ICT Associate UNDP

The ICT Associate role at the UNDP in Georgetown, Guyana, is a technical support position within the Country Office. Here’s a breakdown of the key responsibilities and requirements:

Responsibilities:http://ICT Associate Job Posting

1. ICT Strategy and Implementation:
   • Implement technology strategies for the office. This includes ensuring the use of efficient tools, monitoring emerging tech, and suggesting improvements. The goal is to help the office be more efficient and deliver services better.
2. Hardware and Software Support:
   • Maintain the office’s technology, including installing and troubleshooting hardware (like computers, printers, and other devices).
   • Ensure that all software is working properly, from operating systems to applications used by the office.
3. Digitalization and Automation:
   • Support the transition to digital tools for both internal operations and external projects. This might involve creating or improving online platforms, databases, or apps to streamline workflows.
4. Network Administration:
   • Monitor the office’s network and ensure stable and secure connections. You’ll also manage the protection of systems from cyber threats, implement backups, and troubleshoot any network issues.
5. Knowledge Sharing and Training:
   • Ensure that the office staff is trained on ICT tools and systems. Additionally, contribute to knowledge sharing by developing best practices and supporting staff in using ICT more effectively.

Requirements:

1. Education:
   • Secondary education is required with formal training in IT systems. A higher degree in IT or related fields is a plus but not mandatory.
2. Experience:
   • With a high school diploma, 6 years of experience in network administration or technical support are required.
   • With a bachelor’s degree, 3 years of experience is enough.
3. Technical Skills:
   • Familiarity with cloud solutions, network management, web development, and database management is key.
   • Certifications like Cisco (CCNA), Microsoft (MCSA, MSCE), or similar certifications would be valuable.
4. Language:
   • Fluency in English is required, as it’s the official language of the duty station.
5. Soft Skills:
   • You need to be adaptable and innovative, finding ways to improve ICT systems and solutions for efficiency.
   • You should be a good communicator, able to work with different teams and provide technical support and training.

Why It’s Important:@vacancyspaces.com

The ICT Associate helps UNDP Guyana to advance its work by ensuring that all the technical tools and systems are functioning smoothly. The office’s success depends heavily on digital transformation, which is why this role is vital in streamlining operations and supporting both the staff and the projects that directly impact the development of the country.

The ICT Associate role at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Georgetown, Guyana, is a specialized technical support position designed to ensure that the Country Office’s information and communication technology infrastructure operates smoothly. The position plays a critical role in enabling the office’s broader goals of promoting sustainable development, governance, social equity, and addressing climate change by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of digital tools, systems, and technologies within the organization.

Overview of the UNDP and Its Work

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eliminate poverty, inequality, and the impact of climate change. Operating in 170 countries, UNDP assists nations in building integrated, sustainable solutions that benefit people and the planet. Through partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector, UNDP focuses on promoting inclusive governance, strengthening institutions, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a framework adopted by all UN member states in 2015 to address global challenges and create a better future for all.

In Guyana, the UNDP Country Office is instrumental in supporting the country’s development efforts. The office follows a strategic approach that aims to promote economic resilience, safety, and security, better management of natural resources, and resilience to climate change. These areas are integral to achieving national development priorities such as poverty reduction, social protection, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

To achieve its goals, the UNDP Guyana Country Office needs to ensure that it has the right tools and systems in place to support its work. This is where the ICT Associate comes in. The role helps optimize the use of digital technology in all aspects of office operations, programmatic work, and project delivery, which ultimately contributes to the office’s ability to effectively implement its strategy.

Role and Responsibilities of the ICT Associate

1. ICT Strategy and Implementation

The ICT Associate plays a central role in implementing the UNDP’s ICT strategy within the Country Office. The ICT strategy aims to ensure that digital technologies support organizational goals by improving operational efficiency and enhancing service delivery. The Associate is responsible for understanding the technological needs of the office and aligning them with the broader corporate ICT strategies of UNDP.

A significant part of this responsibility involves identifying opportunities for introducing new technologies that could enhance the Country Office’s performance. This includes researching emerging technologies, conducting market analyses, and providing recommendations for software, hardware, or digital solutions that could improve office workflows, enhance communication, or drive innovation. Additionally, the ICT Associate is expected to contribute to the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ICT services to ensure consistent and effective use of technology.

The role also involves advising on the procurement of new ICT equipment, including technical specifications for hardware and software. The Associate ensures that any equipment purchased aligns with both office requirements and the global UNDP standards. This task requires working with the procurement teams, reviewing bids and quotations, and providing feedback on the best available options from both local and international vendors.

Another important aspect of this responsibility is ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery. The Associate must ensure that the office has systems in place to protect against potential data losses, system failures, or cyber-attacks. They are tasked with implementing measures for backing up data, recovering critical systems, and ensuring that the office remains operational in case of any unforeseen disruptions.

2. Effective Functioning of Hardware and Software

The ICT Associate is directly responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Country Office’s hardware and software. This includes maintaining all computer systems, printers, scanners, networking equipment, and other essential hardware. The Associate performs routine checks, updates, and troubleshooting tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of office systems.

