Information Systems Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the global economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, and operates in over 190 countries. UNCTAD aims to support developing nations in achieving their development goals through research, policy analysis, and technical assistance. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to its mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Information Systems Officer will play a crucial role in providing technical assistance and support to National Customs Services (NCS) and National Project Teams (NPT). This position involves managing projects that include feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of moderately complex systems. The officer will also participate as a member of a development team, taking responsibility for major components of more complex systems. The role requires the development of detailed system specifications and user documentation for ASYCUDA systems, as well as providing specialized advice to NCSs and NPTs. The officer will analyze user requirements and translate them into new applications, ensuring effective integration and linkage of application systems. Additionally, the officer will maintain and enhance existing ASYCUDA user systems, troubleshoot issues, and provide ongoing user support. The position also involves developing training materials and conducting training sessions for staff, as well as creating disaster recovery and business continuity plans. The Information Systems Officer will be expected to write reports and papers on systems-related topics and may supervise junior staff and consultants.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new systems.
• Participate as a member of a development team, taking responsibility for major components of complex systems.
• Develop detailed system specifications and user documentation for ASYCUDA systems.
• Provide specialized advice to NCSs and NPTs, analyzing user requirements and translating them into new applications.
• Maintain, upgrade, or enhance existing ASYCUDA user systems, troubleshooting and providing user support.
• Develop and maintain ASYCUDA proprietary programs, ensuring data security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and access controls.
• Organize and perform unit and integrated testing, assisting users in acceptance testing.
• Develop customs training materials and manuals, and train staff in assigned systems.
• Develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans, ensuring appropriate planning and training. 1
• Write reports and papers on systems-related topics and provide guidance to junior staff and consultants.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems or related areas is required.
• Relevant experience in customs and international trade digitalization, system deployment, development, and support is essential.
• Experience in prototyping and implementing complex customs information technology systems is desirable.
• Experience in organizing and delivering training courses within governmental organizations is also desirable.
• Experience working in an international environment, such as within the UN, is preferred.
• Technical ICT programming experience with Java, Linux, and Oracle is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of information systems and their application in customs and international trade.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems or related areas. This experience should include relevant work in customs and international trade digitalization, system deployment, development, and support. Candidates with experience in prototyping and implementing complex customs information technology systems will be preferred. Additionally, experience in organizing and delivering training courses within governmental organizations is desirable, as is experience working in an international environment, such as within the United Nations system. Technical experience in ICT programming with Java, Linux, and Oracle is also desirable.

Languages:
For this position, English is required as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of either French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable, with proficiency at UN Level I being sufficient for these languages. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse environment of the United Nations and the need for effective communication across different language speakers.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The temporary nature of this position means that it does not guarantee future employment or incumbency of the post. Candidates should be aware that eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to those based at the duty station, and the position may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.