Regional Technical Coordinator

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

 ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries. 

Development Group Cluster, New York

Based in the New York, the UNOPS Development Group Cluster supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. For example, within the United Nations Development Programme, the Cluster supports the Bureau for Development Policy and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation.

The cluster also supports the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services.

Background information – DFS - UNSOA

The United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) is a field support operation led by the United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) under UN security Council Resolution 1863 (2009) mandated to deliver a logistics capacity support package to AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia), as well as to provide operational support to other East African missions.

The logistics package consists of equipment and mission support services, including ICT infrastructure, systems and software applications in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations, DFS and DPI in the region. UNSOA is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with logistics operations facilitated through Mombasa, Kenya and Mogadishu, Somalia

In addition, as a member of the East African Missions and Region 2, UNSOA is a beneficiary of centralized ICT services provided by the Regional ICT Services (RICTS) office of the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE). These services include ICT Technical & Signals Training, Applications Implementation, Autonomous ICT Communications, ICT Security & Compliance, and Physical ICT Security and Surveillance. As per GA A/67/723, there is no separate funding assessment made for the RSCE. Each mission contributes a portion of its budget and personnel to enable the services of the RSCE.

Under the leadership of the UNOPS ICT Programme Manager, the incumbent will assume the following responsibilities:

Conduct on-going assessment of core communications infrastructure for UNSOA and regional missions for high availability, reliability and performance;

Carry out continuous improvement on the existing regional communications infrastructure between Entebbe and UNSOA; recommend/oversee/implement enhancements, maintenance and upgrades;

Provide periodic analysis and report of the technical state of the core communication infrastructure;

Plan, propose, install, configure, test and deploy major satellite and terrestrial communications systems such as 03B, Wireless, PMP, WiMAX, Wireless, LTE and others;

Ensure satellite, leased line and wireless networks are reliable and highly available for UNSOA and the

region;

Provide technical guidance to colleagues and other teams for improvement of connectivity;

Find creative solutions to the challenges of regional and mission network design, satellite communication, mobile communications, data service, internet and network signaling protocols;

Test theoretical designs along with other teams for possible system implementation at UNSOA and the

Regional missions;

Work within tight timeframes as part of a high-performing team;

Attend regular meetings on planning of projects and operation activities for UNSOA and the region;

Manage projects and attending regular meetings to discuss the best way to move projects and activities

forward;

Participate in conference calls and meetings to discuss challenges, action plans and team performance;

Ensure that projects are delivered on time and operational activities meet pre-set service level agreements;

Attend conferences/workshop/briefings on emerging communication networks services and products, and

transfer that knowledge to the missions in the region;

Manage physical resources and staff;

Prepare clear and concise written reports and presentations for management;

Keep systems documentation up-to-date and ensure accessibility.

Impact of Results

The results of the work of the Regional Technical Coordinator impact directly on delivery of services that satisfy the requirements of the mission. It will also ensure proper processes and methodologies are followed and implemented according to the latest of the industry standards. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring activities for all global locations are in line with the overall business targets and UN policies, rules and regulations.

Professionalism: Strong communication research and analytical skills and ability to rapidly analyses and integrate diverse information from various sources; up-to-date knowledge of current ICT topics and issues; proven ability in information gathering, writing and editing a variety of communications materials to very tight deadlines. 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.

Client Orientation: Ability to identify and analyze clients’ needs and develop appropriate solutions to the business needs. Experience in working with contracted service providers in a globally dispersed environment.

Planning and Organizing: Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. Sound organization and interpersonal skills, ability to coordinate teams of individuals with diverse skills set.

Communications: Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Ability to advise and coach in the areas of expertise and effectively prepare specifications and other written reports/documentation in a clear and concise style.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect

Education:

Master's degree or equivalent in computer or information systems, telecommunications, or other related field. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in an ICT environment is required, with at least 3 years of demonstrated cumulative experience in communications systems including O3B, WiMAX, Wireless LTE or others. Experience of project management is essential. Proven knowledge and experience in providing technical guidance and finding innovative solutions is strongly desired. Proven knowledge and experience in infrastructure assessment for reliability, performance and high availability is essential. Experience working with globally-dispersed project teams and working in a multi-project environment is highly desirable. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Professional experience at the international level in the public/private sector is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language is highly desirable.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• 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.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.