TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Information and Communications Technologies Section. The Telecommunications Technician reports to the supervisor of the Telecommunications Unit. The Telecommunications Technician plays a pivotal role in supporting and ensuring the seamless operation of all telecommunications systems within ECLAC. Primary responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks that ensure effective communication and optimal system performance. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information. ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall supervision of the staff in charge of the Telecommunications Unit, the Telecommunications Technician will be responsible for the following duties: Satellite Earth-station Operations • Assists in operation and maintenance of Intelsat Standard satellite earth-station equipment, inclusive of the antenna system, RF equipment, IF equipment, base-band equipment, and the control, supervisory, and test facilities. • Monitors satellite link performance. • Performs fault diagnosis and repair. • Maintains earth-station records and documentation. • Undertakes spare parts tracking. • Performs other related duties as required. Wide Area Network Operations (WAN) • Monitors transmission performance of all local and remote network nodes at the link and at the I/O levels. • Coordinates with leased line carrier and/or remote site technical support staff, service restoration during facility failures at Headquarters, the Offices Away from Headquarters, and/or Missions. • Maintains Network Control Center/Network Operations Center records and Wide Area Network documentation. • Maintains WAN equipment inventory and tracks repair history of WAN nodal equipment and modules. • Prepares monthly reports on node and transmission facility performance including detailed reports of leased facility outages for outage rebate purposes. • Performs other related duties as required. Local Area Network Operations (LAN) • Monitors the performance of the LAN, Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and high speed Internet access facilities. • Assists in the implementation of ad-hoc LAN support requirements with departmental focal points. • Provides remote operations and maintenance service and advanced technical support for access routers on the Wide Area Network. • Maintains LAN and MAN equipment inventory. • Prepares and revises network diagrams and network documentation. • Performs other related duties as required. Voice and Messaging Operation • Analyzes and reviews requests for telephone services; advise UN officials and or facilities staff, e.g., architects, electricians, movers) in preparing requests for services to ensure they are cost-effective and physically feasible. • Formulates technical service orders and follows up on pending work orders, requisitions, trouble reports, etc., to ensure work is completed in a timely fashion. • Decides on type of equipment/services needed. • Maintains liaison with outside contractor telecommunications representatives with regard to any change, correction or discrepancy on the above and other technical information on procedures; oversees installations, monitors quality and quantity of work performed by contractors and compiles and prepares statistics on same. • Drafts and prepares blueprints showing equipment locations for telephone technicians and facilities management staff. • Assists in the design and development of work order databases and maintains the databases using advanced computer technology. • Performs other related duties as required. Audio/Visual Conference Services • Installs, configures and tests audio, video conference and desktop video conference hardware/software using available communication and network connectivity. • Assists in meetings’ preparation by preparing and configuring conference hardware in various locations throughout headquarters and operates equipment during conferences. • Provides support and training for new users of conference systems. • Researches and evaluates new conference products ensuring compatibility with current operational standards and growth for future needs. • Performs other related duties as required. Radio Communications and Video Surveillance System Installation and Maintenance • Installs, configures and tests radio communications and video surveillance hardware/software using available radio communication and video surveillance infrastructure. • Assists in meetings’ preparation by preparing and configuring conference hardware in various locations throughout headquarters and operates equipment during conferences. • Provides support and training for new users of radio communications and video surveillance equipment and systems. • Researches and evaluates new conference products ensuring compatibility with current operational standards and growth for future needs. • Performs other related duties as required. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. Additional Responsibilities System Maintenance & Monitoring: Regularly inspect all telecommunications systems, including: • Satellite phones and digital radio systems, ensuring their reliability. • Troubleshooting: Resolve any issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain communication continuity. • Infrastructure Setup: Assist in setting up various telecommunications services, ensuring their proper integration. • Equipment Inventory & Documentation: Keep all records and documentation up to date, reflecting any changes or upgrades. • Collaboration: Work closely with various units to guarantee efficient deployment of communication systems. • Training: Educate staff on utilizing telecommunications equipment and software effectively. • Compliance & Security: Collaborate with the security team to safeguard data transmission and storage. • New Technology Evaluation: Stay abreast of the latest telecommunications technologies and recommend incorporations as necessary. • Emergency Preparedness: Conduct regular tests and have backup solutions ready for emergencies. • Proactive Approach: Demonstrate technical expertise and a collaborative attitude to ensure robust and reliable communication systems. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: • Telecommunications Engineers and IT Officers and Assistants throughout the Secretariat. • Facilities Management Division staff at all levels. • Executive and Administrative Officers and Chiefs and staff of requesting departments and offices • Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors and contractors. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of telecommunication equipment, principles of operations, including local area networks, satellites, radio and video surveillance systems, voice and messaging systems. Knowledge of satellite earth station technology, and principles of analog and digital transmission. Knowledge of synchronous and asynchronous data interface standards and protocols. Knowledge of satellite modem, CSU/DSU, and digital line driver operation. Ability to apply knowledge and technical skills to install and test relevant equipment, provide maintenance services and user support. Ability to assist with analog and digital transmission facility testing and trouble-shooting. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. NOTE: For positions in the General Service category, candidates are required to clearly indicate in their Applicant Profile (AP) relevant information confirming completion of High School. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of experience in telecommunications or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).