ICT Project Assistant - UNOPS mission

ICT Project Assistant, Entebbe, Uganda
Closing Date: Wednesday, 10 April 2013

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness. By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground. UNOPS employs more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries. UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.
Background Information - NAO
North America Regional Office
The UNOPS North America Regional Office provides services that help implement projects for a range of partners, and support operations run by the UNOPS Mine Action Cluster, Small Grants Cluster and Development Group Cluster. In addition, the office serves as a liaison between UNOPS headquarters and its Executive Board, which supports and supervises UNOPS activities globally.
Background Information - Development Group Cluster
Development Group Cluster
The UNOPS Development Group Cluster is based in the North America Office and supports a diverse and complex portfolio including partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (the Bureau for Development Policy, the Human Development Report Office, and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation), the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Secretariat and a broadening community of primarily New York-based UN partners in the delivery of project management, implementation and administration services. The United Nations Department of Field Support, Information and Communications Technology Division (UN DFS-ICTD) is charged with the provision of continuous and reliable voice, data and video services to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support (DPKO/DFS) missions as well as Special Political Missions (SPMs). DFS has implemented a range of systems to address the principal requirements of peacekeeping operations and to support and enhance the processes DFS undertakes. UNOPS has been requested to assist in the implementation of this activity.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the ICT Development Coordinator, the incumbent provide support to the ICT Development, ICT Security and ICT Operational Resilience. In particular The ICT Project Assistant will be responsible for:
Compiling, summarizing and presenting basic information/data on specific projects and related issues;
Assisting with the submission and review of project documents, cost plans, budgets, verification of availability of funds, ensuring necessary approval and entry in computerized systems;
Liaise with project management groups in other locations as required.
Assisting with monitoring status of project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval;
Assisting with preparing status reports, performance reporting, and tracking project staffing requirements and expenditures;
Provide general office assistance, set up and maintain files/records, organize meetings, physical space planning, identification of office technology needs, maintenance of equipment inventory, etc.;
Perform other related administrative duties, as required, e.g., operational training and travel administrative assistance, attendance and leave recording, recording of expenditures and facilitation of financial recovery;
Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism:
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Ability to perform with minimal supervision, and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines often in difficult and demanding conditions.
Planning and Organizing:
Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, manage competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
Communications:
Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
Ability to prepare reports, formulate positions on issues, articulate options concisely conveying maximum necessary information, and make and defend recommendations.
Teamwork:
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
EDUCATION:
High School or equivalent diploma;
EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in an international/multi-cultural organization in the field of ICT, finance, human resources, administrative services or other related fields;
Knowledge of the Department of Field Support, UN systems and applications and Staff Regulations and Financial Rules.
Proficient knowledge of MS Office and MS Project.
LANGUAGE:
Fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge of a second UN language or local language is an asset.
Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Contract type, level and durationContract type: FTA Contract level: G5 Contract duration: One Year For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/english/whoweneed/contract-types/Pages/United-Nations-staff-contracts.aspx Please note that this is a LOCAL post and is only open to all nationals of Uganda and to individuals who have a valid work permit therein.