Programming Assistant

Department/ Office: United Nations Office at Nairobi
Duty Station:NAIROBI
Posting Period: 18 October 2012-17 November 2012
Job Opening number: 12-IST-UNON-24820-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity


Organizational Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This post is located in the Resource Management Section (RMS) of the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) in UNON.

Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Resource Management Section (RMS), the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Systems development functions: Design new computer applications or releases using various programming languages; Liaise with and analyze users' requirements and requests for information and translate them into new applications or reporting modules; Design and code programs to interface various systems ensuring data security and integrity; Design and create technical and user documentation for application systems/releases; Monitor, develop and enhance all systems supported by ICTS; Develop and sustain a strategy to test implemented or modified applications.
 2. Information technology research and acquisition: Participate with senior staff in feasibility studies; Assist in procurement procedures, conducting needs assessments, establishing benchmarks and preparing technical specifications and evaluation criteria; Install new software, software releases and upgrades.
 3. Database reporting: Provide suitable and appropriate reporting tools for ICTS databases; Ensure data accuracy for the integrity and reliability of database reports.
4. Helpdesk support: Prepare and provide training and demonstrations to users on ICTS supported systems; Advise users on data entry, enquiry and reporting on the databases supported by ICTS.
5. Database administration: Monitor internal disk space on UNIX and Sybase data and advise the Systems Administrator accordingly; Register new users of Sybase backups and other overnight data processing cron jobs; Perform any other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of systems design, development and maintenance of software applications; up- to-date knowledge of changes and developments in information technology field; ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying and assessing issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education
High School diploma or equivalent. Supplemental courses / technical certificate in Information Technology; supplemental training to keep abreast of changes in information technology; an associate university degree or equivalent in computer science / information technology is desirable. Knowledge and working experience with RDBMS is an advantage.

Work Experience
Minimum of ten years of experience related to computer applications, systems design, development, management and maintenance of software within the UN system or in the public/private sector.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.

Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.

If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please send an email to recruitment@unon.org, quoting the job opening number in the subject header of your email.

United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee 
 THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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