Information Technology Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Information Technology Assistant
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the United Nations headquarters in Africa and represents the Secretary-General. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHabitat), UNON provides essential administrative, conference, and information services to facilitate the work of the UN in Kenya and globally. The organization operates with a commitment to gender equality and diversity, aiming to create an inclusive environment for all staff members.

Job Overview:
The Information Technology Assistant position is situated within the Innovation and Business Solutions Unit of the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) at UNON. The incumbent will report directly to the Innovation and Business Solutions Lead and will be responsible for engaging in the development, coding, testing, debugging, and rollout of new application systems, releases, modules, and features. The role requires a proactive approach to contribute to the development, testing, and maintenance of applications and visualizations, ensuring adherence to established UN IT technology standards. The assistant will also aid in establishing and maintaining databases, supporting data collection initiatives, and preparing technical documentation and training materials. A significant aspect of the role involves advocating for low code/no code solutions and collaborating in the design and construction of applications using modern technologies, including AI Bots and models. The position demands a commitment to professionalism, planning, and client orientation, ensuring that the needs of clients are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Information Technology Assistant include:

• Engaging in the development, coding, testing, debugging, and rollout of new application systems, releases, modules, and features.
• Contributing to the development, testing, and upkeep of applications and visualizations in line with UN IT technology standards.
• Assisting in the establishment and maintenance of databases and supporting data collection initiatives.
• Preparing technical and user documentation for applications and systems, along with training materials.
• Conducting technical presentations to share knowledge and promote understanding of systems and applications.
• Advocating for the adoption of low code/no code solutions by demonstrating their utility.
• Collaborating in the design and construction of applications using modern technologies, including AI Bots and models.
• Undertaking additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in application development, data science, applied mathematics, information management, or related areas. The required experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates with a first-level University degree. Proficiency in Office 365 and Microsoft’s Power Platform technologies (including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI) is essential. Experience with SharePoint Online and database tools such as SQL Server is required. Familiarity with cloud computing platforms like Azure or AWS is desirable, as is development experience in web-based technologies. Additionally, one (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is preferred.

Educational Background:
Completion of a High School Diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Supplementary training in data analytics is considered desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who have pursued further education or training in relevant fields.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to application development, data science, applied mathematics, or information management. Candidates with a first-level University degree may have this requirement reduced by two (2) years, highlighting the importance of relevant educational qualifications in conjunction with professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered desirable, which may enhance a candidate's profile and suitability for the role. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary job opening with an initial duration of six (6) months, and any extension will depend on the availability of funds. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted and well before the stated deadline.