GIS System Administrator and Developer

UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Preamble: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UNV volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UNV volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

UNV Assignment Title: UNV GIS System Administrator and Developer

Type of assignment: International UN Volunteer

Project Title: UNV Assistance to UNMISS, ID no. 00079362

Duration: Initial contract duration is dependent on arrival date during the current budget cycle, with subsequent 12 month contract extensions.

Location, Country: Republic of South Sudan (volunteer may be required to work anywhere in the Mission area, including in remote locations; the exact duty station will be determined upon arrival and can change in course of assignment).

Expected starting date: Immediate

Brief Project Description: Support UNMISS mandate

Host Agency/Host Institute: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

Organizational Context: UNMISS was established in 2011 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO)

Type of Assignment Place: Non-Family Duty Station

Description of Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Joint Geographic Information Unit (civilian and military) or his/her designated officer, the UNV GIS System Administrator and Developer will be responsible for the following duties:  Assisting with the development of IT and Web mapping services applications and web templates/ web services for GIS clients;  Supporting the operating of the mission’s intranet map server and its associated web map services;  Undertaking GIS server administration, which includes the installation, configuration, testing, server backup and implementing disaster recovery plans in coordination with the Communications and Information Technology Section (CITS); as well as optimising the availability and responsiveness of various server functions such as geo-database, file and web/applications;  Assisting in providing technical support including: software; hardware; and geographic information systems support;  Archiving mission geographic data and maintaining the mission's geo-database system using SQL for SQL Server 2005 and 2008;  Providing technical support in the administration of desktop workstations including first level troubleshooting, application software installations and updates, as well as the upkeep of peripheral equipment including plotters and scanners;  Maintaining GIS Stock & Assets Inventory on a monthly basis;  Populating the GIS data repository and implementing appropriate data security and access controls;  Assisting the GIS Unit in software and hardware procurement, and budgetary matters;  Performing other related duties as assigned. .Promotion of the UN Volunteer Programme mandate1 UN volunteers are expected to integrate the UN Volunteers Programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN volunteers should dedicate a proportion of their working week to the following in support of and in synergy with their primary role as UNV GIS System Administrator and Developer.  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);  Be acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiating and/or participating in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;  Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible;  Encouraging, mobilising and supporting co-workers, fellow UNV volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis;  Discussing with supervisors on how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed through the assignment and integrate activities that promote volunteerism for peace and development into work plans;  Assisting with the UNV ‘buddy programme” for newly-arrived UNV volunteers. Lastly, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training and capacity-building.

Results/Expected Output:  Database and Geodatabase managed efficiently;  Software/hardware installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting undertaken;  Maintained GIS server and backup library;  Developed GIS application products required for UNMISS.

Profile Requirements: a) Qualifications, skills, experience:  Bachelor or Master’s Degree in the field of GIS, Mapping, Geography, Engineering or equivalent which involves GIS and a strong background in the field of Information Technology (IT) or a Bachelor Degree in the field of IT and a strong background in the field of GIS;  Minimum two (2) years extensive and progressively responsible experience in GIS system integration, web GIS developing, programming with Java, C#, .net, SQL server;  Designing Geodatabase and its related works are required;  Experience in a multinational working environment an asset;  Experience with server administration and maintenance;  Excellent written and spoken English;

 Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word etc) and other IT applications and office technology equipment;  Have a valid driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 vehicles;  Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System;  Sound security awareness. b) Competencies and values:  Integrity and professionalism: high degree of personal initiative and willingness to accept wide responsibilities; ability to take ownership, and work independently under established procedures;  Accountability: ability to operate in compliance with organisational rules and regulations;  Planning, effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner, ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;  Communication; proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills;  Flexibility and willingness to live and work in hazardous and remote places, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the Mission area;.  Commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living Conditions: Living conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation in Juba and possibly other locations is austere and will be on shared basis. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will be shared. As the accommodation situation eases single unit accommodation should become available in all locations. Please note that the time line will vary for each location. In some locations, for example Juba and Renk it is possible to live on the economy. All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNMISS duty stations. The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas that spans from April to October. Ability to live and work in the difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential.

Conditions of Service: Contracts are issued, depending on budget and mission mandate, for either 6 or 12 months at a time (renewable depending on Mission mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance). Settling-In-Grant is provided. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) (US$ 2,471.00 single rate, US$ 2,721.00 1 dependent rate or US$ 2,921.00 2+ dependency rate) is intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost -of-living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as periodic home leave, final repatriation, and resettlement allowance.

How to apply:

Application

If you are not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by completing the UNV web application at the following link: http://one.unv.org/main/?Lang=en . Important: please select the following code from the drop down menu on the first page of the application: “13SSD_GIS”.

If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: http://MyProfile.unv.org, click on the “Special Recruitment” option on the left menu, then click on the “Edit” button and select the advertisement code ““13SSD_GIS” from the drop-down list.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

Closing Date: 27 August 2013. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.