Individual Contractor – Communications/Operations
Communications, International-Relations, Information Technology
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 as a training arm of the United Nations system and is now headquartered in Geneva. In 2021, UNITAR reached over 370,000 learners globally. We provide innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action towards a better future. Our alumni include diplomats and other government officials, non-governmental representatives, private-sector actors and local authorities.
The Division for Prosperity is one of UNITAR’s nine divisions and consists of the Hiroshima Office and the Geneva-based Public Finance and Trade Programme Unit. To “leave no one behind”, we seek to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. We strive to reach society’s most vulnerable in the least developed countries, small island developing states and conflict and post-conflict countries.
The Division for Prosperity uses online tools and platforms for its online and in-person training activities. Division staff rely on devices, equipment, and a stable network environment to ensure smooth business. The Division therefore needs support to manage the Hiroshima Office worksite as well as ensure smooth virtual connections with home-based colleagues, in coordination with the Communication and IT Support Unit at UNITAR headquarters.
The incumbent will offer IT-related technical support to the UNITAR Division for Prosperity, as well as Hiroshima Office.
- Offer technical support to the Division for Prosperity and troubleshoot system issues
- Help update software and hardware used by the Division for Prosperity
- Provide technical support and guidance to enhance the accessibility and interactivity of Division for Prosperity webinars, online training, and on-site learning
- Provide administrative support to the Division for Prosperity on purchasing, monitoring, and reporting on devices and online tools used by the Hiroshima Office and Division for Prosperity
- Undertake other initiatives as requested by the Director for the Division for Prosperity
- Proposals for digital equipment and services that will enhance the Division’s learning solutions and business operations at Hiroshima Office
- Effective and timely communication with colleagues
- Provision of timely IT-related support to the Division for Prosperity
- Effective administrative support provided to the Director of the Division for Prosperity
- Timely delivery and quality of deliverables
- IT knowledge and expertise and ability to provide of effective technical support
- Positive feedback from stakeholders, including donors and training participants
- Good communication and teamwork with colleagues, participants, and other stakeholders
Professionalism: Experience in supporting instructional design and facilitation in the areas of Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Leadership; experience in supporting vulnerable countries; strong ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in resolution of problems; ability to think innovatively and taking initiatives. Pride in work and achievements; strong interpersonal skills and is efficient, reliable and conscientious; can observe deadlines and achieve results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems and challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; has demonstrated ability to multi-task; and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Planning and organizing: Effective time management, ability to plan own work to meet designated deadlines, supervise colleagues and adjust priorities as required. High level of judgement and discretion in accomplishing the job; ability to foresee risks, monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary.
Communications: Strong communication (spoken and written) skills in English including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents including project completion report and communication materials; listens to others and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; is willing to learn from others and shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Technology Awareness: Proficiency in using advanced functions on standard computer applications, notably spread sheets dealing with finance, word processing and other software applications including distance learning tools.
Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
The incumbent will report to Director, Division for Prosperity.
Education: High school or equivalent diploma is required. A first-level university degree in computer science, information systems, information management or related field is desirable.
Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in information management, information systems, web management, application support, systems maintenance, functional and/or technical customer support or related area is required. Experience in administrative management is desirable.
Languages: Working knowledge of Japanese is required. Working knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
General conditions of contracts for the service of individual contractors apply. Incumbents are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Contractors on payments made under the contract.
The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Contractors, and Contractors are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.
This is a locally recruited post and no relocation allowances apply. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil servant status nor is he/she a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).
This recruitment expects a full-time based commitment. Requests for part-time arrangements are possible and should be agreed before the start of the contract.
Please submit your application along with a motivation letter as soon as possible and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.