Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Gibraltar, UK. The incumbent reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia Region.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia Region, the Information Systems Officer will provide technical assistance and support to the National Customs Services (NCS) and National Project Teams (NPT), and will be responsible for the following duties:

• 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.
• Develops detailed system and other technical specifications and user documentation for ASYCUDA systems.
• Provides specialized advice to NCSs and NPTs, analysing users requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
• Maintains, upgrades, or enhances existing ASYCUDA 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 ASYCUDA assigned systems, etc.
• Develops and maintains ASYCUDA proprietary programs, i.e. Single Windows, which 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 customs training materials, operating, and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.
• Develops disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.
• Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, etc.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc. Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design and programming related to customs and international trade digitalization. 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, including 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.
• 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.
• TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. 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 an additional two years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 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, including relevant experience in the field of customs and international trade digitalization, system deployment, development and support, is required. Experience in prototyping and implementing complex customs information technology systems is desirable. Experience in organizing and delivering training courses within governmental organizations is desirable. Experience working in an international environment is desirable. Experience in technical ICT programming with Java, Linux and Oracle, is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Arabic or Spanish or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) or French is desirable. 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 II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Spanish UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Russian UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Chinese (Mandarin) UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice
• This position is temporarily available for three months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• 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 incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who…