World Food Programme Information Technology Officer

Service Contract for a duration of 12 months with the first three months considered as a probation period.

The incumbent shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

Provide expert level advice to management on all aspects of IT (i.e. policies, procedures and guidelines), and provide proactive and innovative approaches to delivery of IT services as well as strategic and policy issues;
Provide professional leadership, work direction and support to staff directly supervised including conducting their performance appraisal;
Integrate IT and Telecommunications systems and applications to ensure appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area network issues;
Provide leadership in specific technical areas of competence, i.e., Information Technology (IT) operations, business relationship building and management, etc;
Maintain, upgrade or enhance existing systems and applications including troubleshooting; and provide continuing user support including keeping stocks of spare parts and equipment to support the repair and maintenance of Information Technology and Telecommunications equipment;
Develop and maintain appropriate Information Technology and Telecommunications contingency capacity. Contribute to the preparation and regular update of contingency plans; periodically monitor the management of risks and report on any actions taken;
Develop technical specifications needed to facilitate procurement of TC/IT equipment and services at the least cost possible and in line with rules and regulations stipulated in Non-Food Procurement Manual; support procurement of TC/IT goods and services by carry out technical evaluation of bids and proposals received;
Prepare yearly work-plan and budget;
Track and monitor IT and Telecommunications investments and recurrent costs, propose and implement methods to increase cost-efficiency;
Identify and test new software and hardware for improving and upgrading system performance; install any technology upgrades as required;
Negotiate for TC/IT services with local service providers;
Perform other related duties as required.

Academic Qualifications/ Experience/ Language required:

Education: University degree in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or any science/logic related discipline.
Experience: At least one year of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in the planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area. Proven effective, hands-on IT and network experience, preferably in an international environment and/or in food aid related work.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English.

Required Competencies and Knowledge:

Advanced training and/or experience in standard WFP software packages and systems. General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
Actively seeks information and opinions of client to understand their requests and to identify their needs and expectations.
Works productively with broad range of team members (e.g., all job profiles, levels), actively participate in and supports team decisions, openly shares knowledge, expertise or experience with team members.
Conducts in-depth analysis on issues and problems.

Critical Success Factors

The critical success factors for the Information Technology Officer position include:

Ability to provide rudimentary analysis and contribute to specific projects.
Ability to apply specialized knowledge in resolving daily issues and contribute to the teamwork effectively.
Willingness to learn and participate in the design, development and usage of systems and applications. Ability to plan and organize own work and communicate effectively.
Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Results Expected:

With a high degree of independence, a seasoned professional provides effective recommendations on design and development of systems and applications to meet business requirements and implements projects in a timely and efficient manner.
Plans development and improvement of systems and the integrity and accuracy of WFP databases.
Develops and proposes creative approaches to problem resolution.
Develops and maintains partnerships, interacts effectively with colleagues and users internally and externally including demonstrated ability to persuade others to accept proposals or modifications.

Entry on Duty: Immediately

How to apply:

The United Nations World Food Programme is an equal opportunity employer. UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest Humanitarian organization: each year, we give food to an average of 90 million poor people to meet their nutritional needs, including 58 million hungry children, in at least 80 of the world's poorest countries. The WFP Office in Dubai provides support to all WFP operations in terms of ICT, Procurement and Logistics.

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest and complete Curriculum Vitae via e-mail to hr.dubai@wfp.org. Kindly indicate Ref: 041 as the vacancy number along with the post title when applying (in the subject line by e-mail).