Senior It Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Panama (Rb)


Senior It Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Panama (Rb)

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Senior It Associate at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Panama (Rb)

Recruiter: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

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About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization mandated to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. Founded in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, working to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge.

Job Summary

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to administrative management within United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s important work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in Panama (Rb), you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful contribution to international cooperation and global peace and security.

Full Job Description

Deadline for Applications March 13, 2026 Hardship Level A (least hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS7 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Standard Job Description Senior IT Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships Senior IT Associate is a technical position within the UNHCR operation. Direct supervision is normally exercised by an (Assistant/Associate) IT Officer. In locations without a professional IT supervisor, the incumbent must be able to work independently due to the technical nature of the work and liaise directly with regional and HQs technical units for problem solving and consultations. Main task of the position is to ensure routine functioning of the IT system within the country operation and assist the management to improve and refine it with the technical progress. The incumbent has regular contacts with all staff members maintaining smooth and friendly relations with a high responsive attitude towards problem solving and finding solutions. S/he has also contacts with external parties such as contractors and suppliers of IT equipment and services. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties – Undertake needs assessment on site and installations of UNHCR Telecommunications equipment considering the overall IT strategy of the region, the operational needs and the security constraints. – Install and configure the most appropriate type of UNHCR IT and Telecommunications systems (HF, VHF, UHF, Microwave Links, Telephony, satellite systems) to meet the needs of operations within the AoR. – Ensure that the equipment under area of responsibility is in good working condition, by inspecting regularly the hardware and installations. If required, arrange promptly repairs or replacement as necessary according to established procedures. – Maintain records of the installations and repairs/replacements done and keeps the supervisor fully informed on the status of the equipment. – Provide the office, where equipment is installed, with full information for their asset management records. – If applicable, keep a proper inventory level of all sites spares and return spare parts for repair/replacement; – Monitor and maintain the LAN, Network Servers, Printers, LAN points, Hubs, Patch pane, etc. to prevent faults occurring. – Add or remove users from the Network. – Carry out minor hardware maintenance. – Maintain up to date inventory of all infrastructure equipment under AOR. – Carry out missions for new installations and routine maintenance tours of telecoms equipment. – Maintains the VSAT Network and local PABX systems in the AOR. – Undertake coaching, and training of IT staff and users. Draft procedures and instructions to promote a better understanding of the use of the IT equipment. – Undertake upgrading of computers (Hardware, Software) in UNHCR offices to maintain current UNHCR standards and, subsequent installation of the new software platforms. – Liaise directly with end users to clarify analyses and resolve reported issues, delivering high standard of customer services. – Undertake other tasks or assignments within his/her area of competence as directed by Supervisor/Head of Service. – Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents / problems. – Escalate issues to supervisor if incident / problem cannot be resolved within scope of responsibility. – Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). – Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses Satellite Communications; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Experience with PAMA satellite systems, PABX, Cisco routers and satellite modems. Knowledge of computer application packages. Desirable Hands-on experience with wireless and VoIP systems, electricity, generators, lightning protection an asset. Functional Skills *IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software *IT-IT Radio Communications (HF, UHF, VHF) TR-Training – Virtual and face to face (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. Desired Candidate Profile To ensure reliable delivery of IT services within the GSS scope, the incumbent will liaise with the GSS personnel in the central and satellite locations on a regular basis, as well as with other key stakeholders such as ITS, as required. The Senior IT Associate is expected to demonstrate:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attitudes.
  • Proven experience in the delivery of IT support services in organizations with a multicultural and global context, preferably with the UN field and HQ experience.
  • Ability to provide clear procedural and technical guidance to diverse teams; ability to plan, prioritize and organize work assignments, often under competing deadlines. Capacity to address multiple tasks timely and in a courteous and service-oriented manner. Skills to analyze processes and statistical data for business reporting, decision making, and optimization. Ability to translate customer requirements into business solutions.
  • Good understanding of the ITIL framework and its application for improved service delivery, risk management, cost optimization, and strategic alignment with business objectives.
  • Ability to support development and implementation of SOPs, checklists, and quality assurance frameworks.
  • Experience monitoring service performance, being able to understand reasons behind the metrics performance and support implementation of corrective actions where necessary.
  • Experience with service management tools (e.g. ServiceNow) and ERP systems (such as Oracle and…

Key Details

  • Job Title: Senior IT Associate
  • Grade: GS-7
  • Location: Panama, Panama (Rb)
  • Department: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  • Contract Type: General Service Staff
  • Salary Range:$80,500 – $138,000 USD annually

Qualifications

  • Not specified in the official posting

Skills

  • Not specified in the official posting

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.