ICT Specialist

The United Nations has been assisting Iraq with the establishment of the Electoral Management Body (initially Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, 2003, currently Independent High Electoral Commission), and the development of the institution’s capacities to administer electoral processes. Despite major military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in November 2017, the political and security environment in the country remains complex and unpredictable.

Since October 2019 the country has experienced major public unrest through continuous demonstrations and sit-ins in Baghdad and all over the country. Amongst demands for better delivery of public services, the protesters also claimed for change of government, and organization of early elections – elections to be held before the normally expected date, which would be the end of the current legislature, in May 2022.

On 5 December the Council of Representatives voted on a new Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) that provides for nine commissioners from the judiciary, who took office on 13

January 2019. The United Nations Assistance Mission of Iraq (UNAMI), through its Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA) has since then, been working closely with the nine commissioners to enhance their understanding of the different electoral aspects.

The new IHEC law also provides for changes to the senior positions, both in headquarters and governorates offices, which has a strong impact on the existing technical capacity of the institution. The upcoming elections in Iraq will be an important milestone for Iraq’s future progress, with the implementation of a credible electoral process and outcome.

On 27 May 2021, upon the request by the Government of Iraq on 11 February 2021 for additional support, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted SCR 2576 (2021) extending the UNAMI mandate until 27 May 2022, calling UNAMI to:

• Provide a strengthened, robust and visible UN team to monitor Iraq’s election day;

• Launch a UN strategic messaging campaign to educate, inform and update Iraqi voters on election  preparations.

The ICT Specialist will work under the supervision of the Team Leader.

The position is located in the Office of Electoral Assistance in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), with duty station in Baghdad. The ICT Specialist works closely with Iraqi counterparts of the IHEC and other Iraqi stakeholders, as well as UNAMI and other electoral advisors.

Software Development and Data Management 

• Develop a database for collected project data and perform database administrator functions.

• Develop statistical and analytical tools for analysis of collected data on rights violation as well as for comparative election results analysis, including data visualization tools in coordination with other Preparation Team Members.

• Design processes and tools to assure ongoing quality and integrity of data collected by Preparatory, Regional and Short-Term teams.

• Support the design, development, testing, implementation and documentation of data tools, including dashboards and reports

• Provide ongoing maintenance of data tools, including updating data sources, implementing improvements and providing other ad-hoc support as required

• Data cleaning and preparation, oversight and maintenance of internal data collection and management systems, production of ad-hoc and regular reports, as well as representation and/or presentation of IIC materials at relevant meetings

IT Management 

• Define the needed IT services for the project and support UNOPS Project Team in the procurement of third-party IT services

• Perform the technical supervision of the service providers engaged under the project

Capability Development

• Draft Data Protection Standard Operating Procedures for the project and conduct trainings to ensure its application throughout the mission 

• Support in the development and delivery of capability development programs and documentation for personnel and key users on data tools, including in their use and ongoing maintenance

• Support in the provision of internal training as required on skills and technologies within the scope of experience of the consultant, including on dashboard development

• Perform other duties as requested by the Team Leader.

The Team Leader and other members of the UN electoral watch office; senior staff and officers of UNDSS, electoral management bodies and other national institutions involved in the electoral process; other staff and officers working at the UNAMI office in Baghdad.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimizing violence and maximizing the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability;

• The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organization;

• The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications.     

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Iraq UN Partnership Framework of the project Support to electoral process Iraq.

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field is required. A first level university degree in combination with additional 2 years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• A minimum of five years (or more depending on academic credentials) of experience in ICT or related fields
• Experience in Data Management and/or Software Development is required; 
• Demonstrated experience in the design and management of databases is a strong asset; 
• Experience in project management and delivering services to clients is desired; 
• Prior experience in election related projects would be preferable; 
• Experience in the region, and in particular related to Iraq, would be an asset; 
• Experience working with the UN, a UN agency or an international organization is a strong asset; 

•  Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Baghdad is not a UN Family Duty Station.
• This vacancy is posted on behalf of UNAMI. The contract duration is 5 months
  
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• 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
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type: Individual Contractual Agreement 
Contract level: I-ICA2
Contract duration: Short Term ICA