Closing date: Saturday, 13 June 2015
Posting Title: Coordinator, Resource Management Unit, P4
Job Code Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER
Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period: 14 April 2015-13 June 2015
Job Opening number: 15-IST-ECA-42503-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
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.
This vacancy is subject to availability of post.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
The post is located in the Information Technology and Umoja Support Section (ITUSS) of the Public Information and Knowledge Management Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Section.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of ITUSS, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties
- Provide strategy, business analysis and technical direction for planning, implementing and supporting resource management information systems ( for ECA at Headquarters and its sub-regional offices), to include the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), financial reporting, payroll monitoring, contracts and procurement management, project and resource mobilization, and all workflow systems like the management of leave, staff entitlements and telephone billing; Plan and direct major systems projects of significant importance to ECA and its sub-regional office or major components of these complex systems which typically impact critical operations and large or multiple user groups; prioritise, plan, implement and support IMIS companion administrative applications; provide first line support to users of IMIS and companion applications; Provide expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identify the need for new systems; develop plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation; Track and monitor project progress against plan, requirements, quality measures, standard processes; liaise with users on all aspects and during all phases of development and implementation; Involvement in the execution of the most complex aspects of the project; oversee development of document and database structures, ensuring that all design aspects are addressed and control and security mechanisms are established;
- Plan and oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Unit; ensure that substantive work programmes and programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion, coordinating diverse projects in the Unit.
- Carry programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit, including procurement, preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), evaluation and interviews of candidates for job openings;
- Provide professional leadership and work direction to assigned project team, mentor and supervise the work of new/junior staff;. 5.Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit, within the ITUSS Section and across organizational boundaries. 6.Keep abreast of developments in the field and determine the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies; provide leadership on introducing technological changes; prepare various technical reports.
Competencies
Professionalism
- Knowledge of systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems;
- ability to develop and oversee large centralized or decentralized institutional systems;
- conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters;
- knowledge of a range of computer languages and development paradigms, knowledge of organization's information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s).
- Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results- proficiency in database administration for Sybase and/or Oracle is required.
- good working knowledge of programming languages as Delphi, C#, Java, Javascript, dot net framework, and SQL is highly desirable, Proficiency in database analysis and business intelligence tools such as SQL Analyzer, Business Objects, Crystal Reports or Cognos is desirable.
- certification/training in Project Management (such as PMI, Prince 2) is highly desirable.
- Knowledge/experience of the ITIL framework is highly desirable.
- knowledge of accounts, financial systems and controls, and prior experience with UNIX and Sybase technical platforms is desirable.
- Sound knowledge of UN policies and procedures is and added advantage.
Communication
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
- tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
- demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
Client Orientation
- Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;
- establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
- identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
- monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
- keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
- meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Managing Performance
- Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority;
- makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member;
- regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff;
- appraises performance fairly.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field.
- A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area. -
- Experience in the development, implementation and maintenance of large and complex ERP systems is required and experience with IMIS is an added advantage.
- Demonstrated experience of planning and organising systems projects is required.
Languages
- English and French are working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
- For the post advertised, fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a written examination test and competency based interviews.
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, 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 and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). 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 inspira account-holder homepage.
Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. 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.
