IT Specialist

Host entity: ECA

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Information technology and telecommunications, Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, Software development

Application deadline: 12/11/2026

Mission and objectives

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development.

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission will be guided by ECA's five new strategic directions which are: Advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solution to the continent; Developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; Designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; Contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; Advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Sub-regional Office for North Africa of the ECA (ECA SRO-NA) is located in Rabat (Morocco), and serves seven member states: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. The main objective to enhance the environment for accelerated and inclusive growth and sustainable development in North Africa through strengthened economic diversification, fiscal management, regional integration and a better recognition of migrant workers' economic contributions. SRO-NA also focuses a significant share of its work on issues faced by middle-income countries. Its core functions are: Contributing to the development of evidence-based policies, strategies and reforms and provides technical assistance related to economic diversification, fiscal management and resilient and inclusive economies; Providing advisory services and hold sub-regional consultations on the mobilization of domestic resources and the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in partnership with ministries of trade and the African Union; Providing technical assistance and training for selected African countries on migration data collection and analysis and evidence-based policy formulation to mainstream and leverage migrants' economic contributions, through data collection and analysis; and Conducting research on challenges facing middle income countries in North Africa, in particular those relating to development and climate finance, human capital and employment creation in North Africa, with a focus on strategic areas such as digitalization and the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

Assignment context

To fulfill its mission, the ECA SRO-NA is implementing activities and events for its member states and the region. In this regard, to support the Administrative and Finance Unit in the Office, ECA SRO-NA is seeking a qualified IT Specialist (National UNV Expert), to assist in the Office Information Technology operations. The IT Specialist (National UNV Expert) will work under the direct supervision of the Administrative and Finance Officer and the overall guidance of the Director of ECA SRO-NA. He/She will provide a full range of technical assistance in the area of system administration and support to ensure the design, development maintenance and smooth functioning of the desktops, telecommunication and information systems at ECA SRO-NA. The IT Specialist (National UNV Expert) promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach, focusing on achieving high-quality assistance to all clients (internal and external). He/She will work in close collaboration with all staff at ECA SRO-NA and ICTSS to exchange information and experience and ensure consistent service delivery.

Task description

The IT Specialist (National United Nations Volunteer Expert) will be responsible for the following duties:

Desktop Administration and Configuration
• Monitors all personal computers running the UN software delivery system to ensure that software distributions are being delivered correctly.
• Performs software distribution updates, scripting, testing, and support.
• Conducts research into new versions of centrally supported software and performs beta testing, production rollout, and post-production support.
• Performs second-level desktop troubleshooting in conjunction with the Help Desk.
• Provides technical advice to clients when necessary.
• Provides guidance and training to staff.
• Prepares, maintains, and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases.
• Drafts documentation and reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Server Operations and Administration
• Installs, configures, tests, and deploys server hardware and software, including Local Area Network (LAN), Operating Systems, Electronic mail, Unix, Linux, Lotus Notes, Citrix, Database systems, Internet Web software, firewall, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), mail relay, and various security software.
• Performs administration, operation, technical support, and monitoring of server systems.
• Undertakes troubleshooting of server systems; if the problem persists, escalates to a higher level in accordance with procedures.
• Liaises with the Information and Communications Technology Support Services (ICTSS ) to maintain efficient and reliable operations of server systems.
• Assists in identifying the need for new systems or re-engineering existing systems.
• Responds to requests from user offices and assists in deploying/configuring systems to conform to infrastructure standards.
• Implements backups of servers following standard backup procedures.
• Collects various statistics on the performance and reliability of server systems and produces pertinent reports.
• Maintains documentation of server systems pertinent to operations and system administration.
• Prepares, maintains, and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases.
• Drafts documentation and reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Service Installation and Support
• Receives and logs problem calls or service requests in the automated tracking system with minimum delay.
• Attempts to resolve as many problem calls or service requests on initial contact.
• Performs tasks related to scheduled service requests, including equipment replacement, installation/de-installation, software installation, LAN connection, returns to stock, site surveys, etc.
• Diagnoses and resolves hardware, software, or connectivity problems with minimum delay.
• Provides basic training to end-users on the use of standard systems and applications.
• Drafts end-user and/or technical documentation.
• Logs all actions in the automated tracking system, including site survey information, steps taken to resolve problems or complete tasks, problems encountered, current status, etc.
• Escalates problems/tasks to appropriate parties according to established procedures.
• Detects problem patterns and recommends solutions.
• Keeps abreast of developments in technology both in the UN and in the industry.
• Occasionally supervises a team of technical staff for special projects.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Procurement and Logistics
• Receives, unpacks, and inspects all incoming assets.
• Enters assets and asset transactions into the automated inventory management system in accordance with established procedure.
• Obeys and enforces all security procedures.
• Troubleshoots, cleans, and repairs/rebuilds equipment.
• Performs complex hardware and software configuration tasks such as creating standard images.
• Sorts, compiles, and stores equipment in accordance with work orders and/or equipment condition.
• Prepares and releases equipment for service requests.
• Monitors inventory levels and initiates procurement when low thresholds are reached.
• Keeps abreast of developments in technology in the UN and industry.
• Recommends acquisition of hardware, software, devices, tools, etc., to facilitate work.
• Performs other duties as required.

Service Coordination
• Receives and logs service requests in the automated request management system.
• Creates and assigns work orders in accordance with established procedures.
• Distributes work assignments and monitors progress.
• Liaises with ICTSS to facilitate completion of service requests.
• Provides advice to clients regarding ICTSS standards and workflow processes.
• Performs quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction.
• Addresses escalated problems and monitors them to resolution.
• Detects problem patterns and recommends solutions.
• Keeps abreast of latest ICTSS standards and technology.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills and experience

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), IT programme/project support, and events IT support is required
• Experience in advanced programming languages, such as C, C++, XML, ASP.NET, Java, etc.; database design and management tools (SQL, MySQL, Oracle); and graphics software design and troubleshooting tools is desirable.
• Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable
• Experience in the United Nations (UN ) or international organizations is an advantage

Competencies and values

• Integrity
• Respect for Diversity
• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Rabat, the capital, is a peaceful city. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily-available. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found. There are no specific security threats.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Entitlements related to the volunteering position:

1. Pre-assignment
Entry lump sum: USD 350
Relocation costs: $175 at beginning and
end of assignment if duty station is outside of
commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
2. During Assignment
Volunteer living allowance: MAD 14215.5
Learning and training: Access to UNV's
learning and career development resources
Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for
health, life and malicious acts for the UN
Volunteer and health insurance coverage for
up to 3 eligible dependents. See the Conditions
of Service for more details on eligibility
criteria.
3. End of assignment
Exit lump sum (paid on successful
completion of assignment): $120 for each
month served, paid on completion of contract

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.