Database Associate – IT & Cybersecurity (UNDP – CMP, Nicosia, Cyprus)

February 10, 2025

9 minutes read

This job posting is for a Database Associate position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nicosia, Cyprus. The selected candidate will work with the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), which focuses on identifying and returning the remains of individuals who went missing due to conflicts in 1963-1964 and 1974. The CMP plays a key role in reconciliation efforts between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Key Responsibilities

Database Management & Administration
- Maintain and update the CMP database.
- Manage access to the database, ensuring only authorized users can make modifications.
- Support staff in searching for and retrieving information from the database.
- Ensure connectivity with external laboratories using the database.
IT & Network Support
- Help maintain the CMP laboratory’s IT infrastructure.
- Install, configure, and repair computer hardware and software.
- Assist in maintaining printers, scanners, and office IT equipment.
- Maintain network security, including firewalls, access control, and backups.
- Troubleshoot IT-related issues for CMP staff.
Cybersecurity & Information Security
- Monitor CMP networks for security threats.
- Protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with security best practices.
- Maintain data backup and disaster recovery measures.
Cloud & Software Development
- Support in maintaining the CMP website.
- Develop software solutions to replace outdated systems.
- Maintain Microsoft 365 cloud services.
Email & Communication Support
- Administer CMP’s email systems and liaise with the service provider.
- Manage info@cmp-cyprus.org emails and ensure they reach the right people.
Logistics & Coordination
- Coordinate with hardware and software vendors to resolve technical issues.
- Oversee the delivery and installation of IT equipment.
- Provide technical training to CMP staff.

Requirementshttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

Education

High school diploma with 7 years of experience, OR
Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field with 4 years of experience.

Experience & Skills

Experience with database management, networks, and IT support.
Hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL, Azure, Active Directory, Powershell scripting, HTML, CSS, VB.NET.
Experience with firewalls, network security, and Linux commands.
Knowledge of WordPress for website maintenance.
Microsoft and Cisco certifications (CCNA, MCSE, etc.) are a plus.
Experience working in international organizations or multicultural environments is an asset.

Language Requirements@vacancyspaces.com

Fluency in English and Greek is required.
Knowledge of Turkish is an advantage but not mandatory.

Other Requirements

Must be a Cyprus national or have legal authorization to work in Cyprus.
A valid driver’s license is required, as travel within Cyprus may be necessary.

Contract & Benefits

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7)
Duration: 1 year with a possibility of extension
Work Schedule: Full-time

Why This Job Matters

This role is crucial in supporting CMP’s humanitarian mission. The work helps bring closure to families of missing persons and fosters peace and reconciliation between communities in Cyprus. If you have a background in IT, database management, and security, this job allows you to apply technical skills to a meaningful cause

Detailed Job Explanation: Database Associate (UNDP – CMP, Nicosia, Cyprus)

This Database Associate position is a full-time job under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nicosia, Cyprus. The role supports the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP), an organization dedicated to identifying and returning the remains of missing persons from past conflicts in 1963-1964 and 1974. This job is a critical part of a humanitarian mission, helping families find closure and contributing to peacebuilding and reconciliation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The selected candidate will work at the CMP Anthropological Laboratory and report to the UNDP Cyprus Project Associate. The main responsibilities include managing the CMP database, providing IT support, ensuring cybersecurity, maintaining network infrastructure, and assisting with software development and cloud services.

Vacancy Spaces

Job Responsibilities – In-Depth Explanation

1. Database Management & Administration

The CMP database is an essential tool used to store and manage sensitive information about missing persons, their remains, DNA test results, and historical records. The Database Associate will:

Maintain and update the CMP database.
Create, modify, or delete entries as needed.
Provide user support, helping CMP personnel search, retrieve, and view records.
Ensure that external laboratories working with CMP can securely access the database.
Perform regular database backups and maintain data integrity.
Act as one of the two main database focal points.

