Principal Communications Technician (GS-7)

Principal Functions

Under the supervision and guidance of the Communications Officer and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the incumbent performs the following duties:

 

1. Assist in Support of ICT related operational projects.
   
   
   1. Support the Communications Officer in the management, evaluation and further development of technical solutions and procedures for field communication such as satellite and terrestrial communication systems;
   2. Support the Communications Officer in the maintenance, further development, and improvement of existing information systems such as GIS, Information –management, -gathering and –analysis systems;
   3. Under the guidance of the Communications Officer, represent the Inspectorate Division in cross divisional working groups and project teams concerning IT projects affecting operations.

 

2. Provide operational communications support to deployed Inspection Teams.
   
   
   1. Maintain, administer, and troubleshoot encryption devices, personal GPS trackers and satellite communications terminals (Inmarsat);
   2. In cooperation with the ES Senior Communications specialist, maintain, administer and prepare satellite devices and VHF/UHF radio networks for field deployment and operate such equipment if deployed;
   3. Provide further troubleshooting and second level help desk support to Inspection Teams in the field;
   4. Participate in field missions that require technically proficient communications expertise;
   5. Handle and administer confidential mission equipment for Inspections;
   6. Perform technical checks, updates and maintenance of IT equipment upon return from mission.

 

3. Deliver ICT support to SitCen staff ensuring 24/7 operation.
   
   
   1. Provide technical back-office support to SitCen staff;
   2. Track and report ICT incidents;
   3. Support Communications Officer in troubleshooting and change management for operational field ICT.

 

4. Develop and deliver ICT training programmes for SitCen staff and Inspectors.
   
   
   1. Develop training objectives and course outlines for initial and refresher telecommunications training for inspection personnel in support of the OPCW's General Training Scheme;
   2. Develop course materials, in electronic and print formats, e-learning courses as required;
   3. Present class lectures and lead practical demonstrations;
   4. Provide tutoring on an individual basis;
   5. Provide hands-on training for departing inspection teams.

 

5. Other duties as required.
   
   
   1. Temporary assignment to shift work and duty travel including to high-risk areas might be required based on operational needs.

 

6. Performs other duties as required.
   

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential

High School Diploma or equivalent Diploma of higher Secondary Education in the field of ICT and/or electronics.




Desirable

Additional training and experience in the following fields of technology desirable:

1. IT-Networks and systems;
2. GPS tracking and GIS systems;
3. Encryption systems;
4. SharePoint;
5. Office 365;
6. Satellite and radio communication.

Experience

Essential

1. Minimum 9 years of progressively responsible relevant experience.;
2. At least four years of professional operational experience (field missions);
3. Experience remotely supporting customers and field teams;
4. Experience working in confidential environments;
5. Experience in incident management, troubleshooting and ICT support;
6. Experience in GIS systems preferably ESRI ArcGIS and Operations Dashboard Experiencein Satellite communication.

Desirable

1. Experience in using computerised administration systems;
2. Experience in field deployments and working in hostile environments;
3. Experience in OSINT (Open-source Intelligence) techniques and systems;
4. Sound work experience with electronics and hardware;
5. Sound knowledge of GIS and Python API programming;
6. Sound theoretical knowledge of wireless satellite bound communication and tracking technologies;
7. Experience in operational environments and field missions, preferably for an international organisation;
8. High interest and up to date knowledge of new technologies.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):

1. Excellent ICT skills, including ability to produce reports and background material;
2. Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively;
3. Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills;
4. High level of creativity and strive for innovation;
5. Ability to work in a focused and precise manner;
6. Proven interpersonal and diplomatic skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations at all levels with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
7. Open minded and willing to take on additional duties in a spirit of continuous learning and development;
8. Service/client oriented with a high sense of discretion, maturity and tact to deal with highly sensitive matters;
9. Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and follow up on the work of the Branch;

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.