Org. Setting and Reporting

This extra budgetary position is located in the Sustainable Transport Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Geneva, more specifically in the TIR (Transport Internationaux Routiers) secretariat. The TIR secretariat services the TIR Executive Board (TIRExB) – an intergovernmental body established by the Contracting Parties to the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention), 1975, to supervise the application of this Convention at national and international level. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Transport Facilitation and Economics section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Information Systems Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 
•Participates in preparing user requirements and other technical specifications. 
•Assists in the design, development and installation of information systems.
•Undertakes analysis of well-defined modules within the system, develops enhancements and new features to existing systems; may design and implement small, stand-alone systems as needed (e.g. to meet individual user requirements).
•Undertakes rigorous testing and proving of applications software.
•Maintains assigned portions of systems, providing operational support for systems’ applications, analyzing and implementing system changes/upgrades, etc. 
•Participates in developing and maintaining Information Systems project plans, schedules, and budgets. Assists in identifying appropriate human and technical resources to complete the project, assists in assuring that deviations from project schedule are addressed and communicated, assists in developing timely project status reports, monitoring project risk factors, escalating project issues, and providing Quality Assurance for all project deliverables.
•Writes and develops programs to interface with existing systems.
•Ensures data security and integrity.
•Participates in developing disaster recovery plans.
•Prepares, updates and maintains system’s documentation and related technical/procedural manuals.
•Assists in procurements, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, preparing technical specifications and evaluation criteria.
•Assists in the set-up and monitoring of software performance measures.
•Participates in Helpdesk support services.
•Participates in facilitating communications with users and be responsible for small to medium client accounts. 
•Assists in the development of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for either specific IT services or general technology support, including any charge back mechanisms.
•Advises users on the most suitable hardware and software for different tasks; maintains and enhances software.
•Drafts training materials and conducts training sessions and demonstrations of systems for users.
•Participates with senior staff in assessing and testing new technology.
•Assists in the organizational and administrative aspects of the functioning of the TIR secretariat.
•Performs ad hoc duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge of at least two programming languages (ideally Java and Groovy), testing, debugging, and documentation standards, database design and management (PostgreSQL), secure web services (WS-S) and XML. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.


COMMUNICATION:
-Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
-Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
-Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
-Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
-Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

TEAMWORK: 
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
-Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
-Places team agenda before personal agenda
-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area. Experience in systems’ analysis and design techniques (UML/BPMN) is desirable. Experience with customs ICT systems would be an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.