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Afghanistan Information Technology (IT) Specialist

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code: 2011/UNOPS/AGOC/SCRTFP/VA/047 Post Title: Information Technology (IT) Specialist

Post Level: International ICA – level 3 Project Title: Afghanistan Operations Centre (AGOC) Org Unit: EMO – AGOC

Duty Station: Kabul, Afghanistan (non-family)

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Closing Date: 19 November 2011

Background

UNOPS’ strategy for Afghanistan is aimed at providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan though the delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s own priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Operation Center (AGOC) has been established as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AGOC is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads and schools) development, capacity building to various ministries, and environmental protection, among others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community.

The functional objective of UNOPS AGOC is to deliver projects in an efficient and effective manner, to achieve the development outcomes sought by the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community, where capacity building is always considered and encouraged. The aim of UNOPS AGOC is to provide implementation services to the Government of Afghanistan, the donor community and partner agencies in the reconstruction and development of the country. In doing so, UNOPS aims to exceed client expectations in the delivery of quality services throughout the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

The IT Specialist would help in overall automation of the ACD in general and specifically for facilitating automation of various customs processes under ASYCUDA. He is also expected to coordinate and assist in installation of executive information system in ACD, and in setting up of the Customs to Customs (C2C) data exchange system. He would undertake these responsibilities in close collaboration with the ASYCUDA experts, or any other individual or firm hire for this purpose.

Specific duties Reporting directly to the Team Leader (TL) & Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the project, in close coordination with the UNCTAD technical staff, the IT Specialist shall perform following duties and responsibilities, but not limited to:

Undertaking review of overall ICT needs of ACD • Providing technical assistance and support to ACD in review of its ICT requirements and recommending suitable IT package including internet network, adhering to the UNOPS ICT Policies. • Advise and provide requisite technical assistance to the project and ACD on the installation of all IT and communications equipment. • Advise and assist ACD in obtaining appropriate networking solutions for optimal functioning of ASYCUDA and ACD’s own offices. • Help in improving office processes through automation of ACD. • Support installation of local area network in the project office and ACD, if required. • Organization and delivery of ICT training for Project Team/Focal Points on technical implementation and operation of the ASYCUDA system. • Provision of technical advice, assistance and support to ACD in consultation with UNCTAD experts on the most appropriate ICT configurations for ASYCUDA implementation, particularly - ASYCUDA DPS and Transit in all suitable ACD sites; - ASYCUDA World via Internet in all computerized ACD sites; • Help in preparation of ICT requirements/specifications for implementation of ASYCUDA DPS and Transit System in consultation with ASYCUDA experts; • Ensure the installation of a Local Area Network (Wire or Wireless) system. • Support the installation of all IT and communications equipment. • Ensure that that all IT and communications equipment are adequately protected against viruses, etc. • Provide support for the maintenance of IT and communications equipment. • Develop list of the key external contacts to assist in maintenance of IT and communication equipment.

Support implementation of new ASYCUDA modules

• Help ACD in automation of its support functions (ERP, office automation) in order to promote standardization, transparency and productivity, both in HQ and field offices. • Support development of BIS in ACD to provide online monitoring and retrieval of data • Provide assistance to ACD/UNCTAD in roll out of ASYCUDA modules to new stations and migration from ASYCUDA++ to ASYCUDA World, under guidance of UNCTAD experts.

Coordinate in installation of Executive Information System (EIS)

• Coordinate/assist in setting up of executive dashboard and alert system in ACD • Help in aligning the EIS with data analysis and other automation requirements of ACD and the Ministry if so warranted • Help in setting up Customs to Customs (C2C) data exchange system in ACD Other ICT technical support functions • Advise ACD on automation of office processes and network requirement • Supervise setting up and running configuration network in ACD and troubleshooting network problems • Develop new projects and bring about procedural reforms in various work areas of the Afghan Customs Department • Advise the project on policy issues relating to computerization of ACD and evolving work processes • Coordinate with other agencies for collaboration on issues relating to customs automation, including border management • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the DG Customs and the Team Leader.

  1. Monitoring and Progress Control

• Weekly and monthly meetings with the Team Leader and Director General ACD, as required providing feedback and progress on automation. • Timely submission of prescribed reports to the Deputy Minister, Director General and Team Leader.

  1. Final Product

• The Specialist will get the automation of Afghanistan Customs Department to help in effective reform process in Afghan Customs. • The Specialist will be instrumental in automation of office processes in ACD to help improve overall governance in the Afghan Customs.

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

• Professionalism – Professional competence and mastery of the computerization; Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; • Communication – Strong communications skills, both oral and written; Ability to defend and explain difficult issues, to make presentations clearly, concisely and articulately; Demonstrated ability and openness to share information; • Planning and Organizing – Demonstrated capacity to allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing the planned activities timely and professionally; • Team Work – Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues and local counterparts personnel to achieve the goals of the project and to produce all expected results. • Demonstrated capacity to identify beneficiary’s needs and match them with appropriate solutions.

Education/Experience/Language • An advanced university degree (Master’s) in computer science or equivalent field. A First Level University Degree with additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree. • A minimum of five years’ experience in C++ programming, RDBMS and client-server systems. • Knowledge of computer hardware, their maintenance and upkeep is also required. • Good working knowledge of UNIX and PC operating systems is required. • Good knowledge and working experience in networking, VPN and intranet solutions • Good experience in systems analysis and design is considered an advantage. • Experience of implementing ASYCUDA at national level is considered an advantage. • Excellent command of both oral and written English a must • Working knowledge of the local language considered an advantage

How to apply:

Submission of Applications

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), to EMO AGOC Human Resources, via e-mail to emo.agoc.vacint@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Additional Considerations

  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.