IT Officer -Network Infrastructure Coordinator, International Consultant at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

There are a number of key themes that the Business in Country Offices (COs) need to enable the Country Strategic Plans and the ongoing operations in the country. Strategically aligning the TEC organization in the field to these needs will ensure CO operations are set up for success. TEC committed to having a technical service that underpins the regional and country operations and ensures that all the WFP staff are enabled to do their day-to-day work efficiently and effectively. 

In this context, under the supervision of the Senior Regional IT Officer (RITO) – and in accordance with WFP corporate IT standards/policies, the Network Infrastructure Coordinator (in collaboration with TEC Teams) will lead the planning, design, implementation, operation and optimization of the IT infrastructure services to support the field offices needs within the Region. He/She will be the technical lead for the rollout of ongoing corporate IT services/technologies.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree in Computer Sciences, IT Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or other relevant field, or First university degree with additional years of related work experience or training/courses.
• Additional certifications related to Network Management is highly desirable

Experience:

• At least 6 years of professional experience in providing IT services/solutions, Networking and Telecommunications
• Experience in IT environments, preferably in large international organizations
• Significant level of ‘Hands On’ Cisco technology experience is required
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment, and good customer service orientation
• Experience/Knowledge of WFP Corporate IT standards architecture/infrastructure would be an asset

Functional Skills & Knowledge/Competencies:

• Good general IT skills with strong skill level in Networking and Telecommunications area.
• Knowledge of information Systems Security, IT Infrastructure technologies
• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
• Knowledge and Experience across Best Practice Methodologies such as ITIL would be an asset
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as necessary.

Language:

• Fluency in English 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the supervision of the Senior Regional IT Officer, and in collaboration with the Technology Division (TEC), the Regional IT Officer- Network Infrastructure Coordinator will be responsible for the following key duties:

Tech lead for the delivery of ongoing new Corporate IT projects in Country Offices (COs)

Among those major projects it is worth mentioning:

• SD-WAN deployment using Fortinet Secure SD-WAN devices
• VSAT migrations from EMC/GE to MARLINK technology
• Global service management tool (GSMT)

Coordination of UAS/Drones services

• Contribute expertise and experience in representing the region in the Global Working-Group in charge of shaping the future of drone technology in the humanitarian space, concentrating on the thematic areas such as Ethics, Regulations and Operations, Imagery and Connectivity.
• Advice and support the Country Offices (COs) on the use of drone technologies to support programme activities
• Coordinate the rollout of Unmanned Aircraft System services to provides information for decision-making in emergencies and expand it gradually to steady-state operations.

Strategy and Planning

• Designates direction for Network, Cybersecurity and Business Continuity, Telephony/UC and Audio/Video Conferencing, Servers/Application/Virtualization/Storage/Backup services in accordance with WFP corporate IT standards
• Coordinate effective support from external contractors/partners and other UN agencies as necessary
• Assist with IT contracts and budgets planning
• Contribute to short- and long-term planning to meet requirements
• Capacity planning – Develops and implements strategies to identify future business needs and corresponding services/technology capacity needs
• Assesses IT performance to ensure that it meets the present and future needs of the business

Design/Develop

• Works with local/CO IT teams to support in IT requirements gathering
• Determines requirements impact on existing infrastructure, processes and systems
• Ensures proper communication/review of requirements and integration for impacted areas
• Explains to non-SME’s how the proposed solution will support their requirements
• Setup IT Infrastructures by leading the design, system configuration and coordinating system installation, documentation following corporate standards
• Design and implementation of new solutions
• Optimize existing IT systems to reduce costs and increase productivity
• Advice on preparation of bids and IT services negotiation with Suppliers/Service-Providers

Deployment

• Advices and assists with the installation, configuration and maintenance of IT solution/system
• Coordinates and leads major deployment and review of new, modified or enhanced system hardware and software components or services

Operation/Administration/Optimization

• Maximizes IT performance by monitoring performance, analyses and recommends the implementation of software or hardware changes – or fine tuning – to rectify any deficiencies or to enhance performance
• Troubleshoots IT issues, schedules upgrade and collaborates with TECM Team on IT optimization
• Support and administration of firewall environments in line with IT security policy
• Upgrades IT equipment to latest stable firmware releases
• Monitors network traffic to identify failures or to spot potential performance or bottleneck issues-and take corrective action where needed
• Recommends IT design changes/enhancements for improved systems availability and performance

Audio & Video Conferencing

• Lead the planning implementation, operation and maintenance of audio and video conferencing systems: advice and support set-up of multiple-point conferencing for meetings, sharing of documents, computer displayed information and whiteboard.
• Coordinate and guide the Country Offices (COs) IT staff in the installation and operation of video-teleconferencing systems (VTC), liaise with HQ for the scheduling of VTC events and compliance to the defined corporate standard

Production Support

• Provides 2nd Level support for major network related activities and incidents, including investigation of network issues and liaises with the IT Service Desk, Cybersecurity, Maintenance Teams and third-parties as necessary.
• Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and resolves problems.
• Documents problems and resolutions for future reference.

Policies, Processes & Standards

• Ensure adherence to policies, processes and standards.

Cybersecurity and Business Continuity

• Cybersecurity including management of Access Control, Antivirus/Antimalware software, behavioral analytics, data loss prevention, firewalls/UTM, Mobile devices security, access rights, password protection, Network segmentation, VPNs, Web-Security, Wired/Wireless security, Security information and Event management etc.
• Assess risks, identifying critical IT service and system dependencies and define and implement cost- justifiable countermeasures/contingency plans
• Guidance on the development of comprehensive disaster recovery plans

Vendor/Suppliers Management:

• Works with vendors/suppliers to resolve IT problems
• Support in negotiation efforts for contracts with external vendors/suppliers or individuals
• IT Services Level Management (SLR/SLA) and review of Services Level Achievements against Service Level Agreement targets

Research/Evaluation

• Conducts technical research on IT upgrades and components to determine feasibility, cost, time required, and compatibility with current system
• Evaluates, selects and implements tools to improve the quality and effectiveness for monitoring/administration tasks and enhance security levels

OTHER DUTIES

Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Advice and support Country Offices’ (COs) IT staff activities in the installation of IT’s auxiliary equipment such as power supplies, UPS units, Voltage Regulators, DC converters and various protection and remote control systems
• Take the lead in the development of requirements and specifications for the procurement of critical/major Network equipment, spares and supplies
• Design and delivery of in-house “basic” Training for CO staff working in the IT area- and recommendation of outsourcing Training where needed
• Advice on Buy-or-Lease Decision, Make-Or-Buy Decision
• Perform other related duties as required.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Type of Contract: Short Term Contract

Contract Duration: 11 Months