Storage Area Network (SAN) Engineer

Job Description

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Department of Field Support, Information and Communications Technology Division (UN DFS-ICTD) is responsible for the delivery of applications that satisfy the requirements of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support (DPKO/DFS) missions as well as Special Political Missions (SPMs).

DFS has implemented a range of systems to address the principal requirements of peacekeeping operations and to support and enhance the processes DFS undertakes.

UNOPS has been requested to assist in the implementation of this activity.

The SAN Engineer will carry out his/her tasks within the Platform Support Unit in the Field Technology Service (FTS) at the UN ICT Facility, Valencia (UNICTFV). Under the overall supervision of UNOPS Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent works under the guidance of the Chief Platform Support Unit in the Field Technology Service (FTS) at the UN ICT Facility, Valencia (UNICTFV), provides specific expertise in the definition of the architectural strategy for the storage infrastructure including: storage arrays, SAN switches, tape libraries, fibre I/O adapters and tools to monitor performance, availability and capacity. Functional Responsibilities

The SAN Engineer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Function as the technical expert in storage system implementation, systems upgrade and systems integration
• Monitor Storage System operations and verify systems availability. Interact with network engineers and systems engineers to proactively facilitate integration of storage array systems into enterprise ICT infrastructure
• Perform tasks related to storage provisioning and host integration
• Function as 2nd tier support for analyzing, troubleshooting and implementing solutions related to storage technical problems
• Function as a technical resource in storage system support for storage service continuity solution implementation and provide efficient data recovery capability in case of disaster
• Perform technical evaluation of product and systems related to Storage infrastructure and continuity solutions
• Actively involve with third parties engaged in Storage infrastructure projects to ensure acceptable quality of service delivery and, prevent information security incidents
• Perform the functions of systems backup and recovery administrator, and data replication process owner
• Propose efficient, resilient and reliable data replication solution from UN Missions to UNICTFV
• Propose a highly available storage and backup environment to eliminate single points of failure
• Implement data storage management guidelines, policies, standards, procedures and other documentations for DPKO and DFS field missions
• Responsible for keeping track of existing storage usage and making recommendation for growth
• Support regular maintenance of operational resilience (OR) plans and conduct periodic exercises to verify OR readiness
• Provide necessary training and support missions in storage management, backup and restore operation, as required
• Define technical specifications and assist with capacity planning and budget estimates for SAN equipment
• Assist DPKO and CITS Missions on site or remotely on any ad-hoc projects and tasks as required especially with OR planning and exercises.
• Perform tasks associated with DPKO and United Nations operations as authorized
• Supervise SAN technicians and assess their performance on a regular basis
• Build capacity through on-the-job training or formal training
• Ensure all procedures in handling storage and backup tasks are documented by staff
• Assign duty officer, focal points in various DRX and projects, and backstops
• Perform other duties as required

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and those of UNOPS

Impact of Results

The result of work of the SAN Engineer impacts directly on delivery of services that satisfy the requirements of the Department as well as the performance of the services implemented in the DFS/DPKO field missions and headquarters. It will also ensure proper processes and methodologies are followed and implemented according to the latest of the industry standards. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring activities for all global locations are in line with the overall business targets and UN policies, rules and regulations.

Competencies

Results Orientation: Hands-on technical training and problem-solving skills, good knowledge of relevant ICT policies, structure and strategy as it relates to area of assignment; ability to assess storage area network needs; technological background and experience in SAN design and implementation.

Partenering: Ability to identify and analyse clients’ needs and develop appropriate technology to meet business requirements.

Effective Communications: Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to explain and present technical information, effectively train/advise users on systems related issues, applications, etc., and prepare written documentation in a clear, concise style.

Leading Self and Others: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Agility: Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines. illingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of information technology.

Solution Focused: 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. Integrity & Inclusion: 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.

Strategic Perspective: 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. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Statistics, or relevant field. A first level University degree in a relevant field with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Required:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in providing engineering support for IT systems, preferably in large data centres with experience in Operating systems Windows 2008/2012 and Linux.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a process-oriented service support and delivery environment
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in enterprise storage infrastructure (EMC VNX, Unity, XtremIO, Isilon, HP 3Par Storage or similar) and layered software that supports high availability, data safety, as well as storage manipulations (EMC Recover Point, Snap view, SRDF, SAN Copy, among other)
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience with backup and recovery solutions (based on EMC NetWorker, EMC Avamar, Netbackup or similar) and data replication architecture and products

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this job opening, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.


Certifications:

• Foundation certification in ITIL Service management is required.
• Foundation Certification in Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) is desired.
• EMC storage management related certifications and trainings are desired.
  
  

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type:Fixed Term Appointment
Contract level: P3
Contract duration: 1 year (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance)


For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx


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.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

UNOPS vision is a world where people can live full lives supported by appropriate, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and by the efficient and transparent use of public resources in procurement and project management.

With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Background Information - Development Group Cluster

Based in the New York, the UNOPS Development Group Cluster supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. For example, within the United Nations Development Programme, the Cluster works with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support and the Office of South-South Cooperation.

The cluster also supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations in the delivery of project management and implementation services

About the Organization

"UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world." - Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peace building, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost-effectiveness.

By assisting UN Organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners, create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of seven regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.