2. IT Infrastructure & Network Administration

CMP relies on a secure and efficient IT infrastructure to manage investigations, forensic work, and administrative operations. The Database Associate will:

Install, configure, and maintain computers, workstations, and IT hardware.
Troubleshoot software and hardware issues for CMP staff.
Manage printers, scanners, tablets, and network devices.
Ensure network connectivity and troubleshoot network issues (e.g., internet failures, security threats).
Monitor and maintain Wi-Fi and wired network infrastructure.
Implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to CMP’s sensitive data.
Act as one of the two main IT focal points for network and systems management.

3. Cybersecurity & Information Security

Since CMP deals with confidential and highly sensitive information, maintaining strong cybersecurity measures is crucial. The Database Associate will:

Monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and security threats.
Implement firewall and access control policies to prevent cyberattacks.
Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to critical CMP data.
Conduct regular backups and disaster recovery procedures.
Support CMP’s bi-communal Archival Research Team in protecting sensitive records.
Assist in designing network security protocols.

4. Cloud Services & Software Development

CMP uses various cloud-based applications and internally developed software. The Database Associate will:

Support the maintenance of CMP’s Microsoft 365 cloud services.
Monitor and improve the security of CMP’s website.
Help develop new software solutions to replace outdated systems (e.g., replacing M-Files).
Assist in website updates (e.g., press releases, statistical reports).
Ensure all CMP cloud services follow industry best practices for security and performance.

5. Email & Communication Support

CMP relies on email systems for internal and external communication. The Database Associate will:

Act as one of the two main contacts for email administration.
Manage the info@cmp-cyprus.org email account and forward messages to relevant staff.
Coordinate with the email service provider to resolve technical issues.

6. Logistics & Coordination with Suppliers

CMP regularly works with hardware and software vendors to maintain its IT infrastructure. The Database Associate will:

Liaise with suppliers for IT equipment purchases, repairs, and maintenance.
Coordinate deliveries, installations, and scheduled servicing of IT equipment.
Act as one of the two main points of contact for IT-related supplier contracts.

7. Knowledge Sharing & Staff Training

To ensure that CMP staff can use IT systems effectively, the Database Associate will:

Provide training sessions on office applications, security best practices, and IT tools.
Assist in developing guidelines and documentation for CMP’s IT processes.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

To apply, candidates must meet one of the following education requirements:

High school diploma + 7 years of relevant experience in IT, database management, or network administration.
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field + 4 years of relevant experience.

Work Experience & Required Skills

Candidates must have experience in IT, database management, networks, and cybersecurity. Specific skills required include:

Database Management: Experience with MS SQL, Active Directory, and Azure.
IT Systems: Knowledge of Hyper-V, failover clustering, and storage management.
Programming & Scripting: Powershell, VB.NET, HTML, CSS, and Crystal Reports.
Cybersecurity & Networks: Experience with firewalls, network security protocols, and Linux command-line maintenance.
Software Development: Familiarity with WordPress and software troubleshooting.
Cloud Services: Experience managing Microsoft 365 and other cloud platforms.
Technical Support: Ability to set up, repair, and maintain IT equipment (PCs, printers, scanners, etc.).
Bilingual Skills: Must be fluent in English and Greek (knowledge of Turkish is an advantage).
Driving License: A valid driver’s license is required for work-related travel within Cyprus.

Preferred Skills & Certifications (Not Required but Beneficial)

Professional IT Certifications: Cisco (CCNA, CCNP), Microsoft (MCP, MCSE), or cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM, CISA).
Experience working with the UN, international organizations, or NGOs.
Understanding of CMP’s bi-communal work and sensitivity to Cyprus’ history.

Contract, Salary & Work Conditions

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7).
Initial Contract Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.
Work Location: CMP Anthropological Laboratory, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Work Schedule: Full-time position.

Why This Job Matters

This role is not just a typical IT job—it directly supports a humanitarian mission. The CMP’s work in identifying and returning the remains of missing persons is crucial for healing historical wounds in Cyprus. By ensuring secure and efficient data management, the Database Associate helps bring closure to grieving families and supports efforts for peace and reconciliation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

If you have technical skills in IT, networks, and databases, this is a unique opportunity to use them for a meaningful cause. You will be working in a multicultural, high-impact environment while contributing to an important historical and humanitarian mission.

