Information Technology Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa, supporting UNEP, UN-HABITAT, and the Resident Coordination System globally. It provides essential administrative, security, conference, and information services. This role is situated within the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), specifically in the Infrastructure Management Section (IMS) at the Nairobi duty station.
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for the day-to-day operations, coordination, installation, and administration of server services under the guidance of the Chief of UNON/ICTS/IMS and direct supervision of the Chief of the Server & Data Center Unit. The incumbent will manage and support physical and virtual server infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, availability, reliability, and security. Key functions include installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting server operating systems (Windows, Linux, Unix), virtualization platforms, and related services. The position also involves managing IT assets, supporting procurement processes, maintaining data center facilities, and providing technical support for network infrastructure and end-user services, contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of UNON's IT services.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include the installation, configuration, deployment, and maintenance of physical and virtual server infrastructure, encompassing LANs, Windows Server, Linux, Unix, virtualization platforms, and associated services like DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and security software. The role involves administering, managing, monitoring, and providing technical support for these systems to ensure optimal performance, availability, and security. Troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of server and infrastructure issues are critical, along with liaising with IT Service Desk teams and user departments. The position also entails managing IT assets, including receiving, verifying, and recording hardware and software, and supporting procurement processes for ICT resources. Furthermore, responsibilities extend to managing Data Centre and Switch Room facilities, ensuring compliance with standards, and overseeing structured cabling infrastructure. Service coordination includes logging and assigning work orders, monitoring progress, providing client advice, performing quality assurance, and potentially supervising technical staff for special projects.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in information systems, server administration, data centre operations, network infrastructure management, or ICT support is required. This is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree. Experience in administering Linux, Windows, and virtual server environments, including configuration, deployment, monitoring, security, and troubleshooting, is essential. Experience managing Data Centre facilities and Switch Room operations, including environmental monitoring and compliance with industry standards, is also required.
Skills
• Professionalism: IT knowledge, network maintenance, server services, user support, good judgment, efficiency, and results-orientation. • Teamwork: Collaboration, valuing input, learning from others, prioritizing team goals, and accepting joint responsibility. • Technological Awareness: Staying updated with technology, understanding its applicability and limitations, and actively seeking to apply it.