ICT Associate at UNDP in Georgetown, Guyana.

February 17, 2025

9 minutes read

The ICT Associate role at UNDP in Georgetown, Guyana is a pivotal technical position designed to support the organization’s growing reliance on digital technology across its operations. The position focuses on managing the country’s office’s information technology infrastructure, ensuring smooth digital operations, and contributing to UNDP’s digital transformation efforts.

Key Responsibilitieshttp://UNDP ICT Associate Job Posting

ICT Strategy & Technology Implementation:
- The role requires contributing to the development and execution of ICT strategies that align with UNDP’s broader mission, especially as technology usage expands within the office.
- You’ll be responsible for introducing and managing new technologies, which could include researching new software or hardware solutions to improve office efficiency and performance.
- Ensuring compliance with corporate ICT standards is essential, which includes staying aligned with UNDP’s policies and guidelines on technology.
Support & Maintenance of Hardware/Software:
- The position involves installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of UNDP’s technology systems. This could range from ensuring hardware components (such as computers, servers, and networking equipment) are running efficiently to providing technical support for software applications.
- You’ll handle tasks such as repairing hardware, managing software upgrades, and ensuring that all systems are operational without downtime.
Automation and Digitalization:
- A significant part of the role is to support the digitalization of both operational and programmatic processes within the office. For example, helping to automate internal workflows or supporting the creation of digital tools like web applications or knowledge management systems.
- You’ll be involved in designing digital tools that can streamline the office’s internal processes, reduce manual tasks, and enable more efficient communication and management systems.
Network & Cybersecurity Administration:
- A key responsibility is managing the network infrastructure, ensuring that connections remain stable and responsive. This includes monitoring and resolving issues related to network performance and cybersecurity (e.g., responding to virus attacks, ensuring regular backups, and securing email systems).
- You’ll also implement cloud-based backups to ensure business continuity in case of data loss or system failure, an important safeguard for critical data.
Knowledge Management & Sharing:
- As part of your role, you’ll support knowledge sharing within the office. This involves identifying and promoting systems that facilitate the management of knowledge and resources, and training staff on ICT tools and systems to foster better use of the technology.
- Lessons learned and best practices in ICT should be documented and shared to continuously improve the office’s digital tools.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- The ICT Associate will need to collaborate with various teams, including the Programme and Operations teams, as well as regional and HQ staff. This could involve coordinating projects or resolving technical issues that affect multiple stakeholders. Working in cross-functional teams ensures that the ICT needs are integrated into broader business processes.

Required Skills & Qualifications@vacancyspaces.com

Experience: The position requires at least 3 years of relevant experience (with a Bachelor’s degree) or 6 years (with a high school diploma) in roles involving network administration, IT support, and technical problem-solving. This experience could include managing cloud-based environments, handling databases, or supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Certifications: While a degree in IT is preferred, certifications like CCNA, MSCE, MCP, or Cisco Certifications are considered an asset and would be useful in dealing with advanced network setups or cybersecurity.
Technical Competencies:
- Network, Communication, and Infrastructure Management: Knowledge of how to handle both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure.
- User Experience: The ability to translate user needs into functional IT solutions, ensuring the systems are user-friendly and meet office requirements.
- IT Customer Support: Experience in troubleshooting and providing technical assistance to end-users, resolving issues in a timely manner.

Thematic Areas of Focus

Results-based Management: This involves using ICT tools to manage projects effectively, ensuring that business goals and outcomes are tracked and met.
Digital Awareness: The role requires staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends and applying them to improve office operations and increase efficiency.
Customer/Client Management: Since you will be working closely with internal teams, your ability to anticipate their ICT needs and provide timely support will be crucial.