When hardware components fail or need to be upgraded, the ICT Associate is expected to handle repairs and replacements, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly to minimize disruption to office activities. This includes tasks such as changing electronic components (such as hard drives or memory), repairing malfunctioning devices, and ensuring that hardware is up to date and fully functional.

On the software side, the ICT Associate installs, configures, and maintains all software applications used by the office. This could range from commercial off-the-shelf software (like office productivity tools) to customized applications developed in-house for UNDP-specific needs. Additionally, the Associate ensures that software is updated regularly, and licenses are managed appropriately to comply with UNDP policies.

3. Automation and Digitalization Support

The UNDP Guyana Country Office is actively working toward greater digitalization, both in its internal operations and in how it engages with external stakeholders. The ICT Associate plays a pivotal role in supporting this transformation. This involves developing or supporting the development of digital tools that streamline workflows, enhance data management, and improve collaboration among teams.

For example, the ICT Associate might work with the operations and program teams to digitize manual processes and create automation solutions that improve efficiency. This could involve developing or upgrading web-based applications, creating customized databases for managing program data, or integrating tools that enable better communication and project tracking.

The ICT Associate also helps develop new automation tools that support the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which allows the UNDP to manage resources, personnel, and finances more effectively. These tools may improve client services and facilitate smoother operations within the Country Office.

By supporting the development of such digital tools, the ICT Associate ensures that the office can adapt to new ways of working, leveraging technology to become more agile and responsive in its efforts to meet development challenges.

4. Network Administration

The ICT Associate is responsible for maintaining the office’s network infrastructure, which is essential for communication, data sharing, and overall productivity. This involves monitoring the network connection to ensure that it is stable and responsive, ensuring that all staff members have reliable access to necessary digital resources.

The ICT Associate must also ensure that the Country Office’s network is secure. This involves implementing cybersecurity measures such as installing firewalls, anti-virus programs, and anti-malware tools. The role includes monitoring for any potential threats and deploying countermeasures when a cyber-attack or network breach occurs.

Additionally, the Associate is responsible for ensuring that the office’s cloud-based systems, such as file backups and disaster recovery systems, are functioning effectively. This includes setting up and managing cloud-based backup procedures and ensuring that all data is stored securely and can be recovered in the event of data loss.

5. Knowledge Building and Sharing

As part of the ICT team, the Associate will help build a culture of knowledge sharing within the office. This is important for improving efficiency, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that lessons learned and best practices are accessible to all staff. The ICT Associate identifies and promotes various systems and applications that enable effective knowledge management and information sharing within the office.

Additionally, the ICT Associate is responsible for organizing ICT training sessions for staff. This could include training on how to use new software tools, best practices for digital security, or how to optimize the use of ICT resources. By equipping staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Associate helps improve overall productivity and ensures that the office is well-prepared for the digital challenges of the future.

Required Skills and Qualifications

The ICT Associate role requires a mix of technical expertise and soft skills that enable the individual to support the various ICT needs of the UNDP Guyana office. Key skills and qualifications include:

1. Technical Skills

• Network Management: Proficiency in managing and maintaining computer networks, troubleshooting network issues, and ensuring network security.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Knowledge of cloud technologies and platforms, including cloud storage, cloud computing, and data backup systems.
• Software Management: Experience with installing, configuring, and maintaining software applications. This includes both off-the-shelf software and custom-developed applications.
• Hardware Management: Ability to repair and maintain physical hardware, such as computers, printers, and networking equipment.
• Cybersecurity: Knowledge of cybersecurity practices to protect office systems and data from external threats.
• Automation and Digitalization: Familiarity with web-based applications, automation tools, and digital transformation processes.

2. Educational Qualifications

• Secondary Education: A high school diploma is required, with formal training in IT systems or business software.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A university degree in Information Technology, Information Management, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Certifications: Certifications such as CCNA, MSCA, MSCE, or MCP are valuable and demonstrate a deep technical knowledge of networking, systems administration, and other key ICT functions.

3. Experience

• For those with a high school diploma, a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in network administration, hardware/software support, or cloud ERP environments is required.
• For candidates with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is needed.
• Experience with web design, software development, and working with UNDP ICT systems is an asset.
• Familiarity with UNDP’s policies, guidelines, and frameworks is a strong advantage.

4. Language Skills

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required for this position as it is the official language of the duty station.

5. Soft Skills

• Problem-solving: The ability to quickly diagnose technical issues and find effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Ability to work across teams and functions, collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• Communication: Strong communication skills are essential for training staff, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with external partners.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment, adapting to new technologies and organizational needs.

Why This Role Matters

The ICT Associate’s work is crucial to ensuring that the UNDP Guyana Country Office can deliver on its mission and goals effectively. As technology continues to play an ever-larger role in global development efforts, the Associate will help the office keep pace with technological advances, improve operational efficiency, and enhance collaboration both internally and with external partners.

By contributing to the office’s digital transformation, the ICT Associate will help UNDP Guyana advance its strategic priorities and support sustainable development in the country. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a global team that is working to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of people in Guyana and beyond.

Would you like to go further into any specific aspect of the job description or role responsibilities? Feel free to ask for more detailed information!