ICT Specialist – Software Architect & Developer

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

* THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY APPLICANTS WHO ARE ITALIAN NATIONALS OR APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS A VALID RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT IN ITALY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION*

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York.  The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

Job Specific background

UNOG Division of Administration (DOA) - Information and Communication Technology Service (ICTS) provides software solutions for the United Nations Staff Mutual Insurance Society (UNSMIS), in particular designing, developing and maintaining custom solutions to support claims processing, decision making and process streamlining for UNSMIS.

The Product Management Unit at ICTS is responsible for delivering innovative, best-in-class IT products and integrated solutions to the United Nations.

Under the overall supervision of UNOPS Senior Programme Manager or an assigned person, the main role of the ICT Specialist – Software Architect and Developer is to work under the direct operational guidance of the partner in UNOG to analyze, design and develop best in class business analysis, IT products and decision support tools, as well as support those tools to increase efficiency of manual administrative process steps and facilitate timely and cost-effective process execution. 

This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for the United Nations Secretariat.

The ICT Specialist – Software Architect and Developer will be responsible for the following duties:

Summary of Key Functions: 

1. Business Analysis and Software Architecture Support

2. Development, Testing and Quality Assurance Support

3. Documentation, Training, Maintenance and Support 

Expected Results:

1. Business Analysis and Software Architecture Support

• Implements and monitors projects involving feasibility studies, data and systems analysis improvement, development and implementation of application solutions.

• Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.

• Provides guidance ice to clients, analyzing clients’ requirements and support in translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.

• Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes suggestions s to supervisor for their deployment.

• Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, etc.

• 2. Development and Quality Assurance Support 

• Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for major systems.

• Designs and builds data models/databases, data warehouses and tools to integrate and store data from several sources. Support in designing and implementing ETL processes.

• Maintains, upgrades or enhances existing user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing user support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of assigned systems, etc. 

• Develops and maintains computer programs that require integration of many interrelated systems and program elements; ensures appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area issues.

• Deploys and manage Docker containers for applications deployment. 

• 3. Documentation, Training, Maintenance and Support 

• Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems prepare disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.

• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc. Other tasks and responsibilities relevant to the scope of work as assigned.

• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Impact of Results 

The result of the work of the ICT Specialist – Software Architect and Developer impacts directly on delivery of services that satisfy the requirements of the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG). It will also ensure proper processes and methodologies are followed and implemented according to the latest industry standards. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring activities for all UNOG stakeholders are in line with the overall business targets and UN policies, rules and regulations.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Meetings with supervisor and feedback as necessary.

• Two working days must overlap with Geneva core hours, 10:00AM-12:00PM and 1PM-4PM Geneva time (note that Switzerland applies DST)

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in information technology, computer science, engineering, statistics, or in a field related to the post description with 5 years of relevant experience is required OR

• A first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) preferably in information technology, computer science, engineering, statistics, or in a field related to the post description with 7 years of relevant experience.

• ITIL Certification is desirable

• PRINCE2 Certification is desirable.

• Contract type: ICA
• Contract level: LICA 10
• Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types. 

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

*** This recruitment aims to fill an ongoing, full-time position. Depending on actual needs, the hiring unit may decide to recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts with different working conditions (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions).