Web search specialist

Vacancy number: ISDR/T/02/2010

Background

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human, economic and social losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments and civil society organizations.

The implementation of the ISDR is supported by a secretariat lead by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The secretariat main functions are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Programme Officer, information management and in close cooperation with the Programme Officers working on information management of the Inter-Agency secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and in order to contribute to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters, the Information Systems Officer, within limits of delegated authority, will be responsible for the following duties:

-Configuration and tuning of a Microsoft Fast ESP enterprise search system configuration and monitoring transactions to measure performance.
-Provides specialized advice to the information architecture team on technical requirements and the implications of translating design specifications into search result web front end.
-Provides specialized advice and maintains the implementation of enterprise search applications to include set-up and tuning, resolving difficult problems, and advising on the use of new techniques and the translation of design specifications into new search patterns; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
-Upgrades and enhances existing web front end navigators.
-Performs other enterprise search related tasks assigned by the ISDR Secretariat.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Systems Officers and other IT specialists throughout the Secretariat and other UN agencies. Technical staff and managers in user offices and other user clients. Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors, and IT consultants.

Results expected:

Implementation and tuning of FAST search engine for UNISDR websites and partner sites, including development of guided navigation and best-bet systems.

Competencies

Professionalism:
Knowledge enterprise web search technology, and implementation of advanced search patterns including guided navigation, and best bets. Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design and programming. Knowledge of several high level programming languages and significant exposure to and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of programming and analysis, including structured/object-oriented design, relational systems, scripting and query languages, document design and management, hardware and software requirements, systems facilities and execution protocols. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, to include proficiency in the development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity. 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.

Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; 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:
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.

Planning& organizing:
-  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
-  Identifies priority activities and assignments;
-  Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer or information systems, mathematics, statistics or other related field.
A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of web application development experience with at least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in enterprise search (design, development, implementation and maintenance).

Language:
-English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
-For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required;
-Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Other:
Excellent computer skills (Internet concepts, web application development, and database normalization) are required; Knowledge in, MySQL, Apache, Web API, and PHP & Python programming are required; General knowledge of UNIX or Linux commands is a plus.