Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the Innovation & Analytics Hub (IAH) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The IAH is responsible for leading the organization-wide Digital Transformation Strategy and supporting OHCHR in the areas of Data & Analytics, Human Rights Statistics, Foresight-Enabled Early Warning & Prevention and Applied Innovative Technology. The Information Systems Officer (Solutions Architect) reports to the Coordinator of the Digital Solutions Unit, under the overall supervision of the Chief, IAH.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Information Systems Officer (Solutions Architect) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Defines and documents solution architectures for key digital transformation initiatives in consideration of current and strategic needs, technical and functional requirements, and industry standards.
• Manages projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation of new, moderately complex systems, and/or, participates as a member of a development team with responsibility for major components of the more complex systems.
• Facilitates a dialogue with business sponsors and end users, analyzing users requirements and translating these into scalable and interoperable digital solutions; determines application systems integration and linkage issues; identifies opportunities to leverage advanced innovative technologies.
• Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for major systems.
• Provides specialized advice to users, analyzing users requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
• Maintains, upgrades or enhances existing user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing user support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of assigned systems, etc.
• Develops and maintains computer programs that require integration of many interrelated systems and program elements; ensures appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area issues.
• Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.
• Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.
• Develops disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.
• Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for their deployment.
• Handles all aspects of contract administration including establishment of service level agreements with vendors and chargeback policy for users.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design and programming. Knowledge of several high level programming languages and significant exposure to and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of programming and analysis, including structured/object-oriented design, relational systems, scripting and query languages, document design and management, hardware and software requirements, systems facilities and execution protocols. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, to include proficiency in the development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity. Knowledge of interactive systems; good knowledge of organizations information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s); independently maintains assigned systems and develops innovative approaches to resolve a wide range of issues/problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Education Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area is required. At least three years of experience in analyzing business requirements and translating them into detailed technical specifications, solution designs, and system architectures is required. Experience in designing and implementing enterprise-scale digital solutions involving cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS), system integration, and API-based (Application Programming Interface) architectures is required. Experience managing or coordinating technology projects, including feasibility assessments, planning, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and overseeing vendors or service providers, is desirable. Experience in applying agile software development and management methods is desirable. Experience with the United Nations Common System and/or a similar international organization is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice THIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE FOR THREE MONTHS, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future…