ICT Senior Assistant – Data Center Infrastructure

 **** THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY APPLICANTS WHO ARE SPANISH OR EUROPEAN UNION CITIZENS OR APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS A VALID RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT IN SPAIN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION**** 

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

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.

The United Nations Department of Operational Support, Office of Information and Communications Technology (UN DOS-OICT) is responsible for the delivery of applications and technologies that satisfy the requirements of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Operational Support (DPO/DOS) missions as well as Special Political Missions (SPMs). 

The Technology Infrastructure Support Unit (TISU) is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of two TIER 3 Certified Data Centre Critical Facilities, maintaining the electromechanical platform where the entire telecommunication services are supported for the UN secretariat, agencies, funds and programs.

The section maintains the following services 24/7/365: Emergency power generation; High Availability UPS Systems of 3 MW; Remote monitoring and automation of systems; Cooling and ventilation; Fire suppression systems; Solar generation of 800 kW; Other green practices as direct free cooling to ensure an eco-friendly and viable critical facility; Mission Support Products as Modular systems (MCC) in several versions for multiple applications; Hybrid Solar – Diesel generation and other standalone power self-sustainable systems.

The ICT Senior Assistant – Data Center Infrastructure working in UNGSC will liaise among project managers, design teams, operations teams, and our partners / suppliers communicating between all key stakeholders to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of new services and maintenance of existing ones.

UNOPS ICT Senior Assistant – Data Center Infrastructure  supports a diverse and complex portfolio of electromechanical and automation systems, Industrial Internet of Things system designed to maintain the optimum environmental conditions for the operation of all telecommunications and IT equipment to ensure full availability, continuous and safe operation year-round.

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

The incumbent of this position will be a staff member of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Preventive and Corrective Maintenance in support of UNGSC Critical Data Center

2. Coordinate with TISU management about the conduct of the Uptime Tier III, and activities related to ISO’s certification and re-certification of the Data Centre

3. Rack Hosting Service provided to the Data Centre for IT equipment installation and infrastructure modification as required

4. Provide technical support for the Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) systems

Details of Duties: 

• Assist in routine preventive maintenance tasks according to established schedules, to ensure the reliability, optimal performance, uptime, and longevity of data center infrastructure.

• Identify potential issues or failures through regular monitoring, testing, and analysis, and take proactive measures to address them. 

• Execute corrective maintenance procedures to address hardware failures, network disruptions, and other technical problems.

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including repairs, replacements, and system upgrades.

• Assist in the installation, configuration, and deployment of data center equipment and systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems related to hardware, software, and network connectivity of industrial sensors and devices.

• Assist in monitoring and maintaining HVAC systems, power distribution, power generation, power backup, UPS systems, and fire suppression systems.

• Assist with the access control system, including revision of access point control devices, tailgate system, door locks, access control terminal, application setup, maintenance, and support.

• Provide setup assistance for CCTV and audio-video systems

• Follow industry standards and best practices for cable management, labeling, and documentation.

• Respond to and resolve escalated technical issues and outages in a timely manner to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to diagnose and troubleshoot complex problems related to hardware, software, and network connectivity.

• Liaise with External Service Providers or contractors to support other technologies integrated within the Data Centre infrastructures (Main electric lines, Fire Suppression Systems, UPS’s and Generators)  

• Monitor, analyse and optimize cooling systems and power usage to upgrade performance and increase efficiency, reducing power consumption when possible.

• Assist in updating documentation required by the Uptime Institute with the definition of Tier III certification of the Data Centre.

• Assist to maintain, improve or execute operations in compliance with ISO 27001 Standard Operating Procedures within the Unit.

• Carry out internal trainings and regular meetings for ISO 27001 and 14001 standards, reviews, updates, and archives of hard copy documentation related to infrastructures of the Data Centre.

• Oversee the provisioning and management of data center rack space, ensuring efficient utilization and adherence to best practices.

• Coordinate with internal teams and external customers to allocate rack space and ensure timely deployment of equipment.

• Conduct regular audits of rack installations, ensuring compliance with safety, security, and performance standards.

• Monitor power and cooling capacities and recommend optimizations to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.

• Assist in the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of IoT/OT devices and systems, such as sensors, controllers (PLC, Microcontrollers), and gateways.

• Collaborate with OT/IoT teams to implement security measures, monitor system performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to OT/IoT connectivity, data collection, and integration with enterprise systems.

• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and trends in the OT/IoT field and provide recommendations for process improvement and optimization.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.  

• Diploma or University Degree, preferably in information sciences, computer sciences or engineering, is desirable

• 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.

• 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.

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. 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.