Team Leader (IT Infrastructure)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0833TP

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 16/11/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director and the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the incumbent leads the IT Infrastructure Team, which is responsible for the hardware and software network and server infrastructure of the Centre. This includes the physical IT infrastructure (cabling, servers, data centres, computing laboratories, wireless access points, laptops and desktop computers), the software required to operate it, in particular email servers, the hardware and software of the phone system and of the security system, and cybersecurity. Essential responsibilities include:

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership:

• Supervise the infrastructure IT staff in their day-to-day activities, including network monitoring and the management of PCs, laptops, data centres/server rooms, storage, servers, network and communications equipment, and the help-desk service.
• Set the work priorities of the members of the infrastructure team.
• Work closely with the Head of Unit, ICT and the leader of the systems/applications development team on overall priorities and synergies across the Unit; participate in the meetings of the Institute IT Committee and in the monthly meetings of the ICT Section.

Infrastructure Planning and Operations:

• Plan, design, implement and maintain the hardware and software configuration of the Centre’s computer system, including UNIX workstations and servers, LAN and LAN devices, PCs, Macs and the Internet connection.
• Implement hardware and software projects to maintain and enhance the ICT infrastructure, including the comprehensive review and improvement of the infrastructure linked to the ongoing renovation of the Centre.
• Coordinate with colleagues in Procurement, Technical Services and Maintenance on the purchase and deployment of IT equipment, and with the University of Trieste Network Manager on shared services.

Security and Scientific Computing Support:

• Ensure a safe and secure computing environment (network, data, etc.), including cybersecurity and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Support the High-Performance Computing (HPC) activities of the scientific sections, the International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP) and the Master in High Performance Computing programme, and provide technical guidance to the scientific sections, the Library and Multimedia Services on projects involving data management and computing technology.
• Represent the Centre in international IT projects and in its IT-related training activities.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in computer science, information technology, telecommunications, engineering or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in IT infrastructure management, including network and server administration.
• Proven track record in supervising and leading a technical team.
• Demonstrated experience in the planning, design, implementation and maintenance of network and server infrastructure, including UNIX/Linux systems.
• Hands-on experience supporting High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Solid knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices and of data protection regulations.
• Strong command of data centre, server, storage, LAN/WLAN and email systems.
• Good planning and organizational skills, with the capacity to set priorities for a team and deliver results on time.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical users, including senior management.
• Sensitivity and respect for diversity, and the capacity to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with the hardware and software of telephony and building security systems.
• Involvement in large-scale IT infrastructure upgrade or renewal projects, including the coordination of equipment procurement.
• Professional background gained in an academic or research institution, or in an international organization.
• Experience in IT projects or IT-related training activities, preferably in an international context.
• Experience in the use of AI tools for IT infrastructure management.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of Italian.
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. 

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 91 808 US$.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.