Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). MINUSCA is a non-family mission. 

The Telecommunications Technician will be based in Bangui, Central Africa Republic. The incumbent will report to the Telecommunications Officer in GITTS.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Telecommunications Technician will perform duties in one or more of the following telecommunications specialties: 

Radio: Takes the lead in the installation of VHF, UHF and HF Mobile, base stations and repeaters, rural telephone links, trunking radio systems, antennas and related equipment; programming of radios, preventive and corrective maintenance on various types of radio; Liaises with other UN agencies and local authorities on matters related to radio frequencies coordination; Coordinates the erection of antenna masts and towers; Coordinates the training of non-technical radio users on the operation of hand-held portable radios, mobile radios, base stations and related equipment; Performs other related duties as required. 

Microwave Radio Systems: Takes the lead in the preparation and installation of microwave radio systems and related equipment; Supervises the setup, configuration and testing of the various digital microwave radio systems utilising a wide range of specialised and complex test equipment; Coordinates the programming, testing and commissioning of new equipment prior to deployment; Coordinates radio-link calculation and path profile analysis; Liaises with the Rigging unit regarding the deployment of relevant antennas and feeder lines on communications towers and masts; Performs other related duties as required. 

PABX/Switching Systems: Leads the installation and commissioning, and the operation and maintenance of range of telephony systems and related equipment deployed in the mission: to include, PABX switches, voice mail systems, encrypted voice and facsimile devices; cordless mobile telephones and associated base stations, self-contained cellular telephone systems, and computerised telephone accounting and billings systems; Coordinates the planned and preventive maintenance routines for all telephony systems; Takes the leads in the implementation and maintenance of the computerised telephone call logging and automated billing system; Coordinates the acquisition of local commercial and cellular services; Performs other related duties as required. 

Satellite: Coordinates the installation of satellite antennas, ODE/IDE, associated shelters, foundations, commissions, maintenance and operation of C-band, X-band and Ku-band satellite communications systems, comprising antennas in sizes up to nine (9) meters, satellite modems, satellite transceivers, LNA, High Power Satellite Amplifiers (HPA and SSPA); Supervises the commissioning, maintenance and the training of end users for portable satellite communication terminals; Liaises with UN Headquarters and UNGSC regarding initial installations, including frequency coordination; Performs other duties as required. 

Rigging: Plans construction and maintenance of communications towers and associated antenna systems; determines tower location and height in coordination with the telecommunications engineers plans and ensures site accessibility; Oversees the construction of tower foundations and anchor points in compliance with manufacturer’s specifications and good industry practises; Leads the team to erect self-supporting and guyed communications towers to a height of 300ft;Installs antennas, transmission lines and accessories; Coordinates the planned and preventive maintenance program for the tower systems deployed across the mission; Performs other related duties as required. 

Infrastructure: Prepares blueprints and plans, constructs and maintains communications cabling infrastructure for data and telephone; Coordinates the activities associated with trenching, external and internal wiring and conduit installations; Coordinates with the telecommunications engineers to plan physical network layout; provides input to complete the procurement and inventory of all hardware and cabling requirements for installations; Plans, designs, develops technical specifications, scope of works (SOWs), identifies resource requirements for procurement action, rolls out (build), manages and maintains the mission’s ICT cabling network and ICT specific power supply in collaboration with the Engineering Section; Assists other technical departments in the installation of switching equipment, main and sub-distribution frames and assist with RF transmission lines and accessories as required; Drafts relevant technical documentation for major telecommunications systems and physical plant; Performs other related duties as required.

Video-teleconferencing: Leads the installation, operation and maintenance of video-teleconferencing (VTC) equipment and systems; Liaises with the other units in the development of videoconferencing applications; Coordinates activities associated with VTC services provision for the mission, liaising with UN Headquarters and UNGSC; Coordinates the periodic and preventive maintenance of all VTC-related equipment; Perform other related duties as required. 

Common duties: Other duties and responsibilities common to the specialties above include, but are not limited to: Takes the lead in the installation of auxiliary equipment such as power supplies, solar power systems, UPS units, Voltage Regulators, DC converters and various protection and remote control systems; Supervises the gathering of specifications for the procurement of equipment, spares and supplies; Ensures that all the required spare parts and supplies are in place so as to minimize downtimes; Coordinates regularly scheduled and preventative and corrective maintenance on telecommunications installations and equipment; Liaises with the asset management unit regarding the upkeep of proper inventory records; Organises with the Integrated Warehouse the reception/inspection of new equipment; Takes the lead in formulating technical training curriculum and the conduct of in-house training programs for national staff and others within the unit;

Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of telecommunication equipment, principles of operations, including local area networks, satellite communications systems, radio systems, video-conferencing systems, voice and messaging systems, and principles of analog and digital transmission. Knowledge of synchronous and asynchronous data interface standards and protocols. Ability to apply knowledge and technical skills to install and test relevant equipment, provide maintenance services and user support. 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

Education

High school diploma or equivalent and certification/diploma in other supplemental academic qualifications, training in Electronics, Systems Engineering or Telecommunications and Information Systems is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the planning and installation of telecommunications equipment, networks and information systems is required. Experience working in a United Nations Common System field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping missions, political missions, UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organisation or non-governmental organisation – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

French and English are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in French and English (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

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, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. 

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 At-a-Glance on “The Application Process” and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (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.