Production Assistant (GS-6), ITSS, UNICEF, New York

Purpose of the Position

The Production Assistant, in conjunction with the Data Center Specialist and under the direct management of the Information, Communications Technology Specialist, is responsible for monitoring and maintaining UNICEF Infrastructure (7 x 24) day to day Global Infrastructure Operations. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the integrity of all UNICEF Local/Global systems. He/She is required to decide on proper corrective actions and escalations in case of system malfunctions.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- NON-US CANDIDATES MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF A US G4 VISA OR BE A US PERMANENT RESIDENT

Key Expected Results

1. Using Enterprise Management tools and established procedures, the incumbent is responsible for monitoring UNICEF Global IT infrastructure, identifying and escalating incidents in a timely manner to insure a reliable and fully functional global operation on 7x24 basis. This includes, but is not limited to NYHQ Data Center(s) which currently house various amounts of minicomputers, servers, communications and LAN/WAN equipment used for local & global connectivity, running on multiple platforms in a globally networked environment. Responsibility for these systems include production control (for production systems) and development support (for development/testing systems). This responsibility implies coordinating and overseeing the workload of the associated 7x24 shift being covered by the incumbent.
2. Document and follow up on the compliance of all procedures, SLA's & OLA's governing UNICEF NYHQ and Global Operations environment i.e., applications turnover into production mode, system backups & restores, production scheduling, security, media support, routine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, monitoring, escalations, and other new procedures that may arise from time to time. This is a continuing effort that involves the upkeep of the Operations Database as applicable to the 7x24 shift being covered.
3. Troubleshoot network problems, remote connectivity (VPN), firewalls, routers and switches. Install switches, routers, and other networking devices. Monitoring network activity. Manage, organize and label network cables and racks in the data center. Monitoring HP-UX and Sun Solaris servers. Deploy HP-UX and Sun Solaris installations, upgrades, and patches. Provide SAN operational support in data center environments. Troubleshooting the incidents and problems reported on the SAN storage.
4. Responsible for the administrative tasks associated with UNICEF global infrastructure, as applicable to the 7x24 shift being covered.
5. Working closely with vendors, coordinate and oversee their services within UNICEF Global Infrastructure (e.g. ,Software and hardware installations, preventive maintenance, repairs, etc.) Coordinate downtime for production servers with HYHQ users and other UNICEF offices (Copenhagen, Geneva, etc.) as applicable to the 7x24 shift being covered.
6. Assist the Data Center Supervisor and Data Center Specialist in identifying, designing, and streamlining UNICEF Data Center(s), and Global Infrastructure operations procedures, policies, and activities in order to make them more cost effective and operationally sound. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory listing of all UNICEF NYHQ location(s) Production Servers ensuring that this equipment is not misused in anyway or manner that could be detrimental to UNICEF.
7. Using the software available, perform capacity planning, monitor system performance, and provide management with periodic and ad-hoc reports reflecting the overall hardware resource utilization and performance.
8. Working closely with the Data Center Supervisor, perform the general tasks associated with the overall facilities management of the NYHQ Data Center(s). Follow up and oversee housekeeping scheduled, repairs to air-conditioning, lighting, Pre-Action system, UPS, PDU, etc.
9. Other duties as assigned by the Data Center Supervisor, Data Center Specialist, or Information, Communications Technology Specialist, ITSS.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Completion of Secondary Education (I.E. High School Diploma) is a minimum requirement.
• Training in Computer Operations is highly desirable.
• Six years of practical experience hands on experience in a multi-platform computer operations environment, preferably in a large Multi-user installation.
• Strong background in data center technologies.
• Good knowledge of networking infrastructure and TCP/IP network protocol.
• Experience with UNIX (HP-UX) and MS Windows.
• Experience with SAN storage systems.
• Good knowledge of VMware vSphere systems operations and support in an enterprise environment.
• Knowledge of Cisco networking equipment.
• Fluency in English is required. Fluency in any other UN Official language, preferably Spanish and/or French is an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Ability to communicate electively, analyze and proactively troubleshoot technical problems, execute tasks in a timely manner;
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Sets clearly defined objectives and plans activities for self, own team or department.
• Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures

How to apply:

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children's rights organization, would like to hear from you. Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this vacancy,quoting E-VN-2012-001808. Applications must be received by Midnight EST on 17 December 2012.IN ORDER TO MEET THE MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PARTICULAR POST, A CANDIDATE MUST: - PASS THE UN ASAT (Administrative Support Assessment Test) in ENGLISH (PLEASE MENTION IN YOUR APPLICATION COVER LETTER WHETHER YOU PASSED THIS EXAM) - BE IN POSSESSION OF A US G-4 VISA (FOR NON US RESIDENTS) OR BE A US CITIZEN/PERMANENT RESIDENT IMPORTANT: As part of your applicant online profile on UNICEF's e-Recruitment site, please make sure your select “Release Profile” under Candidate Profile/Overview & Release. Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted. In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. Well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.