Senior Information Technology Officer

Purpose   The IT Senior Officer is responsible for establishing and implementing information technology and telecommunicationsesystems and equipment, managing the IT network in the MENA zone office in Beirut and ensuring that other IFRC offices in MENA zone have well-managed IT and telecommunications systems. S/he will oversee the provision of information technology services to zone offices and support secretariat information technology issues within the zone   Key tasks and responsibilities   Establishing and implementing information technology systems and equipment Analyze the needs for the installation of IT and telecommunications equipment, taking into account existing systems and applications, and using existing Federation standards. Develop plans to meet these needs. Set up appropriate and accessible procedures, operating methods and training based on the IFRC IT and telecommunications standards. Ensure the standardisation process of IFRC regarding equipment, policies, processes and procedures.   Overseeing the provision of information technology services to zone offices Ensure the effective functioning of IT & telecommunications equipment (including installation, maintenance and repair of telecommunications and computer equipment) Ensure the delivery of services using IFRC agreed standards and processes for IT and telecommunications Ensure that IT & telecommunications equipment is inventoried properly according to IFRC rules, including full management of regional stock, and that all investments and running costs related to IT & telecommunications are monitored and spent efficiently Advise upon and negotiate contracts for service provision in the IT and telecommunications area for country offices Contribute to narrative and financial reports on IT and telecommunications activities Within IFRC, actively promote IFRC’s policies, processes, and procedures as they relate to IT or telecommunications   Providing expertise and strategic advice and support on information technology including the elaboration or relevant strategic zone plans and the support to relevant networks and to knowledge sharing In close collaboration with the zone office management and Information Systems Department in Geneva, create and develop an IT and telecommunications strategy for the zone, consistent with the overall IFRC IT strategy. Implement this strategy where practicable. Through the IFRC coordinators / delegations, work closely as appropriate with relevant national society staff, analyze their existing skills, identify further skill requirements and provide the necessary support, development and training.   Ensuring good relationships with relevant external organisations and agencies Ensure the authorisation of official radio frequencies where required for operations, and relationships with relevant agencies and authorities.   Ensuring that the group of supervised staff completes tasks and delivers the assigned work in a timely manner, within acceptable levels of quality and costs Identify, develop and manage the required expertise and resources for the region Supervise IT & telecommunications resources in the Disaster Response Unit and ensure that their tasks are performed in accordance with the regional strategy Undertake any other relevant tasks/duties as may be requested by the Head of the Support Services   Duties applicable to all staff   Actively work towards the achievement of the Secretariat’s goals. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles. Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.   Person specification   Qualifications Required Preferred General     Good mental and physical health X   Relevant technical qualification. A postgraduate degree will be an added advantage in an engineering discipline or equivalent technical qualification plus working experience X   Experience     5 years minimum of work in computer systems (LAN, WAN TCP/IP connectivity, E-mail, application and user support domains) X   5 year minimum of work in radio communication technologies (VHF, HF, PACTOR, etc..) and satellites (INMARSAT etc), including practice in electronic repair X   Work experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement   X Work experience with other international organisations, large NGOs and/or governmental development agencies   X Experience of basic project management X   Experience in providing training and facilitating workshops X   Skills/knowledge     Ability to lead and manage in a diverse cultural context X   Strong knowledge of information sharing tools, and the ability to implement them X   Highly organised, with ability to create unified team approach X   Excellent computer skills ( Windows XP, office and other programmes); computer hardware maintenance & repair X   Excellent skills in wireless technologies, including HF and VHF radio X   Strong skills in English and Arabic; knowledge of French preferred X   Budget and finance management X   Demonstrated skill in analytical and strategic thinking X   Valid international driving licence (manual gears) X   Competencies     National Society relations; Leadership; Managerial effectiveness; Communications; Results focus & accountability X