provides expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identifies the need for new systems development or respond to requests from ASYCUDA user countries; develops plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation, including project plans, schedules, and time and cost estimates, metrics and performance measures.
Develops cost proposals for contractual services, oversees the technical evaluation of proposals received and manages the contract service.
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.
Provides professional leadership and work direction to the IT team, and/or mentor and supervises the work of new/junior officers, contract staff, consultants etc.
Is actively involved in the execution of the most complex aspects of the development (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.
Develops, implements and monitors information standards and guidelines for the ASYCUDA Programme, including testing paradigms.
Prepares technical and user documentation for entire systems and interdependent applications; prepares training materials and detailed technical presentations.
Keeps abreast of developments in the field of Information Technology and determines the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies; provides leadership on introducing technological changes; prepares various technical reports.
Facilitates communications between the ASYCUDA Programme and the procurement services for good client relations.
Participates in planning and preparation of the budget, risk contingency and business continuity plans and work program.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems. Ability to develop and oversee 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. Knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, knowledge of Customs automated systems . High level of ICT background with detailed knowledge of Java/J2EE, XML/XSD, UML, SOAP, Oracle, and Linux. 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.

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 AND 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 system, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years relevant working experience in ICT systems analysis, design, development and support, of which five years in the field of Customs automation. Experience in implementing IT tools for software management, development and support tracking required. Five years experience of research into Java technologies for secure data exchange with customs automation software in an e-government environment required. Proven experience in prototyping and implementing modules interfacing with customs information technology systems. Experience working in an international environment would be desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will 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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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