UNICEF Programmer Analyst, P-4, IT Solutions & Services Division, New York

Purpose of the Position:

Under the general guidance of the Chief, ITSS ACFS, the Lead Programmer Analyst has major responsibilities as lead technical advisor and quality assurance Officer for the development, implementation and maintenance of SAP custom development and customization for all UNICEF SAP applications/landscapes (VISION, CRM, eRecruitment, PI, BW, Solution Manager). This includes VISION, eRecruitment, CRM, PI customizations, including enhancements, modifications, reports, forms, custom screens, custom applications, Interfaces to third-party systems etc. The incumbent will lead two staff members and a group of consultants to maintain in-house developed programs. The incumbent is responsible for establishing documenting and implementing programing standards and performing quality assurance on programs developed by other analyst/programmers before they are moved to the VISION and extended VISION landscapes, test and production environments. The incumbent will also provide expert advice on best practices and techniques for the development and implementation of tailored solutions for the organization. The incumbent will propose information technology solutions for various business areas of UNICEF.

Key Expected Results:

1. Advises UNICEF staff and Consultants in various system development and maintenance phases, e.g. requirement analysis, prototyping, design, programing, testing and evaluation. Reviews specifications for proposed enhancements, reports, formats, to determine technical soundness, cost benefit, ease of maintenance and user-applicability.
2. Personally develops and maintains customs development, programs and solutions of high complexity, including all actions required to keep such enhancements synchronized with required systems upgrades. Develops interface specifications, programs, utilities for Third party interfaces between SAP and other systems both internal and external to UNICEF.
3. Oversees quality assurance of programs, procedures and documentation within SAP/VISION team; promotes utilization of standard methodologies that will render productive systems designs and programming techniques among other Systems Analysts, Programmer Analysts, and Assistant Programmers. Ensures that development teams are complying with VISION systems development standards and methodology, including SAP Solution Manager standards. Assures that all new developments are in compliance with restrictions set forth by vendor/licensing agreements.
4. Keeps abreast of developments within the area of information technology and advises supervisor on new application areas and technology. Evaluates software prior to purchase and recommends procedures for subsequent installation, integration training. Advocates and provides new information technology solutions for business needs of UNICEF users
5. Liaises with SAP and other associated vendors to report and follow-up on program and object failure and coordinates resolution. Researches databases and documentation provided by SAP and other associated vendors to identify best- possible solutions. Monitors problems reported by other members of the team, to assure they are being followed-up upon adequately.
6. Performs any other relevant duties requested by supervisor, including acting as OIC for the section, supporting strategic planning processes, supporting technical architecture initiatives, etc.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate:

Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent qualification. Training in SAP R/3 Systems development (ABAP /WebDynPro/ SapScript / Report Writer / Report painter, ASAP methodology and standards, Solution Manager) is considered highly desirable.*

*A first level university degree in a relevant area combined with ten years of practical professional work experience at the national and international levels in system analysis, design, development and implementation may be taken in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Eight years practical professional work experience at the national and international levels in information technology systems complexity and expertise.

Practical experience with SAP R/3, preferably in the logistics modules materials Management, Warehouse Management, Sales and Distribution, Production Planning and Quality Management, SAP finance, procurement and warehousing is considered highly desirable.

Practical hands-on experience in ABAP/WebDynPRO, SAPscript, Adobe forms programming, information technology disciplines: business process, user requirements analysis, systems integration (development, implementation and operations), systems administration, and applications development is considered an asset.

Practical experience in a multi­vendor application development environment and with the implementation of software development methodology highly desirable.

Practical experience in third-party interfaces to and from SAP is an asset

Practical experience in managerial and supervision of professional staff and project leadership in information technology and development settings is highly desirable.

Practical experience in working and negotiating with consultants and vendors is an asset.

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish) is desirable.

Competencies:

Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking

Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget

Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment

Remains alert for changing conditions and develops and oversees large-scale change initiatives to incorporate them

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources

Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization

Creates organization-wide processes to help ensure that all adhere to procedures and policies

Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization’s future potential

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2013-000440. Applications must be received by 21 March 2013.

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2013-000440. Applications must be received by 21 March 2013.