ICT Associate, Accra, Ghana at UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

Background Information – Job-specific

Multi-Country Office Context:

The UNOPS Ghana Multi Country Office (GHMCO), located in Accra, Ghana is responsible for projects in Anglophone West Africa, covering Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. GHMCO is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks engagements portfolio, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievement of UNOPS management results. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. 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 organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Multi Country/Country Office is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with the CO/MCO portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

UNOPS Ghana Multi Country Office (GHMCO), located in Accra, spans across West Africa, covering Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. GHMCO is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with a subset of the regional portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

The core functions of the Multi Country Office are to:

Liaise and develop engagements, and deliver services responding to partner needs.
Leverage advice and integrate delivery modalities of the three Delivery Practices and the Global Partner Service Office.
Maintain appropriate arrangements and capacity for direct transactional support for delivery of the sub-regional portfolio.

GHMCO has a diverse portfolio covering infrastructure, urban plan development, project management, procurement and futuristic studies. Opened in 2015, GHMCO is one of the newest Multi-Country offices in UNOPS with a vision and drive to deliver top quality results to its partners with a sharp focus on operational excellence

NGO JOBS IN AFRICA

Job Specific

Under the direct supervision of the Administration Officer, who reports to the Head of Support Services, and technical guidance of the ICT colleagues in HQ, the ICT Associate is responsible for efficient and effective ICT management and support to the operations in a given geography. In the discharge of her/his duties, the ICT Associate liaises with UNOPS programme support colleagues in order to ensure best support.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Administration Officer, the ICT Associate will be based in Accra, Ghana and s/he will be responsible for the following duties: Summary of functions:

ICT client services, management and administration
Network administration
Team Management
Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing
ICT client services, management and administration
Ensures efficient and effective ICT client services, management and administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Implementation of ICT and operational strategies compliant with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and framework.
Provision of fast, friendly, and effective user support.
Advice on information technology and systems planning exercises undertaken in the Business Unit, and representing the Business Unit in those undertaken throughout UNOPS.
Participation in the development of ICT standards and strategies for the Business Unit
Maintenance of inventory of all computer, audio/video communication equipment, and software in the Business Unit, ensuring compliance with asset management policies.
Interaction with HQ and ICT personnel from other UN agencies in the area to share and exchange information and expertise on applications and tools.
Effective functioning (installation, operation and maintenance) of all UNOPS hardware equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies, approved software and application of updates and patches in a timely manner.
Supervision of information and communication services of the Business Unit and managed projects.
Effective advice on all project implementation activities involving ICT; the hardware and software procurement process; and establishment and maintenance of a roster of potential suppliers.
Active networking with clients, addressing and improving common areas of concern.
Provision of consulting services, ICT audit inspections and/or facilitation of selection/deployment of software to projects, seeking technical advice and support from HQ ICT personnel, as required.
Liaison with UNOPS HQ, and other relevant units, to determine hardware and software requirements.
Acting as effective UNOPS’ liaison with the local UN partner agencies on issues relating to UNOPS ICT.

2. Network administration

Ensures efficient network administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:
Maintenance of network and internet connectivity to ensure stable operation, availability of bandwidth, and reliable connection to the internet and HQ based systems
Valid hardware maintenance agreements, to ensure timely resolution of hardware failures.
A stable and responsive network environment based on daily monitoring of the network connection.
Ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of UNOPS ICT systems and UNOPS information assets.
Monitor and maintain proper backups of UNOPS data. Maintenance of measures in place for business continuity and disaster recovery processes and procedures Maintenance of video conference and telephony operations

3. Team Management

Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised (if this becomes applicable) through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members (if this becomes applicable) with existing policies and best practice.

4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources.
Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
Participates, organizes and delivers training for the operations/ projects staff in ICT services.

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of key results by the ICT Associate directly affects the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the relevant business unit/project, in ICT management, impacting the timely and effective implementation of the respective services and deliverable. This ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education

Completion of Secondary Education is required.
Diploma preferably in Information Sciences, Computer Sciences or Engineering with six (6) years relevant experience, is desirable Or
University Degree, preferably in Information Sciences, Computer Sciences or Engineering with two (2) years relevant experience is desirable

B. Work Experience

A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of Information Technology and/or Telecommunications and Systems, preferably in an international environment is required.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Office 2010 and/or newer versions).
Experience in the use of Google Suite applications as well as experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.
Experience in management of Active Directory, Windows servers, and network infrastructure.

C. Language Requirement

Fluency in written, reading and spoken English Language is required.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (L-ICA)
Contract level: LICA 6/ICS6
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance’.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

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.
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
Accra is a family duty station
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.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background information – AFR

Africa Region

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.