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.