Job description
United Nations University (UNU)
UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.
About Office/Institute
The UNU Campus Computing Centre (C3) is seeking an ICT Project Support Specialist to join its team and provide essential support across a variety of projects, spanning from operations to program support via ICT, notably using GIS and other research tools. The role involves working collaboratively with the C3 team to facilitate the implementation and maintenance of ICT policies, workflows, services, and applications.
The ICT Project Support Specialist will engage in various projects as needed, contributing to the broader goals of C3 and the UNU. This includes participating in ICT working groups, assisting with the logistics of UNU ICT network meetings, and supporting the compilation of notes and proceedings. The role may also involve data processing tasks for the ICT team, particularly in relation to training AI language models, ensuring that data is accurately collected, validated, and prepared for use.
In addition to these responsibilities, the specialist will be expected to adapt to the evolving project landscape, taking on new challenges that may arise outside of GIS and UNU ICT network support. This position is ideal for an individual with a solid foundation in ICT and GIS principles who is adept at managing multiple tasks and can effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of Chief of ICT, the incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:
1. ICT Network Support
- Assist with the logistics and maintenance of notes and proceedings of UNU ICT network meetings.
- Assist with additional ICT network coordination activities, e.g., meeting scheduling, polling, surveying, compilation of annual ICT newsletter, etc.
- Contribute to ICT working groups.
2. GIS support
- Act as the main focal point for UNU’s GIS vendor.
- Manage GIS license renewals and allocations; monitor license utilization.
- Provide GIS training and coordinate training sessions in partnership with the vendor for UNU GIS users.
- Provide technical support to UNU personnel and students on GIS services and applications, such as ArcGIS.
- Develop and maintain GIS documentation and knowledge resources covering both user and admin workflows.
- Develop and implement GIS standards and best practices across the UNU network.
3. Project support
- Support ICT initiatives, in particular, processing data to be used by the ICT team in aligning and training AI language models.
- Collect, validate, clean, and transform data from various sources and formats, such as Excel, CSV, JSON, XML, etc.
- Analyze and visualize data using appropriate tools and techniques, such as Power BI, R, Python, etc.
- Prepare and deliver data reports and dashboards to the ICT team and other stakeholders as required.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Key Performance Indicators
- Working Group Support Contribution: The number of efficient contributions to ICT working groups, emphasizing support tasks.
- GIS training and Technical Support Quality: Quality of GIS training coordination and technical support provided, based on feedback from UNU personnel and students.
- Data Processing Reliability: Accuracy and consistency of data processing tasks performed.
- Project support contributions: Timeliness and quality of contributions towards projects.
Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
- Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
- Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
- Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.
Behaviours:
- Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
- Analyse and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
- Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
- Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
- Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
- High School Diploma or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in information technology, computer science, geographic information systems, or any related field.
2) Required skills and experience
- Minimum 4 years with High School Diploma or 2 years with Bachelor’s degree of relevant working experience in supporting an ICT network and providing support and administration in GIS.
- Technical skills and knowledge of GIS services and applications, such as ArcGIS, QGIS and others is beneficial.
- Awareness of data privacy, security, and ethical considerations for Generative AI.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Other desirable skills: familiarity with data visualization and analysis tools like Power BI and ability to process data using a programming language like Python, analytical, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and project management.
- Familiarity with the UN system and proficiency in another UN official working language are advantageous.
3) Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including a monthly net salary (of/in the range of) JPY 236,041.67 – JPY 269,041.67, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave (15 days annual leave for part-time 50%) and a health insurance scheme.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Starting date
1 August 2024
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Apply via the apply link:
- fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations):
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position. You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
13 June 2024
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.
Special Notice
Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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