IT Operations Associate, Centre d'Excellence, Abidjan

Title: IT Operations Associate

Grade: GS6

Duty station: Centre d'Excellence, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire   

Duration of contract: 1 year renewable

1. COUNTRY CONTEXT/ ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Côte d’Ivoire has enjoyed remarkable economic success with a GDP growth rate above 7% per year since 2012, making it a major economic power in the subregion and one of Africa’s most vibrant economies. Although, the Ivorian economy remains vulnerable to external risks, including volatility in the prices of agricultural and mining products, climate conditions, global and regional security risks, and economic inequalities, the country plays an influential role on socio-economic development issues in the subregion and the government is taking a leadership role in contributing to end hunger and malnutrition in the region.

WFP has successfully developed and signed a MoU with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire on  5 October 2018 to establish a general framework for a strategic partnership, which will promote partnership, south-south cooperation, technical assistance, research and advocacy within the region, by capitalizing on good practices in food security and nutrition. This framework resulted in the creation of a Regional Centre of Excellence against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM), hosted and financed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. CERFAM was officially launched on 25 March, 2019.

To enable it to operate, CERFAM is filling a number of key positions, including an Information Technology (IT) Operations  Associate.

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Under the general supervision of the Director of CERFAM and the technical oversight of the IT team in the WFP Regional Bureau in Dakar, the IT Operations Associate will coordinate and guide Information Technology maintenance and support activities to enable the effective delivery of IT services at CERFAM. S/he will also act as security focal point at CERFAM.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the IT Operations Associate will perform the following tasks:

• Carry out system and hardware maintenance tasks, such as running specialised network monitoring and system protection, to ensure technology is running effectively.
• Manage and monitor technology reliability, data connectivity of CERFAM, identify user needs, analyse data and produce accurate reports in order to recommend IT solutions to support informative decision-making.
• Administer the server of CERFAM– Active directory.
• Resolve queries independently, escalating if required, to ensure that standard IT questions are answered and accurate information is provided to staff.
• Provide standard technical training to end users of commonly used technology and systems, in order to assist CERFAM staff in conducting their work.
• Support the co-ordination of new application implementation in order to provide WFP staff with the tools they need to perform effectively.
• Draft standard material such as end-user and technical documentation to ensure staff have access to required information about IT services and products.
• Implement improvements to methods and processes within the IT division in order to support the continuous improvement of IT services provided.
• Install and ensure maintenance of telecommunications systems and equipment, to ensure optimal services in compliance with standard operations procedures.
• Ensure IT compliance with all relevant WFP regulations and policies.
• Ensure that the appropriate WFP standards to procure telecommunications equipment at the least cost and in the most expedient manner are employed within the country.
• Act as security focal point for CERFAM, in liaison and in co-ordination with the Local Security Assistant of WFP Country Office in Abidjan, to perform basic security tasks and keep the Director of CERFAM updated on security risk management matters and safety issues in situ.
• Provide detail reports on all of the above when necessary.
• Perform other related tasks as required.
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​​​​​​​4. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

• Completion of secondary school education.
• University degree or a post-secondary certificate or graduation in IT or related functional area.

Experience:

• At least four (4) years of progressively responsible job related experience in InformationTechnology or Telecommunications such as LAN/WLAN  networking, Operating systems, Windows Server…
• Computer skills including peripherals.
• Knowledge of Microsoft software packages.
• Knowledge of commonly used office equipment.
• Experience in client support, such as a Help Desk or User Support Unit.
• Experience in analysing service management results and development service enhancement recommendations.
• Experience in business process re-engineering efforts and service management improvements.
• Experience in office procurement/budgeting processes.
• Experience in ITIL, Cisco Networking, Telecommunication, V-Sat is an asset.
• Experience in multicultural environments and working with staff from other cultures and background is an asset.
• Experience in working with UN agencies, Development Partners, High level authorities, local governments and civil society organizations is desirable.
• Database developer skills with above skills is an asset.

Competencies:

• Ability to work independently in a timely and organised manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to explore and experiment new ideas and approaches in own work.
• Ability to work in a team and multi-task as needed.

Languages:

• Language: Fluency in French and working level in English. Fluency in English is an asset.

     5.TERMS & CONDITIONS

     Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

     Applications received after the deadline on 6 June 2019 will not be considered.