Consultancy Services ICT Network Consolidation for United Nations Ethiopia

Under the overall leadership and guidance of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Operations Management Team (OMT) endeavors to facilitate the implementation of Delivery as One (DaO) by harmonizing operational policies and activities of UN bodies, agencies, funds and programmes in Ethiopia. Within this context, an OMT working group was established to provide support and guidance to UNCT in the fields of information and communication technologies (ICT). As per the annual work plan of this working group, a business project case, outlining potential areas of local and wide-area network consolidation and sharing of ICT applications between UN agencies in Ethiopia, will be finalized and presented to the UNCT, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the work of UNCT through innovative and responsive initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective: The Operations Management Team (OMT) will engage the services of a Service Provider (referred to as “Consultant” hereafter) to undertake the task of finalizing the draft ICT Business Case prepared by the OMT Working Group on ICT by reviewing, amending and inserting the necessary financial and technical data. The Consultant will also review similar ICT initiatives, particularly from the region of Eastern Africa, to identify best practices, and contribute substantially to the ICT Business Case. This should allow UNCT to make an informed decision to endorse an approach to network consolidation among various options. Moreover, the Consultant will support the OMT Working Group on ICT in preparing selling points for the ICT Business Case for UNCT, as well as for funding. Management of Consultancy Services: The Consultant will report to the Co-Chairs of the OMT Working Group on ICT, and work under their overall guidance. Through the Common Operations Specialist at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), the Consultant will implement the deliverables described in this Terms of Reference (ToR) in consultation with the RCO, OMT Chairs and OMT Working Group on ICT.The Consultant will not provide any substantive or operational information regarding UN’s data operations, ICT infrastructure and the ICT Business Case to any persons and/or entities without the written consent of UNCT.  This consultancy will be administrated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and all relevant UNDP rules, policies and procedures will apply. RCO will ensure that the Consultant receives access to the ECA Compound in Addis Ababa for relevant meetings, presentations and training sessions. As the Consultancy will be home based, no workspace will be provided to the Consultant within UN’s facilities. Scope of Services: The detailed responsibilities of the Consultant are as follows: The Consultant will work with the OMT Working Group on ICT to finalize their draft ICT Business Case by reviewing information provided, amending technical information as necessary, and inserting missing technical and financial information on potential solutions for ICT consolidation. Together with the OMT Working Group on ICT, the Consultant will review similar ICT initiatives, particularly from the region, to identify best practices through online research and video-conferencing, and accordingly contribute substantially to the ICT Business Case by coming up with new and innovative approaches that are applicable to the legal and infrastructural context of Ethiopia. The Consultant will work with the OMT Working Group and the RCO to prepare selling points for the ICT Business Case for the UNCT as well as potential sources of funding. The Consultant will attend and present his/her work at relevant OMT and OMT Working Group meetings and events, as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES: Professionalism:  Knowledge and understanding of issues pertaining to UN’s work in Ethiopia, particularly in the field of information and communication technologies.  Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues.  Ability to engage others for data collection.  Ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments given, and work under pressure.  Shows persistence and remains calm in stressful situations.  Shows pride in work and achievements, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter.  Responds positively to feedback and different points of view.  Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with the terms defined here.  Identifies priority activities and assignments, and adjusts them as required.  Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work by foreseeing risks and developing contingency plans accordingly.  Monitors and adjusts plans as necessary, and uses time effectively. Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and honors commitments.  Delivers assigned tasks within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.  Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.  Takes personal responsibility for his/her shortcomings.  FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Expertise in computer networks, data management and network consolidation. Experience with setting up secured computer and data networks in Ethiopia. Knowledge of legal issues pertaining to ICT issues in the country is preferred.

Required Skills and Experience

The Consultant is required to have the following professional and technical qualifications, and selection will be made based on both overall cost of services and these qualifications. Education:  Undergraduate degree in computer science or another relevant discipline. Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in computer networks, data management and network consolidation.  Experience developing similar ICT-related business projects, and working with international organization such as UN bodies and agencies in Ethiopia would be considered an asset. Language Requirements: Working knowledge of English.

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=33971