The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State is actively engaged in Kenya’s efforts to professionalize its national police service. INL supports three Kenyan entities (henceforth, the Entities) whose mandate is to bolster police accountability, through operational and technical assistance to the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) of the National Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). The latter two bodies are civilian-staffed and provide external oversight of the police.
INL requires technical advisory and project management advisory services to strengthen and develop ICT systems for several ongoing and upcoming components in their program. The specific project objective for UNOPS is to provide INL/Kenya with ICT project management and advisory services, technical assistance and performance monitoring/evaluation against contracted deliverables.
The ICT Specialist, reporting to the Project Manager, is responsible for providing detailed technical analysis of the existing systems in place, guidance on the requirements for the ongoing development of new systems, and quality assurance for their implementation. They are the key liaison between the Project Manager and the other project stakeholders when ensuring that all software development activities are performed to a high standard and that the project’s outcomes are achieved with good quality products.
Functional Responsibilities
Specifically, the functional responsibilities of the ICT Specialist will include:
Prepare clear and concise specifications and documentation that communicates requirements to service providers using industry standard approaches;
Collaborating with teams to find optimal architecture approaches for each project, including software transition plans and sustainable solutions for existing tools;
Consolidate and report key performance indicators obtained from local service groups;
Advise system developers on design, tools, licensing, implementation and support of ICT software infrastructure;
Contribute to an initial technology assessment of the project environment, including gap analysis and recommendations for the approach to the implementation phase;
Establish and maintain coding standards, best practices, code reviews and adherence to laid down standard operating procedures;
Act as mentor for technical team members, leading by example and providing guidance in improving skills;
Review technical plans prepared by partners and advise on feasibility and soundness of proposed approach;
Assist in technical evaluation of procurement activities where requested by partners;
Provide quality reports during and after delivery of software solutions by project partners;
Monitor and measure project progress and prepare project reports as required;
Plan and execute change management activities to ensure efficient transition into operations and utilization of project deliverables by the projects;
Facilitate customer workshops/interviews to collect, analyze, validate and document business requirements, processes, business rules and workflows;
Plan, design and execute application testing, user testing and release management;
Maintain records of project files and other supporting documents;
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building
Education
Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in computer science or information systems. A relevant Bachelor’s degree in related studies, combined with an additional 2 years’ experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
Experience
At least 5 years’ experience in the implementation of complex software development projects is required Specially in these fields of Architecture Planning,Client/Support Services,Business Process Mapping,ICT Formulation, Enterprise System Design and Implementation.
Experience working with or within international organizations is an asset.
Languages
Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
This position is based in a family duty station
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor AgreementContract level: LICA 10
Contract duration: ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance’
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.
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