Information Systems Officer (Solutions Architect)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Innovation & Analytics Hub (IAH) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights and freedoms. The IAH is responsible for leading the organization-wide Digital Transformation Strategy and supporting OHCHR in areas such as Data & Analytics, Human Rights Statistics, Foresight-Enabled Early Warning & Prevention, and Applied Innovative Technology. The organization aims to enhance its capabilities through innovative solutions and data-driven approaches, thereby improving its effectiveness in addressing human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Information Systems Officer (Solutions Architect) plays a crucial role in the digital transformation initiatives of the OHCHR. This position involves defining and documenting solution architectures that align with both current and strategic needs, as well as technical and functional requirements. The officer will manage projects that include feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new systems. The role requires facilitating dialogue with business sponsors and end users to analyze their requirements and translate them into scalable digital solutions. The officer will also be responsible for developing detailed system specifications, providing specialized advice to users, maintaining existing systems, and ensuring data security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and access controls. Additionally, the officer will develop training materials, conduct user training, and create disaster recovery plans. The position demands a proactive approach to researching and evaluating new technologies and making recommendations for their deployment, as well as handling contract administration and providing guidance to junior staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Information Systems Officer (Solutions Architect) include: defining and documenting solution architectures for digital transformation initiatives; managing projects involving feasibility studies and systems analysis; facilitating dialogue with business sponsors and end users; developing detailed system specifications and user documentation; providing specialized advice to users; maintaining and enhancing existing user systems; troubleshooting and providing user support; developing and maintaining computer programs; organizing unit and integrated testing; developing training materials and conducting training sessions; creating disaster recovery plans; researching and evaluating new technologies; handling contract administration; supervising junior staff; and collecting and analyzing data to provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of information technology and information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design, and programming. Proficiency in several high-level programming languages is essential, along with experience in structured/object-oriented design, relational systems, and scripting languages. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required, as well as the ability to develop and implement systems of moderate size and complexity. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation, with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An 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 combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
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. At least three years of experience in analyzing business requirements and translating them into detailed technical specifications and system architectures is necessary. Experience in designing and implementing enterprise-scale digital solutions involving cloud platforms, system integration, and API-based architectures is also required. Desirable experience includes managing technology projects, applying agile software development methods, and familiarity with the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is an advantage but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months, subject to the availability of funds. The temporary assignment provides an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the position. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions under specific conditions. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.