2014 YPP examination - INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Special Notice
	• The purpose of the present Job Opening is to invite applications from external candidates who wish to take the 2014 Young Professionals Programme examination in the job family of Information Systems and Technology.  UN Secretariat staff members who are eligible to apply through the “G to P” or “G to N” track must not apply through this Job Opening. • Applying to more than one job family will result in automatic disqualification. • Upon selection, all candidates successful in the Young Professionals Programme examinations will be initially appointed at the P-1 or P-2 level depending on their qualifications.  Those appointed at the P-1 level shall be promoted to a position at the P-2 level following a minimum of two years of satisfactory performance and depending on the availability of posts. Thereafter, candidates may apply for positions at the P-3 level through the staff selection system so long as they meet the qualification requirements. • Incomplete applications and applications that are received after the above deadline (11:59 pm New York HQ local time) will not be accepted under any circumstances.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid problems due to heavy last-minute internet traffic.
		Org. Setting and Reporting
	These positions are located in the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT), the Regional Commissions, and other Departments and Offices throughout the United Nations Secretariat.  Incumbents typically report to, and work under the supervision of a Senior Information Systems Officer.
		Responsibilities
	The Young Professionals Programme examination in Information Systems and Technology covers a wide range of topics in the areas of development and operation of information systems, electronic data processing, computer system architecture, programming and analysis, operating systems, database management systems, network infrastructure, information security, and other related topics. If you are successful in the examination, you could be assigned to a job that covers any or a combination of these areas. The typical job in this area is Associate Information Systems Officer. Some of the key responsibilities of an Associate Information Systems Officer would be (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Associate Information Systems Officers.): • Assists in the design, development, installation and operation of information systems, including systems analysis, programming and operation support. • Participates in the preparation of user requirements and other technical specifications. • Analyses well-defined modules within the system, develops enhancements and new features to existing systems. • Undertakes rigorous testing and proving the feasibility of applications software. • Assists in the analysis of various informational problems in conjunction with personnel of organizational units and makes recommendations on the feasibility and cost benefits of implementing information technology solutions. • Prepares system and programme documentation and related technical/operational manuals. • Undertakes technical evaluation on the acquisition of information technology equipment and services. • Ensures data security and integrity. • Participates in developing and maintaining disaster recovery plans. • Prepares, updates and maintains system’s documentation, assists in the development of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the client and the office, for either specific services or general support, including any charge back mechanisms. • Assists in procurement exercises, including conducting needs assessments and benchmarks, preparing technical specifications and evaluation criteria. • Assists in the set-up and monitoring of software and IT service performance measures. • Participates in Helpdesk support services. • Advises users on the most suitable hardware and software for different tasks; maintains and enhances software. • Drafts training materials and conducts training sessions and demonstrations of systems for users.
		Competencies
	Professionalism:  - Shows pride in work and in achievements - Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results - Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns - Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges - Remains calm in stressful situations - Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work Teamwork:  - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals - Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise - Is willing to learn from others - Places team agenda before personal agenda - Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position - Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings Planning& Organizing:  - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies - Identifies priority activities and assignments - Adjusts priorities as required - Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work - Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning - Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary - Uses time efficiently
		Education
	1. Field of study:  Computer Programming, Data Processing, Networks, Operating Systems – Software Development, Systems Design, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Analysis (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Computing”.) 2. Field of study: Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Logic, Mathematics and Computer Science (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Mathematics & Statistics”.) 3. Field of study: Electricity, Electronics, Energy & Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Engineering & Engineering Trades”.) 4. Field of study:  Astronomy & Space Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Marine Sciences, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences, Mineralogy, Palaeoecology, Physical Anthropology, Physical Geography, Physics, Vulcanology (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Physical Sciences”.) 5. Field of study: Management, Business Computing, Management Systems (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Business & Administration”.)
		Work Experience
	No work experience is required.
		Languages
	Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
		Assessment Method
	Applications will be screened on the basis of the eligibility criteria.  Only up to the 40 most qualified applicants per job family and per nationality/member state will be convoked for the written examination. The cost of traveling to the examination centre is to be covered by the examinee. The written examination shall consist of: (i) a general paper, which tests drafting and analytical skills; and (ii) a specialized paper, which tests the substantive knowledge of the particular job family for which the examinee is being tested. All examinees in all job families shall complete the same general paper.  The general paper and/or specialized paper shall be eliminatory. The paper that is going to be marked first shall be eliminatory, and only examinees successful in that paper of the examination shall have the other paper marked. Each part of the specialized paper may be eliminatory. The Specialised Boards of Examiners shall decide on the part(s) of the specialised paper that will be eliminatory. Only examinees who are successful in the written examination will be invited to the oral examination. The oral examination will be conducted via online video conference.

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