Information Systems Officer (2 posts)

Job Posting Organization:
The positions are 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 aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the global economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Information Systems Officers will play a crucial role in providing technical assistance and support to the National Customs Services (NCS) and National Project Teams (NPT) in the East and Southern Africa Region. This position involves managing projects that include feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of moderately complex systems. The officers will also be responsible for developing detailed system specifications and user documentation for ASYCUDA systems, ensuring that user requirements are effectively translated into new applications. The role requires maintaining and enhancing existing ASYCUDA user systems, troubleshooting issues, and providing ongoing user support. Additionally, the officers will develop training materials and conduct training sessions for staff, ensuring that they are well-equipped to utilize the systems effectively. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to improving customs processes through technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new 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 applications.
• Maintain, upgrade, and enhance existing ASYCUDA user systems, troubleshooting and resolving complex issues.
• 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 conduct training for staff on assigned systems.
• Create disaster recovery plans and ensure proper training for responsible personnel.
• Participate in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics. 1
• Provide guidance and supervision to new or junior staff and consultants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of information technology and information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design, and programming related to customs and international trade digitalization. Proficiency in high-level programming languages and experience in all aspects of programming and analysis are essential. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to maintain assigned systems and develop innovative solutions to complex issues. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and technological awareness, with a commitment to gender perspectives in their 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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

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. Relevant experience in customs and international trade digitalization, system deployment, and support is essential. Experience in organizing and delivering training courses within governmental organizations is desirable, as is experience working in an international environment. Technical ICT programming experience with Java, Linux, and Oracle is also desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of either Arabic, Spanish, Russian, French, or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages.

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 position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and only internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination may apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates 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.