Job Title: Database Associate – IT & Cybersecurity (UNDP – CMP, Nicosia, Cyprus)

Overview of the Role

The Database Associate will be responsible for supporting and managing the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) database, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The role involves maintaining and updating databases, ensuring efficient IT systems, and securing sensitive data. The selected candidate will collaborate closely with the UNDP Cyprus Project Associate and CMP members to provide technical support, ensure seamless network operations, and enhance database security.

This position plays a critical role in managing the technological aspects of CMP’s humanitarian mission—investigating, exhuming, identifying, and returning the remains of missing persons from historical conflicts. The role supports CMP’s efforts to provide closure to affected families, strengthen cooperation between communities, and maintain an organized, secure digital infrastructure for research and forensic work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Database Management & Administration

Maintain and update the CMP database, ensuring secure and efficient storage of sensitive forensic and historical data.
Support database users by managing access permissions and assisting with queries.
Develop and execute backup and disaster recovery plans to prevent data loss.
Assist in software development and the transition to new systems, replacing M-Files (document management software).

2. IT Infrastructure & System Maintenance

Install, configure, and maintain workstations, software, and hardware for CMP offices and the Anthropological Laboratory.
Ensure the secure operation of servers, networks, and cloud-based services (e.g., Microsoft 365, Azure).
Manage IT equipment such as printers, scanners, copiers, and mobile devices (including software and SIM card installations).
Provide technical support to staff regarding software applications and troubleshooting IT issues.

3. Network Security & Cybersecurity

Monitor and maintain network security, ensuring protection against cyber threats, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
Set up and configure firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control lists for secure wired and wireless networks.
Implement ISO 27001 cybersecurity best practices and conduct periodic security audits.
Maintain an Active Directory, enforcing user authentication and security policies.

4. Cloud & Web Services Administration

Support in maintaining and securing the CMP website, updating content such as press releases and statistics.
Administer CMP email services, managing the info@cmp-cyprus.org account and ensuring smooth communication.
Monitor and update endpoint security policies for better protection of digital assets.

5. Logistical Support & Supplier Coordination

Act as a liaison with IT vendors, service providers, and contractors to coordinate equipment procurement, installations, and maintenance.
Oversee the delivery and installation of new hardware/software in collaboration with CMP staff.
Ensure the proper functioning of office IT infrastructure, including backup power, fire alarms, and surveillance systems.

6. Training & Knowledge Sharing

Conduct IT training sessions for staff to improve digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness.
Provide guidance on best practices for database usage, data protection, and IT troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education:

Option 1: High school diploma with 7 years of experience in IT/database management.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Management, or a related field with 4 years of experience.

Work Experience:

Experience in database management, IT infrastructure maintenance, cybersecurity, and software development.
Hands-on expertise in:
- Active Directory & LDAP
- Failover Clustering, Hyper-V & Storage Management
- Microsoft SQL (setup, scripting, and maintenance)
- Powershell scripting
- VB.NET, CSS, HTML, Crystal Reports
- Firewall and network security (Layer 2 & 3 management)
- Linux command-line usage
- WordPress website management

Certifications & Additional Skills (Preferred but Not Required):

Microsoft & Cisco Certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, MCSE, MCSA) are a plus.
Professional IT certifications in cybersecurity, data analytics, or system administration are advantageous.
Prior experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, or in bi-communal reconciliation projects is desirable.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Greek is required.

Other Requirements:

Must be a Cypriot national or legally authorized to work in Cyprus.
A valid driver’s license is required, as the role may involve traveling within Cyprus.

Why Join the UNDP CMP Team?

Meaningful Work: Play a crucial role in a humanitarian mission that brings closure to families and supports bi-communal reconciliation in Cyprus.
Professional Growth: Work in a dynamic, multicultural environment with opportunities for career development and technical skill enhancement.
Competitive Compensation: The role is graded as NPSA-7 under the UNDP contract system, offering a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.