IT Assistant at the World Food Programme (WFP)
The World Food Programme (WFP) stands as the largest global humanitarian organization focused on fighting hunger and enhancing food security. As the United Nations’ food assistance branch, it plays a critical role in ensuring that millions of people around the world receive the nutrition they need to live active, healthy lives.
With a strong mandate and commitment to providing life-saving food assistance, WFP helps those who are affected by hunger, conflict, and natural disasters, working tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to basic food security.
Founded in 1961, the World Food Programme has grown into a global leader in tackling hunger, driven by its core mission to create a world where every man, woman, and child can access sufficient and nutritious food for a healthy life.
The organization works across 120 countries, delivering food assistance in emergencies and promoting long-term solutions to hunger.
WFP’s efforts extend beyond immediate relief; they include building resilience, enhancing food security, and improving nutrition in communities across the globe.
The World Food Programme invites applications for the position of IT Assistant (IT Operations Assistant, SC4) in Abuja, Nigeria.
This position is a full-time role that involves delivering essential software and hardware support, ensuring the effective functioning of IT systems and services, and supporting the overall IT operations that are vital to WFP’s work.
IT Operations Assistant, SC4 – Job Overview
The IT Operations Assistant is a key member of WFP’s IT team, responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of IT systems and providing timely support to staff members. The role involves performing a variety of tasks aimed at maintaining the hardware and software that power WFP’s operations, ensuring they are fully functional and meet the organization’s needs.
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Job Specifications:
- Position: IT Operations Assistant, SC4
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Required Qualifications: BA/BSc/HND in a relevant field (such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or related disciplines)
- Application Deadline: January 22, 2025
Responsibilities of the IT Operations Assistant
The IT Operations Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties aimed at supporting WFP’s IT operations. These include:
- System and Equipment Maintenance
The IT Assistant will carry out routine maintenance tasks on WFP’s IT systems, ensuring that all equipment runs smoothly. This includes performing data backups and ensuring that system protection measures are in place, minimizing the risk of data loss or equipment failure. - Basic Server Monitoring and Troubleshooting
The assistant will monitor server systems, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that IT services are delivered consistently to all WFP staff. They will work with senior colleagues to resolve any system errors and maintain an uninterrupted flow of operations. - Responding to IT Queries
A key part of the role will involve addressing routine IT queries from WFP staff. The IT Assistant will provide technical support, helping staff resolve issues related to software, hardware, and other IT systems to ensure optimal use of technology. - Asset Inspection and Inventory Management
The IT Assistant will be responsible for inspecting incoming IT assets, ensuring all materials are accounted for and discrepancies are reported to senior colleagues. They will help track the movement and inventory of IT equipment to ensure that resources are properly managed. - Beta Testing and Software Rollouts
The role involves supporting the rollout of new software versions and performing basic beta testing. This ensures that any updates to centrally supported software are properly tested and ready for use by WFP staff. - Data Management and Information Updates
The IT Assistant will assist with maintaining accurate and up-to-date information within WFP’s databases, inventories, websites, and archives. This is crucial to ensuring that WFP’s information systems are always current and reliable. - Supporting Training and Documentation
Under the guidance of senior staff, the IT Assistant will collate information to be included in training materials and documentation. This helps ensure that all users are well-informed and have access to the necessary resources to make effective use of the organization’s technology. - Emergency Response Support
WFP is often called to provide emergency food assistance in crisis situations. The IT Assistant will follow emergency response protocols, ensuring that IT services are aligned with emergency food distribution and relief efforts.
Functional Capabilities and Desired Skills
To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Governance, Strategy, and Architecture: An understanding of the IT governance structure and how different systems interact is key. This helps ensure that the IT infrastructure supports WFP’s mission effectively.
- Change Implementation: The ability to support the implementation of changes to IT systems, including providing estimates on timelines and resources needed for project planning, is important.
- Project Management and Planning: Basic project management skills, including planning and organizing resources effectively, will help ensure the smooth delivery of IT support services.
- Technical Expertise: A strong grasp of technical skills and the ability to troubleshoot IT issues is critical. The IT Assistant must be able to apply their knowledge to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
- Service Management: Following established standards and protocols for IT service management is vital. The IT Assistant should aim for high levels of customer satisfaction by maintaining the quality of IT services.
- Client Management: Knowledge of WFP’s hardware, software, servers, and networks is necessary for effectively managing user issues and delivering solutions based on established IT processes.
- Procurement and Contract Management: The IT Assistant will assist with technology selection by gathering information on vendors and products. This is essential for evaluating new technologies and ensuring the right resources are in place.
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Desired Experience and Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the IT Operations Assistant role should meet the following qualifications and experience:
- Educational Background: A completed degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. A solid educational foundation in IT is essential for understanding the technical demands of the role.
- Professional Experience: Candidates should have experience resolving basic IT issues (Level 1 support). This includes troubleshooting hardware and software problems, supporting IT operations, and assisting users with technical difficulties.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language used at the duty station, as well as in the official language of the duty station (if different), is required.
Key Attributes for Success
The IT Assistant should possess the following attributes:
- Technical Proficiency: A strong understanding of IT systems, networks, and software applications is essential. You should be able to apply this knowledge systematically to resolve user issues and improve the efficiency of IT operations.
- Adaptability: The role requires a high level of adaptability, as priorities may shift quickly. You should be able to respond effectively to changing demands and keep services running smoothly.
- Team Collaboration: WFP is a multicultural organization, and working effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds is critical. The IT Assistant should be a team player who actively contributes to creating a positive work environment.
- Customer Focus: A key part of the role is providing excellent support to WFP staff. The IT Assistant must be dedicated to resolving issues promptly and ensuring that all IT needs are met efficiently and professionally.
- Commitment to Learning: Technology is constantly evolving, and the IT Assistant should be eager to stay updated on new developments in IT and continuously improve their skills.
Why Join WFP?
The World Food Programme offers an incredible opportunity to make a global impact. By joining the team, you become part of an organization dedicated to eradicating hunger and improving food security across the world. As an IT Operations Assistant, you will contribute directly to WFP’s mission by supporting the technology that enables life-saving food assistance and humanitarian aid in emergencies.
The IT role at WFP is not just about technology—it’s about using technology to support an organization that is making a real difference in people’s lives. You will work with a dedicated, passionate team, all while gaining invaluable experience in a dynamic, global environment.
If you’re ready to use your IT skills to contribute to a noble cause and be part of a world-renowned organization, the World Food Programme invites you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Application Deadline: January 22, 2025. Apply today and take the first step toward making a meaningful difference in the world!
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