Work Environment and Growth

Collaboration Across Teams: Since UNDP works in a multidisciplinary environment, you’ll often work with various teams such as operations, programmes, and projects. This promotes both personal and professional growth as you’ll have the opportunity to interact with diverse stakeholders and adapt to new challenges.
Learning and Development: The position encourages continuous learning. As you help implement new ICT solutions, you’ll also be exposed to new trends and technologies, thus enhancing your expertise.

Career Advancement and Impact

As part of the UNDP’s strategic initiatives, your work as an ICT Associate will contribute significantly to the organization’s mission to advance human development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within Guyana. The digital transformation projects you work on could influence the efficiency of operations and the way resources are allocated in critical areas such as governance, education, healthcare, and climate resilience.

This role has a long-term growth potential, and UNDP’s commitment to professional development means there are opportunities to expand your career in ICT and international development, possibly in different regions or positions.

Let me know if you’d like further clarification or insights into any specific aspect of the role!

Certainly! Let’s dive deeper into the ICT Associate position at UNDP Guyana and expand on the job responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications, as well as the broader impact and professional development opportunities. This detailed explanation will help paint a comprehensive picture of the role.

Job Overview and Purpose

The ICT Associate role at UNDP in Georgetown, Guyana is essential in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As digital transformation becomes central to UNDP’s operations and programming, the role’s focus on ensuring smooth IT operations and efficient use of technology is increasingly important. The ICT Associate serves as a key enabler for the office’s efforts to leverage technology in improving internal processes, enhancing service delivery, and supporting the implementation of development programs aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The role blends technical expertise in managing ICT infrastructure and providing user support, with a more strategic focus on digitalization and automation of business processes. It demands both hands-on technical skills and an understanding of how technology can be used to support and improve governance, sustainability, and human development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. ICT Strategy Development & Technology Implementation

One of the primary responsibilities of the ICT Associate is to contribute to the development and execution of ICT strategies aligned with UNDP’s overall goals. This requires an understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of ICT within a large international organization.

Research & Development: The ICT Associate will conduct market research to identify emerging technologies that could enhance the office’s operations. This could include researching the latest software solutions for data management, collaboration tools, or innovative hardware for improving office efficiency.
Technology Upgrades: The role involves supporting the implementation of new technologies, ensuring that UNDP stays ahead of global technology trends. For instance, this could mean upgrading the office’s ERP systems, exploring new cloud solutions for storage, or introducing automation tools to eliminate repetitive manual tasks.
Compliance and Standards: An essential function will be ensuring compliance with corporate ICT standards established by UNDP, ensuring that new systems and practices adhere to organizational policies, cybersecurity protocols, and international standards.

2. Hardware and Software Management

A large part of the job revolves around ensuring that all hardware and software systems within the office are functioning efficiently and effectively. As an ICT Associate, you will be responsible for:

Installation and Maintenance: This includes setting up and maintaining computers, printers, network equipment, and other hardware. You’ll work on ensuring that software systems are up-to-date, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the smooth operation of all devices used by the office staff.
Repairs and Replacements: In cases where hardware malfunctions, you’ll be tasked with repairing equipment or replacing faulty components, such as hard drives, memory, or network wiring. You’ll also work on ensuring that the office’s inventory of equipment is well-managed and that replacement parts are available when necessary.
Software Upgrades and Troubleshooting: Keeping software packages updated is another crucial responsibility. As software becomes outdated, you’ll need to ensure that patches and security updates are applied. Additionally, troubleshooting software issues and ensuring that the office staff can continue their work uninterrupted is vital.

3. Supporting Digitalization and Automation

A key component of the ICT Associate role is helping drive digitalization and automation initiatives across the UNDP office. This involves:

Web and Software Development: The ICT Associate is expected to support the development of web-based applications and software solutions that improve the organization’s operations. These could range from systems for office management, project tracking, or donor management to knowledge-sharing platforms.
Process Optimization: In line with the UNDP’s emphasis on efficient governance, the ICT Associate plays an integral role in converting traditional office processes into automated digital workflows, which can drastically improve efficiency and reduce human error.
Digital Tools for Programs: Another critical responsibility is supporting programmatic teams by developing custom software tools or leveraging existing platforms to improve program delivery. This may include helping programs transition to digital platforms or building new tools for managing data, tracking resources, or interacting with external stakeholders.

