Infrastructure Networking and Telecommunications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it seeks individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Infrastructure Networking and Telecommunications Officer is responsible for managing and implementing infrastructure networking and telecommunications services at both HQ and Field levels. This includes designing, deploying, monitoring, operating, and documenting reliable services in accordance with the established Agency Infrastructure Strategy and technical instructions. The incumbent will oversee operational tasks related to local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), including the management of switches, routers, and bandwidth monitoring tools. The role also involves providing first-level technical support to staff, advising on infrastructure hardware and software, and keeping abreast of the latest telecommunications technology developments. The officer will be expected to introduce configuration changes with minimal disruption and to participate in the implementation of new telecom and network infrastructure as needed. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Infrastructure Networking and Telecommunications Officer include:

• Managing and implementing HQ/Field Infrastructure Networking and Telecommunications services, ensuring alignment with the Agency's Infrastructure Strategy.
• Administering operational tasks for systems that deliver HQ/Field infrastructure networking services, including LAN and WAN management, monitoring tools, and satellite connectivity.
• Providing first-level technical support to HQ/Field staff on issues related to LAN/VLAN, WAN, hardware, software, and VPN solutions.
• Offering input on projected telecom and network infrastructure requirements and participating in design plans and testing.
• Introducing configuration changes with minimal disruption, including OS updates, device configuration modifications, and VPN connectivity setups.
• Advising on infrastructure hardware, software, and licensing systems and policies.
• Staying updated on telecommunications technology developments and making relevant recommendations.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A university degree from an accredited institution in telecommunications, computer or electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Desirable qualifications include certifications such as CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA), and CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
• Technical training in Microsoft Azure network engineering, CompTIA Network, and knowledge of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), Private Automated Branch Exchange (PABX), and Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems.
• Familiarity with high availability, SLAs, and change management principles as defined by ITIL, along with ITIL training or certification.
• Knowledge of UNRWA's operations and computer facilities environment is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited educational institution in telecommunications, computer or electrical engineering, or a related field. Additional certifications and technical training in relevant areas such as networking and telecommunications are highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in telecommunications network systems. This includes knowledge and experience with Cisco or Juniper systems, large-scale LAN/WAN switching and routing implementation, and secure network communications. Experience in managing high availability environments and familiarity with IoT and BYOD concepts are also required. The candidate should have a proven track record in installing and maintaining secure network communications, including VPNs and firewalls.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as defined by the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking during the application process.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a 'Daily Paid' contract modality for up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on need, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The daily rate for this position is 38.69 USD, and employees are entitled to one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. This vacancy is open to external candidates, but only those residing in Syria and within commuting distance of the duty station in Damascus are eligible to apply. It is important for applicants to provide accurate and complete information in their applications, as any misrepresentation may lead to disqualification. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages applications from qualified individuals from under-represented groups. The agency maintains a non-smoking work environment and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.