ICT Systems Support Officer

United Nations Volunteers

General

Description of assignment title

ICT Systems Support Officer

Assignment country: Malawi
Expected start date: 03/03/2025
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNDP
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Lilongwe

Details

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964. Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP’ s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi. UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Agenda 2063 and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis. Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.

Context

The Systems Support Officer provides systems and administrative support services to the ICT unit and provides daily technical support to users of information management tools and technology infrastructure in the UNDP Country Office. The Systems Support Officer promotes a client-oriented approach. The Systems Support Officer works in close collaboration with Programme, Operations, and projects teams in the MCO and UNDP HQ staff to resolve ICT- related issues. UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration. UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:

  • Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment.
  • Support with arrival administration and official processes as required.
  • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal.
  • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address.
  • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning.
  • Ensure that UN Volunteers are provided all necessary security measures as per the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS);
  • Leave management.
  • DSA for official travel, when applicable.
  • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme;
  • Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV;
  • Provide emergency assistance, e.g. the death of volunteer or medical evacuation, in collaboration with UNV. Accept letters of guarantees or potential liabilities for covering medical costs not claimable under medical insurance in extraordinary situations (e.g. isolation facilities` services during pandemics).

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the ICT Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Systems Support Officer will:

  • Creating and developing logical and innovative ICT based solutions to solve day to day operational complex challenges.
  • Train system users to effectively use of corporate applications to enhance their effectiveness
  • Participates in the creation and maintenance of documentation, work instructions and configuration standards and provide guidance to end-users on application functionalities
  • Deploys end user workstations and accessories for new hires; performs hardware refresh on pre-determined cycle and update of the replacement plan
  • Assists with managing hardware, software and telephone inventory
  • Responsible for knowing and complying with applicable organization’s ICT policies, SOP’s, Information Security, Regulatory Compliance and other process requirements as they apply to their area of responsibility.
  • Maintain proficiency in multiple programming languages, expand expertise in cross-platform and, enhance knowledge of database technologies, and improve DevOps skills.
  • As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
    • Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
    • Ability to design digital products which are user-centered, intuitive, functional and achieve desired outcomes
    • Ability to support digital business processes across a range of digital projects, programs and activities.
    • Proven experience and knowledge in Programming Languages (e.g., JavaScript, PHP, C#, Java, Python and or other OOP languages)
    • Good knowledge of systems development and design principles in Microservices and Event-Driven Systems
    • Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work
  • Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 3 years

Languages: English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Information Systems, Telecommunications, Engineering and/or related fields.

Competencies and values

A. Core values:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

B. Core competences:

  • Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
  • Works Collaboratively with others (1)
  • Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
  • Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
  • Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
  • Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
  • Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

Skills and experience

  • Experience in Managing WebApps, Microsoft AD or Intune infrastructure
  • Experience with relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra), proficiency in ORM frameworks, and ability to design and implement scalable, distributed systems and microservices architectures
  • DevOps and cloud platform proficiency, including version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and security best practices (OWASP principles, authentication/authorization mechanisms)
  • In-depth understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum) and experience leading development teams in these environments
  • Experience in providing technical assistance and support to users, with practical knowledge of various computer platforms, applications, and diagnostic tools
  • Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions to complex technical challenges and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and effective collaboration in multicultural teams
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications, general computer literacy, experience with open-source technologies and development practices, and familiarity with emerging trends in software development
  • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
  • Have affinity with or interest in ICT work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System and effectively in a challenging environment;

Area(s) of expertise

Information technology

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