ICT Senior Assistant

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.

Background Information UNGSC:

United Nations Global Service Center (UNGSC) under the Department of Operational Support (DOS) is responsible to provide critical Logistics, Geospatial, Information &Telecommunications Technologies services and Training to all Secretariat Entities, Peacekeeping and Special Political missions, Agencies, Funds and Programmes of the UN system worldwide.

UNGSC is comprised of three core Service areas:

• Supply Chain Service (SCS)

• Service for Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies (SGITT)

• Central Service (CS)

The Infrastructure and Operations Section (IOS) is a key operational enabler of the enterprise centralization and consolidation strategy under the ICT Strategy. It provides all the centrally required equipment, hardware, software, communications and supporting infrastructure and services, to allow clients around the world to connect and use secure UN information and communications systems.

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 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.

Background Information - Job-specific

The ICT Senior Assistant will carry out his/her tasks at UNGSC/SGITT/IOS in Valencia, Spain.

UNOPS ICT Senior Assistant supports a diverse and complex portfolio of electromechanical and automation systems for critical Data Centre Infrastructure Systems including support to 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.

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

Under the overall supervision of the UNOPS Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent works under the direct guidance of the Chief, Infrastructure Operations Section (IOS) Infrastructure Operations Section, and Chief of Technology Infrastructure Support at the UN ICT Facility in Valencia, Spain. The ICT Senior Assistant is responsible for following key functions.

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Preventive and Corrective Maintenance in support of UNGSC Critical Data Center activities
2. Provision of 7/24/365 ICT Infrastructure support
3. Rack Hosting Service provided to the Data Centre for IT equipment installation and infrastructure modification as required

1. Preventive and Corrective Maintenance in support of UNGSC Critical Data Center activities (These activities are associated to the UNGSC Satellite Hub and Data Centre Environmental requirements applicable for Data Centre infrastructure service continuity in Valencia. Such activities and requirements are executed according to the scope of the ISO 27001, ISO 14001 and TIER III certifications held by UNGSC):

• 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 of data center structured cabling, fiber optic splicing, electrical installations and layouts.
• Follow industry standards and best practices for cable management, labeling, and documentation.
• Assist in the installation, configuration, and deployment of data center equipment and control 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.
• Monitor, analyze and optimize cooling systems and power usage to upgrade performance and increase efficiency, reducing power consumption when possible.
• Provide technical support with access control systems, including revision of access point control devices, tailgate system, door locks, access control terminals
• Provide hardware installation assistance for CCTV and audio-video systems
• 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) 
• Assist in the setup and organization of data center storage warehouse operations, including shelving systems installation, inventory management, and layout planning.
• Support with disaster recovery exercises.

Impact of Results

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) with no relevant experience is desirable; OR 
• First-level university degree (undergraduate, bachelor, or equivalent), preferably in industrial engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or any related field, with one (1) year of relevant experience, will be considered an asset; OR
• Secondary school diploma (or high school equivalent) and five (5) years of relevant experience are required.

• 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. 

• This position is stationed in Valencia, Spain which is a family duty station.

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.