Organizational Setting

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Eritrea, Asmara.

Main Purpose

The Information Resources Assistant (Office Technology Coordinator) provides a large variety of standard support functions that contribute to the smooth and effective running of all Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Resources and Records Management functions, within the Office.

Supervision Received/ Exercised

The Information Resources Assistant (Office Technology Coordinator) reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration). The incumbent receives the technical guidance of the relevant technical Division/Office/Centre at headquarters and in the Regional Office. Acts independently in routine matters in line with established policies and procedures. Supervision received is focused on the Office relevant priorities, in particular the meeting of timelines and the quality of support given to clients, and ensures learning opportunities.

Working Relationships

The Information Resources Assistant (Office Technology Coordinator) has frequent interaction with staff at all levels within the Office and with relevant Divisions/Offices/Centres at headquarters for selected functions to exchange routine information concerning the entire scope of information resources support.

Key Functions/Results

Information - Communications Technology:
•    Act as first point of support in ICT matters, receive, log and monitor requests as per established procedures, responding to ad-hoc queries, and retrieving data.
•    Provide 1st and 2nd level support to resolve IT-related issues pertaining to FAO standard equipment; escalate those issues that cannot be solved to the Regional IT Office support IT staff and to the technical team in the IT Division; monitor progress and ensure problem resolution.
•    Liaise with external technical support providers, following up on user problems until resolution is achieved;
•    Support the operation and use of the office network infrastructure (wired or wireless LANs, routers, firewalls), internet access and network services (file/print services, security, email backups) in accordance with corporate policies established by the IT Division.
•    Initiate requests for purchases of hardware and software, according to corporate guidelines and procedures ensuring Regional Office signoff on expenditures and IT Division clearance for non-standard items;
•    Monitor the Office's Minimum-Security Telecommunications Standard (MISTS) compliance and collaborate with other agencies as required.
•    Maintain an inventory of computers, peripherals, software and MISTS equipment; Monitor the Office's Minimum-Security Telecommunications Standards and MISTS equipment; ensure its appropriate maintenance, secure handling and storage, and track loaned equipment.
Information Resources and Records Management:
•    Act as focal point on all matters pertaining to the information resources, library and records management and liaise with the Office of Communications at headquarters as required.
•    Process incoming and outgoing correspondence and documentation both electronic and paper based: send, receive, analyse, classify, route, distribute and file correspondence; check the quality of the processes and ensure that all formal requirements are met in compliance with standard procedures.
•    Assess and execute the transfer of semi-active records to central archives according to agreed retention schedules and procedures.
•    Perform other duties as required.

Impact Of Work

The incumbent's work impacts on the timely and efficient delivery of IT and/or information resources and records management support services. Actions reflect on the transparency and accountability of the work unit and on the effectiveness and efficiency of programme delivery.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Education: Secondary school education.
Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in user support for Microsoft Windows and Office software in a wide area network environment and/or in registry and information resource management.
Languages: Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English.
IT Skills: Experience with computer hardware repair and software configuration. Experience with providing IT support in a networked environment; Experience with MS Exchange and MS Outlook. Equipment procurement, and other related administrative functions.

Residency: General Service Staff are recruited locally. To be eligible for this position, candidates must be nationals of the country of the duty station or possess an existing valid visa to work or a valid work permit, and reside within commuting distance of the duty station at the time of the application. "Commuting distance" means the distance within which staff members can travel daily between their place of work and their residence.

Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Team Work
•    Communication
•    Building effective relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical Skills

• Good knowledge of information technology resources and records management and related standards.

Desirable Qualifications And Skills

•    Tact, courtesy and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
•    Intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
•    Demonstrated evidence of completion/exemption from National Services.