Computer Operations Operators

FUNCTION:	Computer Operations Operators (two vacancies)
GRADE:	B4, according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations.
REFERENCE NO:	AP11-01
LOCATION:	ECMWF Headquarters at Shinfield Park, near Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
ENVIRONMENT:	The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an international organisation supported by 33* States. ECMWF's principal objectives are the development of numerical methods for medium-range and seasonal weather forecasting; the preparation, on a regular basis, of medium-range and long-range weather forecasts for distribution to the meteorological services of the Member States; scientific and technical research directed to the improvement of these forecasts; collection and storage of appropriate meteorological data. Satellite and in situ observations provide the information for up-to-date global analyses of the atmosphere, ocean and surface. For details see: www.ecmwf.int/research ECMWF’s main computing facility includes supercomputers, archiving and data handling systems. ECMWF is connected to the meteorological organisations of its Member States and Co-operating States via efficient networks linking 44 countries. A detailed description is available at: www.ecmwf.int/services/computing/overview
MAIN DUTIES:	This post is in the Computer Operations Section of the Computer Division. The successful candidate will be part of a small team working a 12-hour shift system covering 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The team is responsible for the monitoring of the performance of ECMWF’s computing systems and infrastructure and the running of operational tasks. The responsibilities will include responding to hardware, software and application alerts, first-level problem diagnosis, problem logging and appropriate escalation. During this process, the incumbent must ensure clear and consistent communication with all parties from alert, through analysis, to resolution. The incumbent will also work with other team members on the continuous improvement of procedures, the monitoring systems and operational efficiency, through the identification of tasks suitable for automation, and will assist with the implementation thereof.
QUALIFICATIONS:	The post calls for a good standard of secondary education. Candidates must have at least five years’ operating experience in a large-scale computing environment and be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of a UNIX-based operating system. Experience of shift work as well as some experience of system and network monitoring tools would all be seen as significant advantages. Knowledge of IBM’s LoadLeveller and AIX is desirable. Candidates will be expected to show that they possess: an understanding of the operational use of supercomputers, servers, storage, operating systems, networks and monitoring tools; previous experience of support duties in an operational environment; the ability to work effectively as part of a small team; excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including the writing and appropriate application of accurate and well-structured documentation; the ability to analyse and report problems, using system information and logs; the ability to work effectively under pressure; a commitment to personal and team development, with a willingness to learn new skills; a sense of responsibility. The working languages of ECMWF are English, French and German. Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and have a good knowledge of one of the other working languages of ECMWF. Interviews will be conducted in English. Staff are normally recruited from among the nationals of the Member States and the Co-operating States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom.
REMUNERATION:	B4: £2,820.72 to £3,753.02 basic salary per month net of tax, plus a monthly shift allowance of 37.33% of respective basic salary. In principle, a staff member will be engaged at the lowest step of the grade of the post for which he or she is selected. A deduction is made from the basic salary for the Pension Scheme and for Partial Invalidity (10.8% from 01.01.2011 for the Pension Scheme and 0.2% for Partial Invalidity). A further 1.38% of basic salary and related allowances is currently deducted for the ECMWF Supplementary Health Insurance Scheme. Where applicable the following allowances will be paid in addition to the basic salary: household allowance of 6% of basic salary; children’s allowance of £221.49 per child per month; expatriation allowance of 14% or 18% of basic salary for expatriates; education allowance for children of expatriates.
STARTING DATE:	As soon as possible.
LENGTH OF CONTRACT:	Maximum of 4 years for initial contract, with the possibility of renewal.
APPLICATIONS:	Application forms can be downloaded from ECMWF’s website: (www.ecmwf.int/newsevents/employment/en/).
CLOSING DATE:	Completed applications for this post must reach the Personnel Section of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts at the above address not later than 1 March 2011.