Head of Communication and Information Technology Services

Job Title:	Head of Communication and Information Technology Services
Grade:	P4
Section:	Communication and Information Technology Services
Reports to:	Chief of Integrated Support Services
Duty Station:	Mogadishu, Somalia

2.    JOB PURPOSE:

To lead the provision of a robust and integrated communication and information systems (CIS) support architecture to all components of AMISOM. This includes designing, installing, operating and maintaining mission-wide communications, telephone, radio, and data systems, proprietary information management systems; internet and intranet.

3.    MAIN DUTIES AND  RESPONSIBILITIES:

•        Manage the Information Technology Unit;

•        Plan and direct all major communications systems projects relating to AMISOM’s IT systems including upgrading of current CIS infrastructure and expansion thereof into new areas of operation;

•        Plan and design reliable telecommunications services

and solutions (voice and video conference services) provided through integrated network infrastructure of radio communications, satellite, and data network systems;

•        Provide and maintain secure strategic communication infrastructure between AUC Strategic HQ in Addis Ababa and Mission HQ in Mogadishu;

•        Ensure IT security for all application systems to maintain integrity of information and minimize impact of security vulnerabilities and incident;

•        Monitor the progress of the design, installation and commissioning of the various networks and systems;

•        Manage the Information Technology Unit budget, formulate and monitor budget allocations and expenditures;

•     Develop    technical    specifications    for    procurement/contractual    services,    oversee    technical

evaluation of bids received;

•        Provide expert advice on complex systems analysis and design, identify the need for new systems (or modifications to existing systems) and respond to requests from users;

•        Develop a continuity plan, including business impact analysis, strengthening of the existing infrastructure, set-up of full disaster recovery capability and maintenance of up-to-date procedures;

•        Provide professional leadership and work direction to the Information Technology Officers and other staff within the Unit;

•        Coordinate yearly work plans and procedures for all staff within the Unit, perform detailed performance assessments and evaluations for all staff supervised;

•        Develop, implement and monitor information standards and guidelines, including testing paradigms;

•        Prepare technical and user documentation for entire systems and interdependent applications, prepare training materials and detailed technical presentations;

•        Keep abreast of developments in the field and determine the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies, provide leadership on introducing technological changes and prepare various technical reports;

•        Ensure effective coordination with other partners (specifically the United Nations) as relevant to maximize possibilities of inter-organisational collaboration in the field of IT; and

•        Perform any other duties as directed by supervisor(s).

4.    QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Information Systems, Information Science or a relevant/similar field. A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in Information Systems, Information Science or relevant field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

5.    EXPERIENCE:

At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in computer technology, including experience in developing and overseeing large centralized institutional systems. Exposure to United Nations (UN) information and communications infrastructure is essential. International experience and experience working with government, NGO, or a multilateral, regional or international organization is desirable.

6.     SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

•        Ability to work closely with governments, NGOs and multi-lateral institutions in complex political affairs, peace and security undertakings;

•     Substantive   experience   and   knowledge   in   the   IT   field,   including   good   supervisory   skills,   an

extensive knowledge of IT polices, structures and strategies;

•        Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;

•        Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;

•        Computer literate and well versed in the use of the Internet, Power Point, Excel and Word;

•        Knowledge of systems design, and development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems;

•        Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters;

•        Ability to work in a multicultural setting; and

•        Must be prepared to work in a hardship, highly pressurized and sometimes hazardous environment.

7.    AGE REQUIREMENT:

Candidates must preferably be between 35 to 50 years old.

8.    LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT :

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of other working languages of the African Union would be an added advantage (Arabic, French and Portuguese).

9.    GENDER MAINSTREAMING :

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

10.  TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The appointment shall be for an initial period of one (1) year, the first three (3) months of which shall be on probation. It shall be renewable subject to performance and availability of funds.

1. REMUNERATION: The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$113,483.60 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and

US$ 101,878.35 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 12^th November 2012.

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management

African Union Commission

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)