4. Network Management & Cybersecurity

The ICT Associate is responsible for ensuring that the network infrastructure remains secure and that all systems are running smoothly. This includes:

Network Monitoring: The Associate will monitor the office’s network performance on a daily basis to ensure there are no disruptions. If issues arise, the Associate must quickly identify and resolve them to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
Cybersecurity: With an increasing number of threats to cybersecurity, ensuring that the UNDP network and digital systems are protected from malicious attacks is critical. You’ll implement firewalls, anti-virus programs, and malware protection to defend against data breaches or cyberattacks.
Backup & Disaster Recovery: The Associate will implement and regularly test backup solutions to ensure the continuity of data in case of system failures. In line with UNDP’s disaster recovery protocols, the ICT Associate will ensure that the office can recover data swiftly and accurately after any disruption.

5. Knowledge Management and Training

The role also involves knowledge management and staff training. The ICT Associate will:

Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: The office’s success in achieving its development goals is highly reliant on effective knowledge sharing. The ICT Associate will help facilitate systems that allow for easy access to information, such as knowledge management platforms and document repositories.
Staff Training: Another important aspect of the job is organizing training sessions for UNDP staff on how to use the office’s ICT systems and tools effectively. This ensures that staff are equipped with the necessary skills to work efficiently and productively.
Best Practices: The ICT Associate will synthesize best practices and lessons learned in ICT and ensure that these are shared across the organization, contributing to an overall improvement in ICT literacy and usage.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

The role requires working across multiple teams and collaborating with diverse stakeholders:

Collaboration with Other UNDP Teams: The ICT Associate will work closely with other departments such as Operations, Programs, and Projects, providing technical assistance and ensuring their ICT needs are met.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration will also extend to working with regional offices, UNDP HQ, and external stakeholders, particularly in addressing complex ICT issues that require coordination across multiple levels of the organization.

Required Skills and Qualifications

To be successful in this position, a broad range of technical and interpersonal skills is required. Here’s a more detailed look at the required qualifications:

Educational Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in fields like Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or related fields is preferred. However, candidates with secondary education along with extensive relevant work experience will also be considered.
Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), or Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) are highly desirable. These certifications validate your expertise in network management, cybersecurity, and software management.
Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience (with a degree) or 6 years (with a high school diploma) in IT support, network administration, software development, or cloud systems is necessary. Experience with UNDP systems or similar international organizations is an asset.
Technical Skills:
- Networking & Infrastructure: Expertise in managing network systems, cloud-based solutions, and communication systems.
- Software & Hardware: Experience with installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of both hardware and software.
- Security & Backup: Proficiency in implementing cybersecurity measures, data backups, and disaster recovery processes.
- Digital Tools & Automation: Experience developing or implementing automation tools, web-based platforms, or database systems.

Impact and Career Growth

This position plays a key role in ensuring the successful operation of UNDP’s ICT systems in Guyana. The work done by the ICT Associate has a direct impact on improving the organization’s ability to carry out projects, engage with stakeholders, and implement programs that further UNDP’s mission to address poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Beyond the direct impact on program delivery, the ICT Associate role offers significant potential for professional growth. As digital technologies continue to evolve, there will be opportunities for the Associate to gain expertise in emerging fields such as cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The work is dynamic, offering exposure to a variety of ICT-related challenges and opportunities to expand both technical and leadership skills.

This role is not just about technical proficiency; it’s about playing a critical role in UNDP’s long-term vision of sustainable development. By integrating digital solutions into the organization’s operations, you will be directly contributing to a more effective and efficient implementation of UNDP’s mission and goals in Guyana.

February 17, 2025

9 minutes read