Telecommunications Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, established in 194

• Its mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of the region by designing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on sustainable development and social inclusion. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region.

Job Overview:
The Telecommunications Technical Assistant plays a crucial role in the Information and Communications Technologies Section at ECLAC. This position is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of all telecommunications systems within the organization. The technician will report to the supervisor of the Telecommunications Unit and will be involved in a variety of tasks that are essential for effective communication and optimal system performance. The role encompasses operations and maintenance of satellite earth-station equipment, monitoring of network performance, and providing technical support for voice and messaging systems. The technician will also assist in the installation and maintenance of audio/visual conference services and radio communications systems, ensuring that all equipment is functioning correctly and efficiently. This position requires a proactive approach to troubleshooting and resolving issues, as well as collaboration with various units to guarantee the effective deployment of communication systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Telecommunications Technical Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the operation and maintenance of satellite earth-station equipment, monitoring satellite link performance, performing fault diagnosis and repair, maintaining earth-station records, and tracking spare parts. In terms of Wide Area Network (WAN) operations, the technician will monitor transmission performance, coordinate with technical support staff during facility failures, maintain network documentation, and prepare monthly performance reports. For Local Area Network (LAN) operations, responsibilities include monitoring LAN performance, assisting with ad-hoc support requirements, and maintaining equipment inventory. The technician will also analyze requests for telephone services, formulate technical service orders, oversee installations by contractors, and assist in the design of work order databases. Additionally, the role involves installing and configuring audio/visual conference hardware, providing support and training for new users, and ensuring compliance with operational standards. Regular inspections of telecommunications systems, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with various units are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. For positions in the General Service category, it is essential to clearly indicate relevant information confirming completion of high school in the Applicant Profile. A minimum of five years of experience in telecommunications or a related area is required, with a reduction to three years for candidates holding a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of telecommunication equipment, principles of operations, and the ability to apply technical skills effectively. Professionalism, communication skills, and technological awareness are critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates must clearly indicate their educational background in their application, particularly for positions within the General Service category. There are no specific job-related qualifications listed beyond the educational requirement, but relevant experience and technical skills are essential.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in telecommunications or a related field. However, this requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, having at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is considered desirable, indicating that candidates with a broader skill set may be preferred.

Languages:
For this job opening, proficiency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable, which reflects the linguistic diversity of the region and the organization's operations. Candidates should be aware of the UN Language Framework and the minimum required levels for each language skill, which can be found on the UN language website.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, nor does it indicate the contract duration or seniority level. However, it is implied that the position is full-time and may involve international recruitment, given the nature of the organization. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect a competitive salary and benefits package typical of UN positions.