Senior IT Associate

February 22, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

GS7

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-04-01

Senior IT Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Senior IT Associate is a technical position within the UNHCR operation. Direct supervision is normally exercised by an (Assistant/Associate) IT Officer. In locations without a professional IT supervisor, the incumbent must be able to work independently due to the technical nature of the work and liaise directly with regional and HQs technical units for problem solving and consultations. Main task of the position is to ensure routine functioning of the IT system within the country operation and assist the management to improve and refine it with the technical progress.

The incumbent has regular contacts with all staff members maintaining smooth and friendly relations with a high responsive attitude towards problem solving and finding solutions. S/he has also contacts with external parties such as contractors and suppliers of IT equipment and services.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Undertake needs assessment on site and installations of UNHCR Telecommunications equipment considering the overall IT strategy of the region, the operational needs and the security constraints.
- Install and configure the most appropriate type of UNHCR IT and Telecommunications systems (HF, VHF, UHF, Microwave Links, Telephony, satellite systems) to meet the needs of operations within the AoR.
- Ensure that the equipment under area of responsibility is in good working condition, by inspecting regularly the hardware and installations. If required, arrange promptly repairs or replacement as necessary according to established procedures.
- Maintain records of the installations and repairs/replacements done and keeps the supervisor fully informed on the status of the equipment.
- Provide the office, where equipment is installed, with full information for their asset management records.
- If applicable, keep a proper inventory level of all sites spares and return spare parts for repair/replacement;
- Monitor and maintain the LAN, Network Servers, Printers, LAN points, Hubs, Patch pane, etc. to prevent faults occurring.
- Add or remove users from the Network.
- Carry out minor hardware maintenance.
- Maintain up to date inventory of all infrastructure equipment under AOR.
- Carry out missions for new installations and routine maintenance tours of telecoms equipment.
- Maintains the VSAT Network and local PABX systems in the AOR.
- Undertake coaching, and training of IT staff and users. Draft procedures and instructions to promote a better understanding of the use of the IT equipment.
- Undertake upgrading of computers (Hardware, Software) in UNHCR offices to maintain current UNHCR standards and, subsequent installation of the new software platforms.
- Liaise directly with end users to clarify analyses and resolve reported issues, delivering high standard of customer services.
- Undertake other tasks or assignments within his/her area of competence as directed by Supervisor/Head of Service.
- Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents / problems.
- Escalate issues to supervisor if incident / problem cannot be resolved within scope of responsibility.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Satellite Communications;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience with PAMA satellite systems, PABX, Cisco routers and satellite modems. Knowledge of computer application packages.

Desirable
Hands-on experience with wireless and VoIP systems, electricity, generators, lightning protection an asset.

Functional Skills
*IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
*IT-IT Radio Communications (HF, UHF, VHF)
TR-Training - Virtual and face to face
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile
The desired candidate should have the following skills, experience, and competencies:
• Formal certification in ITIL Service Operations or equivalent, with demonstrated experience applying ITIL principles in field-based operational environments.
• Proven experience providing IT services in complex, remote, or hardship duty stations, including support to critical operational and security infrastructure.
• Solid understanding of application and infrastructure technologies commonly used in enterprise IT systems, including networks, servers, end-user devices, and information security controls.
• Experience coordinating IT services with external providers, service delivery managers, or inter-agency counterparts; experience acting as an inter-agency IT focal point is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and guide IT support staff, manage IT assets, and ensure compliance with organizational policies and standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize incidents and service requests and operate effectively under pressure.
• Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical users, and to provide practical guidance and coaching on IT systems and equipment.
• Field experience with UNHCR and/or other humanitarian or United Nations organizations is an asset.
• The position cannot be performed remotely or through teleworking modalities.
Personal Qualities
The desired candidate should possess the following personal qualities:
• Demonstrates integrity, reliability, and accountability in the management of IT services and assets.
• Remains calm and solutions-oriented under pressure, particularly during system outages or security incidents.
• Shows initiative and adaptability in addressing operational challenges in a remote and constrained environment.
• Communicates effectively, builds trust with users and colleagues, and contributes positively to team collaboration.
• Demonstrates awareness of UNHCR’s mandate, operational priorities, and the critical role of IT in enabling protection and programme delivery.
• Remains open to learning and continuous improvement in response to evolving technologies and operational needs.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-IT Radio Communications (HF, UHF, VHF), IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, TR-Training - Virtual and face to face

Certifications

Satellite Communications - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance