Information Technology Assistant, G6 at United Nations Office at Nairobi UNON in Nairobi, Kenya

    United Nations Office at Nairobi UNON logo

    Information Technology Assistant, G6

    Posted

    3 days ago

    Apply by

    3 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Government & Public Administration
    IT & Software

    Build your CV in minutes! Tailored for the Kenyan job market.

    Build My CV

    Job Description

    The Information Technology Assistant will support the management of UNON's Local Area Network, including wireless and wide area networks, and participate in network projects, security enforcement, and automation. The role involves troubleshooting, documentation, and supervising technical staff, with a focus on network security and emerging technologies.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Participate in the management of UNON's Local Area Network including Wireless Network and Wide area Network.
    • Analyze and plan for the implementation of network projects in accordance with applicable UN policies and standards.
    • Review network configuration ensuring maximum efficiency and optimal usage of resources.
    • Participate in the management of network backup and security enforcement policies.
    • Assist with and supervise the work of personnel and/or contractors assigned to the Network Security Unit.
    • Assist with the implementation of new and emerging technologies for data integration.
    • Support the design, implementation and maintenance of Data Security projects with emphasis in network security, monitoring, resourcing, and other UN standard technologies.
    • Maintain properly administered access control lists including rights and privileges.
    • Create scripts in python and ansible to automate repetitive network task.
    • Develop and design solutions around network automation and programmability.
    • Participate in major network implementations.
    • Participate in creating and updating network documentation and reviewing of syslog data.
    • Liaise with UNON service desk to troubleshoot any network related problems.
    • Log-in service requests and update work orders in accordance with established procedure; distribute work assignments and monitor progress.
    • Log all actions in the work order tracking system, steps taken to resolve problem or to complete task, problems encountered and current status.
    • Acts as problem escalation point for technical staff at lower levels; escalate problems/tasks to the appropriate parties in accordance with established procedure.
    • Monitor problems to resolution; detect problem patterns and recommend solutions.
    • Perform quality assurance procedures to ensure client satisfaction.
    • Perform other related duties as required.
    • Participate in planning, implementing, operating and maintaining security controls.
    • Perform regular vulnerability assessments of production systems to identify weaknesses and determine the need for security updates and fixes.
    • Draft documentation and reports.
    • Implement information systems policies, strategies and activities of the Information and Communication Technology Services.
    • Participate in analysis of IDS alerts and regular review of network equipment operating system and corresponding vendor security advisories.
    • Ensure all network equipment is adequately monitored with appropriate alert escalation.
    • Carry out research and evaluation of hardware, software and communication products and assist in establishing and maintaining performance indicators.
    • Participate in testing and evaluating new tools and technologies and making recommendations on the adaptation of such tools to the immediate supervisor.
    • Draft end-user and/or technical documentation.
    • Keep abreast of developments in information systems and technology in order to make recommendations to supervisors.
    • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation

    Required Qualifications

    • Completion of secondary education or high school diploma is required.
    • A minimum of CCNP Routing and Switching and Devnet are required.
    • Additional technical trainings or certifications with emphasis on Network Routing and Switching, Intrusion Detection Systems, Network Programmability and Automation and Network Security and Wireless is desirable.
    • A minimum of seven 7 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in the information technology in the areas of Routing and Switching, Python Scripting and Network Automation, Troubleshooting, Wireless and Network Security is required.
    • The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two 2 years for candidates who possess a first level University degree.
    • Strong technical skills in network design, implementation, troubleshooting, and management is required.
    • Familiarity with various vendor network equipment Cisco, Checkpoint, Fortinet, Ruckus is required.
    • One 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    IT & Software

    Minimum Experience

    7 years

    Education Level

    Diploma

    Area of Study

    Information Technology

    Field of Study

    Network Engineering

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) on careers.un.org to apply.

    Show Network Automation Proof Before You Walk Into the Interview

    This UNON role sits at the intersection of classic routing/switching and modern network automation. Hiring managers will probe whether you can script your way out of repetitive tasks and defend your security decisions under pressure.

    1. Lead with your CCNP and DevNet credentials: Place these certifications prominently on your CV, not buried at the bottom. For each, list one concrete project where you applied that knowledge—like a multi-site OSPF deployment or an Ansible playbook that cut config time by half.

    2. Show Python and Ansible in action: Bring a short portfolio of scripts you've written—network health checks, automated backups, or config templating. Be ready to walk through your logic and error handling, because they'll ask how you'd automate a daily syslog review.

    3. Prepare for scenario-based security questions: They'll likely ask how you'd respond to an IDS alert or a vulnerability scan finding. Practice explaining your escalation path, how you'd document it, and how you'd patch without disrupting production.

    4. Know your vendor gear cold: Cisco, Checkpoint, Fortinet, Ruckus—be ready to compare their strengths and weaknesses. Mention a time you troubleshot a wireless issue on Ruckus or a firewall rule conflict on Checkpoint.

    5. Emphasize your experience with network documentation: This role involves drafting end-user and technical docs. Bring samples of network diagrams, runbooks, or troubleshooting guides you've created. Show you can translate complex issues for non-technical staff.

    6. Talk about supervising and mentoring: You'll act as an escalation point and supervise contractors. Prepare an example of guiding a junior tech through a tricky problem, and how you balanced that with your own workload.

    7. Highlight any data analytics exposure: Even if it's just one year, mention how you've used data to spot network trends or predict failures. They value candidates who can turn syslog data into actionable insights.

    8. Research UNON's mission and ICT policies: Understand how UNON supports UN operations in Nairobi. Align your answers with their focus on security, efficiency, and service to clients. Mentioning their commitment to sustainability could be a plus.

    CareerSasa Safety Alert: Never pay employers or agencies for interviews, training, or job placement. Does a job request payment? Report it immediately using the "Flag" button. While CareerSasa vets job postings thoroughly, always verify opportunities independently.
    Share this job:

    Boost Your Application Success

    1. 1

      Expert CV help that gets you noticed. Build Your CV

    2. 2

      A personalized cover letter for this role. Write Cover Letter

    3. 3

      Attract recruiters with a stronger profile. Boost LinkedIn

    Tags

    CCNP
    Devnet
    Python
    Ansible
    Network Security