ICT Specialist- ICT Security (retainer position) At UNOPS

Background Information

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

The UNOPS Republic of Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO) is implementing 13 projects in Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Ukraine.

In Serbia, where UNOPS has been active since 2000, and North Macedonia and Montenegro where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union. The projects focus on sustainable socio-economic development, good governance, social cohesion, environment and emergency response. The projects are implemented with the funding from the European Union (EU), Kingdom of Norway, Governments of Switzerland, Sweden and North Macedonia.

In Ukraine, UNOPS support to the partners in their reform agenda since 2017 spans the rule of law, social protection, demining, emergency response and security. The projects are funded by the EU, UNHCR, the Governments of Japan and Canada.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.

Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia A) The Government of Norway is funding a sub-regional programme “Nordic Support for Progress in North Macedonia”implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project consists of socio-economic development support to the more undeveloped parts of the country and also envisages support to the national authorities responsible for leading the renewed efforts on the EU accession process. The Government of Norway has allocated funding for the implementation of the Project in North Macedonia for 48 months, starting from September 2018.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to a more balanced socio-economic development and to contribute to the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and EU accession negotiations priorities.

Locally, the project aims to increase employment opportunities, support social cohesion, as well as to enhance local infrastructure in the less developed areas with a focus given to the inclusion of youth, women and vulnerable groups in the labour market. Nationally, the project aims at supporting the government to improve its capacity for EU integration and government reform agenda in the accession process.

B) The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has decided to fund a project “Support to progress in North Macedonia – Government reform agenda in the EU-accession process” to be implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The objective of the project supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is to support the enhancement of the EU integration capacity of the Republic of North Macedonia by providing technical assistance to government institutions during the accession period.

SIDA has allocated funding for the implementation of the project in North Macedonia during 48 months.

The Overall Objective of the SIDA support is to contribute to, and effectively communicate to the public, the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, accession negotiations and government reform priorities in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Project interventions are aimed towards communicating the benefits of the EU accession process to the general population, as well as to involve the civil society and media throughout the accession phases. All project activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the national institutions, with the aim of allowing them to adopt/adapt the legal requirements and, where relevant, EU accession criteria.

This will ensure national ownership and support the development of national capacities.

Background Information – relevant for the assignment The purpose of Result 3 “Supporting the government reform agenda in the accession process” is to provide support to relevant national institutions in charge of alignment of national legal acts with the EU acquis and to contribute to further building of capacities of central coordination structures and relevant national structures for successful carrying out of the screening process.

The overall process is coordinated by the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA), as the main body in the Republic of North Macedonia responsible for coordination and support of the European integration and negotiation process. In order to be able to perform its activities, SEA, according to its systematization, has 8 sectors divided in 25 departments, each performing different functions and having different responsibilities.

During the past years, SEA was gradually developing technical platforms for support of various segments of the process. With the advancement of the accession negotiation process, there is a need to strengthen the capacity of the SEA’s Sector for information and communication technology and archiving (SEA-SICTA) especially in the area of Information Security.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the ICT Specialist- ICT Security will support SEA-SICTA with technical expertise for implementation of ISO standardisation for the information security system.

More specifically, the Specialist will undertake the following activities/responsibilities

• Review the Information Security Management System in SEA that includes review of current IT audit reports, procedures, policies, and key documents (such as security policy, risk treatment plan etc);
• Prepare an Information Security Management System policy for SEA;
• Perform a security risk assessment and create a Risk Treatment Plan;
• Set up policies and procedures to control identified risks;
• Provide technical support to the SEA employees in identification, re-engineering and recording of the internal processes, according to the ISO 27001;
• Prepare ISO 27001 documents and develop an Action plan for implementation of ISO 27001;
• Train SEA employees on implementation of ISO 27001 based on best practices;
• Conduct internal audit on the maturity of SEA with full compliance of ISO 2700;
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services.

Required Selection Criteria

Education

• Advanced University Degree preferably in Information Technology, Computer Science or other related fields;
• University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;

Certification

• Certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor is requirement

Work experience

• Minimum five years of professional experience in implementation of Information Security Management System is required.
• Experience in implementation of at least 2 (two) ISO 27001 Information management standards in private or public entities is required

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and Macedonian (speaking, reading and writing) is required
• Knowledge of Albanian language would be an asset

Core Competencies

• 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. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
• 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.
• Leading Self and Others – Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Partnering – Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Results Orientation – Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Agility – Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• 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.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of the Republic of North Macedonia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) – Retainer position Contract level: Local ICA 10 Contract duration: Up to 40 working days, in period of six months

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.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• 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.