Senior ICT Associate (System Administrator) - PSA5

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu.

The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-ViE):

The United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-VIE), established in 2007 in Bonn, Germany, is one of two UNU Vice-Rectorates and the only one located in Europe. It supports the institutional development of UNU, facilitates collaboration across UNU and the UN, as well as fosters strategic partnerships - particularly with the Global South - and shares knowledge and expertise through the development of joint activities and projects. In addition, UNU-VIE conducts frontier research reinforcing existing UNU programming and supporting the implementation of key UN priorities. More information about UNU-VIE can be found here: https://unu.edu/vie.

The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS):

The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) was established in 2003 in Bonn, Germany. The institute conducts research work focusing on advancing human security and well-being by addressing present and future risks arising from environmental hazards and climate change. Its main areas of work are risk & adaptation and transformation. In addition to its research work, UNU-EHS offers education opportunities at the master’s level and hosts a number of international PhD projects and capacity-development courses on global issues of environmental risks and sustainable development. More information about UNU-EHS can be found here: https://unu.edu/ehs.

Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Vice-Rector/Director EHS and the direct supervision of the Head of ICT Services (ViE), the appointee will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Desktop Administration: Manage desktop administration

• Manage hardware and software configuration tasks, define standards for, create and deploy images for Operating Systems and applications to computers and laptops.

• Ensure that the corporate software repository and self-service portal are maintained, software is up-to-date, available to end users and being delivered correctly.

• Regularly deploy security and product updates to mitigate emerging cyber-threats.

• Maintain ICT equipment such as computers and laptops including support information.

2. Service Support: Coordinate service support to personnel

• Provide guidance and support for the delivery of responsive first- and second-level support to ICT and office staff by providing accurate, timely and efficient solutions. Log, track and resolve service requests using the ticketing system.

• Support and administration of Office 365 resources e.g. Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive etc.

• Perform scripting administration tasks and reporting using PowerShell.

• Manage Office 365 licenses and subscriptions.

• Register ICT assets and asset assignments to staff in the service desk database.

• Keep abreast of developments in technology and make recommendations for improvements and acquisitions of hardware, software, devices, tools, etc. to facilitate work.

• Provide basic training to ICT staff and end-users on the use of standard systems and applications and draft end-user and/or technical documentation as required.

3. Infrastructure Administration: Maintain the infrastructure administration

• Install, configure, test, and deploy server hardware and software.

• Perform day-to-day administration and technical support of server systems.

• Maintain and configure security network hardware (e.g. Switches Firewalls, Remote Access technologies)

• Create and maintain systems and infrastructure documentation.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems, recommend and develop solutions and escalate if necessary.

4. Administration of storage, virtualization and backup

• Administer the VMware vSphere environment and virtual machines, High Availability, and Fault Tolerance.

• Manage backups of servers following standard backup procedures and in line with the disaster recovery and business continuity plan.

• Troubleshoot issues related to backup, virtualization and storage technologies.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of systems and solutions.

• Quality service response and resolution of first- and second-level support tasks within established Service Level targets.

• Ensure secure, stable and reliable ICT systems by maintaining uptime targets.

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.

Education and certification:

1. Diploma of secondary education.

2. Secondary Education with specialized valid certifications in at least one out of the following (or related) areas is required:

• Windows Server Management (Windows 2008/2012/2016/2019).

• Microsoft O365-related technologies (SharePoint, Teams, Exchange Online).

• Network and Remote Access (Sophos, Cisco, Arista).

• Vmware vSphere virtualization.

• ITIL version 3 or ITIL version 4 certification.
  

Experience:

• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in the ICT field, some of which preferably in an international setting.

• Experience working with End Users to ensure first- and second-level requests are addressed.

• Knowledge and experience in the configuration and administration of:

1. Office 365 services.

2. ManageEngine products such as ServiceDesk Plus, Desktop Central.

3. Cisco/Arista networks.

4. Veeam backup and recovery systems.

5. VMware Vsphere.

6. Microsoft Windows server systems.

• Familiarity with testing, patching, and upgrading client and server systems.

• Experience with monitoring, and reporting of server and network resource utilization and performance.

• Experience building, maintaining and auditing documentation related to configuration, operating procedures, services and network and systems topologies.

• Ability to learn and adapt to ICT systems that may be unfamiliar.

• Good communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Flexibility and willingness to work outside normal business hours as needed.

• Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work well in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

• German language skills will be considered a strong asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave 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. This post is open to applicants from all countries and UNU will aid the successful applicant in securing a work visa for Germany, as necessary. It is, however, a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The duty station will be Bonn, Germany.

Starting date

Immediate.

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• 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);

• Provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;

• 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: 16 April, 2025

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

PSA holders do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

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 organization. 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.

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.

Scam warning

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