Senior Information Systems Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Operations Support Division of the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) at the United Nations. OICT is dedicated to leading the digital transformation of the organization, aiming to create a better, safer, and more sustainable future through innovative technology solutions. The organization emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its workforce, actively encouraging female candidates to apply. OICT also promotes work-life balance and flexible work arrangements for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Information Systems Officer will play a crucial role in conceptualizing, developing strategies, and overseeing the design and implementation of significant information and communications technology infrastructure initiatives. These initiatives are essential for supporting digital transformation, enhancing resilience, and ensuring scalable service delivery. The incumbent will manage multiple concurrent technology infrastructure projects, which often involve innovative applications and complex system integrations. The role requires providing authoritative technical and policy advice to senior managers regarding systems provisioning, data center and cloud hosting, network operations, and collaboration technologies. The officer will lead a team of information systems officers, overseeing work assignments, coaching, mentoring, and participating in recruitment and training programs. Additionally, the officer will manage procurement plans for IT infrastructure, supervise interdependent administrative systems, develop performance measures, and ensure that projects adhere to established time and cost parameters while maintaining technical quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Information Systems Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: conceptualizing and developing strategies for major ICT infrastructure initiatives; overseeing the design and implementation of these initiatives; managing multiple technology infrastructure projects; providing technical and policy advice to senior management; leading and directing a team of information systems officers; managing procurement plans for IT infrastructure; supervising and coordinating services for administrative and financial systems; developing and monitoring performance measures; ensuring adherence to budget and work program; and developing standards and procedures for effective IT infrastructure operations. The officer will also be tasked with resolving complex problems that impact critical areas of the organization’s work and ensuring the stability of the systems environment.

Required Qualifications:
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. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in planning, designing, and operationalizing large data centers, including maintenance of various networks, is required. Proven experience in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity for large ICT operations is also necessary. ITIL and project management certifications are desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as computer science, information systems, mathematics, or statistics is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of ICT infrastructure and operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, provisioning, and operationalization of large data centers. This includes experience in maintaining Local, Metropolitan, and Wide Area Networks. Candidates should also have proven experience in managing Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity for large ICT infrastructure operations, demonstrating a strong understanding of the operational challenges and requirements in this field.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and knowledge of French may be considered an asset, although it is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs, with a commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures that all candidates are treated fairly and equitably.