ICT Infrastructure Specialist (Retainer)

• Infrastructure
• Procurement 
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management 
• Technical and Advisory Services
• Project Information

• Conduct a thorough assessment of the GPO's current IT environment, including hardware, software, network infrastructure, and security systems.
• Conduct a specific assessment of the WAN infrastructure, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential for improvement.
• Identify existing strengths, weaknesses, and potential vulnerabilities.
• Analyze the current IT infrastructure's capacity to support the new case management system and business intelligence tools.
• Prepare a comprehensive report outlining the findings and recommendations for improvement.

• Propose improvements and upgrades to the GPO's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and network infrastructure, to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security.
• Develop specific recommendations for improving the  WAN infrastructure, including potential upgrades, network optimization, and security enhancements.
• Develop a detailed technical plan for the implementation of recommended upgrades, including timelines, resources, and budget estimations.
• Collaborate with the project team to ensure alignment with the project's overall objectives and technical specifications.

• Participate during the procurement phase by preparing detailed hardware requirements specifications that align with the project's technical guidelines, the beneficiaries' operational demands, and national standards.
• Review and evaluate technical specifications and proposals from potential vendors.
• Ensure that all acquired equipment meets the project's technical requirements and complies with relevant national standards and regulations.

• Provide technical assistance/advice during a comprehensive security assessment of the GPO's IT infrastructure, identifying potential vulnerabilities and risks.
• Assist to develop a detailed security plan outlining necessary security measures, including access control, data encryption, and intrusion detection systems.
• Propose recommendations for implementing robust security protocols and best practices to protect sensitive data and ensure system integrity.

• Provide technical support during the implementation of the recommended IT infrastructure upgrades and security measures.
• Provide technical support for the implementation of the recommended WAN improvements.
• Collaborate with the project team and IT vendors to ensure smooth integration and functionality of new systems and technologies.
• Monitor the performance of the upgraded IT infrastructure and provide ongoing technical support to address any issues or challenges.

• Together with Training& Knowledge Specialist prepare & conduct training sessions for GPO IT staff on the new IT infrastructure, security protocols, and best practices.
• Share knowledge and expertise to enhance the IT staff's capacity to manage and maintain the upgraded IT environment.

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an advantage and may be considered equivalent to 2 years of required experience.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in IT infrastructure and networking, with a strong understanding of hardware, software, and network protocols.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing WAN infrastructure.
• Proven experience in conducting IT infrastructure assessments, security audits, and proposing solutions.

• Excellent knowledge of security best practices and experience implementing security measures.
• Experience in procurement processes, specifically in preparing technical specifications for IT equipment and network infrastructure.

• Excellent command of English & Albania
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Contract type: Local ICA, Retainer
Contract level: Local ICA 10 / International ICA 2.  The contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) will be evaluated based on the nationality of the preferred candidate.  
Contract duration: Up to 100 working days within 2 years, with possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.

The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis specifies a “unit price” per day worked. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum of working days, and payment will be made only after completion of work. 

• 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. 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.