Telecommunications Engineer [temporary], Nicosia, Cyprus At United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

Posting Title: TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER, P3 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER

Department/Office: United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

Duty Station: NICOSIA

Posting Period: 01 June 2023 – 07 June 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Telecommunications Technology-UNFICYP-205468-J-Nicosia (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and ReportingThe Situational Awareness Program was established in February 2017 by the then Under-Secretaries-General of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support to revise and improve how information sharing and associated technology requirements are delivered to operational-level peacekeeping and improve overall situational awareness and information analysis in the field and at the United Nations Headquarters. In August 2021 the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) published its Strategy for Digital Transformation of UN Peacekeeping which included the Enhancing Situational Awareness workstream. In early 2022 DPO created the Situational Awareness Team to lead the doctrinal and alignment stage of the workstream, coordinating and harmonizing situational awareness-related initiatives across peacekeeping and, through the development of the necessary doctrine and processes, facilitate the effective roll-out of Unite Aware. Unite Aware (UA) is a technology platform designed to support situational awareness in UN Peace Operations in the field and at Headquarters. Unite Aware incorporates a suite of integrated applications and technologies used to collect and manage a broad range of data and information sources in a secure manner, The platform was piloted in MINUSCA in 2018-19 and was refined based on user feedback. The Situational Awareness Team has developed a rollout plan for UNFICYP, that includes the positioning in-mission of a situational awareness technical expert and mentor, to support adoption, to provide training and act as a feedback mechanism to UNHQ and the technical team to ensure the fitness of the solution. The position will be located in UNFICYP (Nicosia). As the rollout progresses the selected candidate may be required to provide support to other Peace Operations. The selected candidate will serve as Telecommunications Engineer P3 and will support the mission’s Chief of Staff in rolling out the UA technology platform, providing feedback to the technical teams in UNHQ. The Telecommunications Engineer will report to the Director of Operations Support Division OICT in UNHQ through the UNFICYP Chief of Unit, Field Technology Section. The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) provides strategic direction and leadership for the implementation of Organization-wide ICT and for planning and coordinating ICT activities Secretariat-wide, ensuring the effective and efficient utilization of resources in the modernization of information systems and the improvement of the Secretariat-wide information and communications services worldwide to a consistent standard of functionality, quality and reliability and reports to the Under-Secretaries-General of both the Department of Operational Support and Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Telecommunications Engineer will be responsible for the following duties:

•  Provides support for the rollout of the Unite Aware technology platform. Evaluates, performs tests and recommends selection of various telecommunications systems for the Unite Aware technology platform.
•  Drafts specifications and standards for telecommunications equipment to support the Unite Aware technology platform.
•  Provides support for the development of technical specifications for procurement of equipment; evaluates vendor proposals, performs tests and recommends selection of telecommunications equipment for the Unite Aware technology platform.
•  Establishes performance standards for telecommunications equipment and services and recommends corrective measures to improve service quality and operational performance.
•  Provides emergency communications capabilities within the technology platform in support of staff security, including providing a focal point for inter-agency emergency field security communications liaison.
•  Collaborates in the preparation of training modules and other training activities in all aspects of the Unite Aware technology platform rollout and usage.
•  Prepares and makes presentations on telecommunications networks and equipment to staff and other UN agencies.
•  Identifies appropriate standards to procure communications equipment at the least cost and in the most expeditious manner.
•  Ensures effective coordination with other UN agencies in order to maximize possibilities of inter-agency collaboration in the field of telecommunications.
•  Supervises staff/technicians as required.
•  Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

•  Professionalism: Knowledge of communication equipment with adequate skills for their installation and maintenance. Knowledge of operations of commercial telecommunications services, voice and data communications techniques, radio and satellite communication systems Ability to analyze telecommunication data and conduct reviews. 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.
•  Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
•  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.

EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in electronic, technical or communications engineering, technical science, computer technology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in electronic data transmission, network design, communications or related area is required. Experience in the area of Signals / ICT / C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers (C4), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) is desirable. One year of experience in the management/supervision in a uniformed operations centre (OPCEN) or related area is desirable. Experience in developing technology specifications in support of a field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping operations, special political missions, agencies funds and programmes), military, or other similar international organization is desirable. Experience in training /mentoring/advising in a field or uniformed operational environment 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 French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

•  This position is temporarily available until 30 April 2024 with a possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
•  While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
•  Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
•  This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
•  Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
•  Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.