UNCTAD: ASYCUDA ICT Specialist, P-3(Arab States)

January 15, 2011 | Posted by admin | 977 views

UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE
AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)
Temporary Vacancy Announcement
Internal/External
Vacancy Announcement Number: 2010/43
Functional Title and Grade: ASYCUDA ICT Specialist, P-3
ASYCUDA Regional Centre for Arab States,
Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL)
Duty Station: Damascus, Syria
Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension subject
to availability of funds
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Date of issuance: 4 January 2011
Deadline for Applications: 18 January 2011

Staff members at P-2/P-3 level holding an appointment of one year or more and interested in a lateral move or
temporary assignment are eligible to apply. This position is open to external candidates who, if selected, may be
granted a temporary appointment for a period not exceeding 364 calendar days and limited to the technical
cooperation project in UNCTAD.

BACKGROUND
The ASYCUDA Programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) is a Customs Modernisation Programme aimed at simplifying trade by strengthening
Customs through the Computerisation of Clearance procedures. Computerisation is used as a
catalyst for the reform and the modernisation of the Customs Administrations, aligning their legal
framework, their organization and procedures to international standards and best practices and
ensuring their expected role in a modern market economy
ASYCUDA (Automated SYstem for CUstoms DAta) system is a computerised Customs
management system developed by UNCTAD which covers most foreign trade procedures. The
software is made available to requesting countries within the framework of technical assistance
projects. The ASYCUDA Programme is part of the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of
UNCTAD.
The implementation of ASYCUDA in the Customs Administrations of the Arab States has introduced
new technologies and supported the emergence of modern Customs management practices. In this
context, it is vital for the governments to continuously maintain these systems up-to-date and upgrade
them in order to meet the increasing ICT needs required by the international trade operators. In order to
provide efficient and timely support to the user countries, UNCTAD has established an ASYCUDA
Regional Centre for the Arab States. Its primary objective is to deliver technical and functional ASYCUDA support, and training for all aspects related to the implementation of the system and for
new procedures in accordance with Customs best practise. The Centre shall also serve as a forum for
close regional cooperation and exchange of experience between ASYCUDA project team members.
The Centre’s multidisciplinary Team comprises specialists on ICT, Customs, and Network/Telecom
matters.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator based in Geneva and in close
coordination with the ASYCUDA IT Coordinator, the ASYCUDA ICT Specialist will be
responsible for the overall technical implementation of the system.
The ASYCUDA ICT Specialist will also facilitate discussions with the local authorities and other
partners and work closely with all stakeholders.
The incumbent shall undertake the following duties:
 Provide technical advice on the most suitable ICT (Information and Communications
Technology) architecture and configuration for the ASYCUDA implementation in the
National Customs Administration (NCA);
 Assist the National Customs Administration in the preparation of the technical
specifications and evaluation criteria for the procurement of ICT hardware, software and
associated services required for the implementation of the NCA ASYCUDA system, as
required;
 Provide technical assistance and support in the prototyping, testing, piloting, roll-out,
administration and maintenance of the NCA ASYCUDA system e-documents including
remedial actions, as required;
 Organize and deliver ASYCUDA technical training courses on the implementation,
operation and maintenance of the NCA ASYCUDA system;
 Assist the NCA Project Team in the preparation of the NCA ASYCUDA technical
documentation;
 Provide technical advice on the technical aspects of extensions/e-documents of the NCA
ASYCUDA system, including by a third party;
 Prepare regular technical Project Progress Reports for the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator
in Geneva inclusive of the elements relating to the logical framework and monitoring plan.
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism – Proven experience in designing and management of complex information
management systems. Is conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results; Teamwork –
Demonstrated ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view; Supports and
acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own
position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team
shortcomings. Technological Awareness – Sound technical ICT knowledge and the ability to
determine suitability, validity and reliability of technical ICT architectures and solutions; High
level of ICT background with deep knowledge in Java, Oracle, Linux. Communication – Strong
communications skills, both oral and written, sound drafting ability. Good inter-personal skills
with the ability to communicate well with end-users.QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science,
Telecommunications or equivalent. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying
experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience: At least five years relevant working experience in the field of Information
Technology. Progressively responsible experience in systems analysis and design installation,
configuration, testing, piloting, rollout, administration and maintenance. Experience in organising
and delivering training courses within governmental organisations required, as well as experience
from working in an international environment.
Languages: Fluency in English or French with good working knowledge of Arabic is required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Eligible staff and external candidates are invited to express their interest and send their updated Personal
History Profile (PHP) by e-mail to: [email protected] with copy to Ms. I. Subirats, HRMS/UNCTAD at
[email protected]. For internal staff, a copy of their latest performance appraisal report
(ePAS) should be attached. The Temporary Vacancy Announcement number should be clearly shown in
every application. In view of the often high volume of applications received, only those applicants who are
under serious consideration will be notified.