Telecommunications Assistant

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Broadcast and Conference Support Section (BCSS), Regional Service Management Services (RSMS), Operations Support Division (OSD), Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). The incumbent reports to the Broadcast Engineering Maintenance Officer and the Engineering Maintenance Supervisor, BCSS. The Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) is leading the digital transformation of the Organization to enable a better, safer, more sustainable future through secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions. OICT is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. OICT supports the principles of work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Telecommunications Technician (Broadcast Operations Technician) will be responsible for the following duties: Satellite Operations • Operates and maintains standard installation and operation of satellite equipment, inclusive of the antenna system, RF equipment, IF equipment, base-band equipment, network supervisory system, and test facilities. • Provides hardware and software troubleshooting support to OAHs and Peacekeeping missions, seeking technical advice and support as required. • Assists in large projects implementation such as analyzing link budgets, and preparing transmission plans, system engineering diagrams, network documentation, and assists in testing of links and equipment installed. • Assists in carrying out periodic system testing and circuit line-up of existing digital carriers. • Monitors and tests the overall satellite daily operations performance, including transmission quality, and affect corrections as required. • Performs maintenance and minor repairs on hardware equipment. • Maintains station records and documentation. • Prepares monthly reports on the satellite performance, including detailed reports of outages for outage. • Maintain equipment inventory to ensure that operational needs of the station are met. • Prepares and updates earth station system engineering network diagrams including all changes and associated documentation. • Performs other related duties as required. Wide Area Network Operations • Installs, configures, and assists in testing and commissioning of various UN Wide Area Network (WAN) systems and associated equipment. • Provides hardware and software troubleshooting support to OAHs and Peacekeeping missions, seeking technical advice and support from the WAN staff as required. • Assists in large projects implementation such as analyzing user requests, preparing system engineering diagrams, and network documentation, and assist in testing of cables and equipment installed by vendors. • Monitors and tests the overall WAN daily operations at local and remote network nodes, including transmission quality, and affects corrections as required. • Maintains up to date records/documentation of the Network Control Center/Network Operations Center, and the Wide Area Network. • Prepares monthly reports on the WAN performance, including detailed reports of leased facility outages for outage rebate purposes. • Conducts on-going analysis of equipment to ensure proper operation and to determine if modifications are necessary. • Maintains equipment inventory to ensure that operational needs of the WAN are met • Performs other related duties as required. Local Area Network Operations (LAN) • Performs technical support activities, including firmware upgrades, and module level repair of multi-layer switches, routers, remote access servers, content switches and Ethernet hubs. • Installs, configures, and maintains multi-protocol routers, multi-layer switches, Ethernet hubs and other LAN equipment. • Monitors the performance of the LAN, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and high speed Internet access facilities. • Coordinates and facilitates the implementation of ad-hoc LAN support requirements for departmental focal points. • Provides remote operations and maintenance service and technical support for access routers on the Wide Area Network. • Maintains LAN and MAN equipment inventory and track repair history of Local Area Network equipment and modules. • Prepares system engineering plans, generates and revises network diagrams and network documentation. • Performs other related duties as required. Conference and Broadcast equipment Operation • Installs and assists in testing and commissioning various Broadcast and Conference equipment. • Monitors and tests the daily electronic operations of UN Broadcast and Conference equipment, including the quality of facilities and affect corrections as required. • Conducts on-going analysis of equipment to ensure proper operation and to determine if modifications are necessary. • Maintains equipments inventory to ensure that operational needs of field and local offices are met. • Gathers statistical data on equipment and communications to determine their efficiency and methods for their improvement. • Receives, tests, and installs Broadcast and Conference hardware and software. • Provides hardware and software troubleshooting support to various office locations, seeking technical advice and support from telecom/info technology staff as required. • Performs maintenance and minor repairs on hardware equipment. • Produces monthly activity reports; assists in large projects when services are to be provided in new locations such as analyzing user requests, preparing wiring layouts and wiring termination details, supervising and testing cable plants and equipment installed by vendors. • Programs hardware and software parameters of Broadcast and Conference equipment. • Gathers and analyzes statistical data on operational performance of Broadcast and Conference equipment. • Prepares engineering drawings such as schematic drawings, system layouts, terminations details, wiring diagrams, etc. • Provides assistance in workflow analysis of existing procedures and drafting of new workflow to change operating environment or optimize operation. • Performs other related duties as required. Audio/Visual Conference Services • Installs and assists in testing and commissioning various videoconference equipment; • Monitors and tests the daily electronic operations of UN videoconference equipment, including the quality of transmission facilities and affect corrections as required. • Conducts on-going analysis of videoconference equipment to ensure proper operation and to determine if modifications are necessary. • Receives, tests, and installs technology and videoconference hardware and software. • Performs maintenance and minor repairs on videoconference equipment. • Programs hardware and software parameters of videoconference equipment. • Gathers and analyzes statistical data on operational performance of videoconference equipment. • Performs other related duties as required. Radio Communications and Video Surveillance System Installation and Maintenance • Installs and assists in testing and commissioning various radio communications and video surveillance equipment. • Monitors and tests the daily electronic operations of UN radio communications and video surveillance equipment, including the quality of transmission facilities and affect corrections as required. • Conducts on-going analysis of radio communications and video surveillance equipment to ensure proper operation and to determine if modifications are necessary. • Receives, tests, and installs technology and radio communications and video surveillance hardware and software. • Performs maintenance and minor repairs on radio communications and video surveillance equipment. • Programs hardware and software parameters of radio communications and video surveillance equipment. • Gathers and analyzes statistical data on operational performance of radio communications and video surveillance equipment. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of telecommunication equipment, principles of operations, including local area networks, satellites, radio and video surveillance systems, voice and messaging systems. Knowledge of satellite earth station technology, and principles of analog and digital transmission. Knowledge of synchronous and asynchronous data interface standards and protocols. Knowledge of satellite modem, CSU/DSU, and digital line driver operation. Ability to apply knowledge and technical skills to install and test relevant equipment, provide maintenance services and user support. Ability to assist with analog and digital transmission facility testing and trouble-shooting. 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; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

• A minimum seven years of experience working in broadcast and conference operations or related area as a hands on repair / integration / installation technician, including experience in diagnosing and repairing all broadcast related equipment is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. • Experience in working with video conference, audio visual, broadcast and transmission systems and/or file based or tape less broadcast equipment is desirable. • Experience with ST2110 transport and related discovery, control, routing, and switch configurations is desirable. • Experience in how to safely approach and carry out repairs where levels of high voltage, RF and lasers are present is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is desirable

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. • The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. • Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. • This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.