Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Lusaka, Zambia. The Information Systems Officers report to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for the East and Southern Africa Region.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for East and Southern Africa Region, the Information Systems Officer will provide technical assistance and support to the National Customs Services (NCS) and National Project Teams (NPT), and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Manages projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new, moderately complex systems, and/or participates as a member of a development team with responsibility for major components of the more complex systems.
• Develops detailed system and other technical specifications and user documentation for ASYCUDA systems.
• Provides specialized advice to NCSs and NPTs, analysing users’ requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
• Maintains, upgrades, or enhances existing ASYCUDA user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing user support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of ASYCUDA assigned systems, etc.
• Develops and maintains ASYCUDA proprietary programs, i.e. Single Windows, which require integration of many interrelated systems and program elements; ensures appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area issues.
• Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing, and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.
• Develops customs training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.
• Develops disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.
• Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, etc.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design and programming related to customs and international trade digitalization. Knowledge of several high-level programming languages and significant exposure to and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of programming and analysis, including structured/object-oriented design, relational systems, scripting and query languages, document design and management, hardware and software requirements, systems facilities, and execution protocols. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including proficiency in the development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity. Knowledge of interactive systems; good knowledge of organization’s information infrastructure and IT strategy as it relates to user area(s); independently maintains assigned systems and develops innovative approaches to resolve a wide range of issues/problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area, including relevant experience in the field of customs and international trade digitalization, system deployment, development, and support, is required. Experience in prototyping and implementing complex customs information technology systems is desirable. Experience in organizing and delivering training courses within governmental organizations is desirable. Experience working in an international environment is desirable. Experience in technical ICT programming with Java, Linux and Oracle, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Arabic or Spanish or Russian or French or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

English: Reading UN Level II; Writing UN Level II; Listening UN Level II; Speaking UN Level II.

Desirable Languages

Arabic, Spanish, Russian, French, Chinese (Mandarin): Reading UN Level I; Writing UN Level I; Listening UN Level I; Speaking UN Level I.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
• At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
• The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.
• Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.
• Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
• Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

• Manages projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new, moderately complex systems, and/or participates as a member of a development team with responsibility for major components of the more complex systems.
• Develops detailed system and other technical specifications and user documentation for ASYCUDA systems.
• Provides specialized advice to NCSs and NPTs, analysing users’ requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
• Maintains, upgrades, or enhances existing ASYCUDA user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing user support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of ASYCUDA assigned systems, etc.
• Develops and maintains ASYCUDA proprietary programs, i.e. Single Windows, which require integration of many interrelated systems and program elements; ensures appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area issues.
• Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing, and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.
• Develops customs training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.
• Develops disaster recovery plans and ensures appropriate planning and training of those responsible.
• Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, etc.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc.

• Systems analysis
• Database design
• Programming related to customs and international trade digitalization
• High-level programming languages
• Structured/object-oriented design
• Relational systems
• Scripting and query languages
• Document design and management
• Hardware and software requirements
• Systems facilities and execution protocols
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Development and implementation of systems of moderate size/complexity
• Interactive systems
• System integration and linkage
• Data security and access controls
• Unit, integrated, and user acceptance testing
• Disaster recovery planning
• Java, Linux, and Oracle (desirable)

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, statistics, or related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Job-specific qualification: Not available.
• Experience in prototyping and implementing complex customs information technology systems is desirable.
• Experience in organizing and delivering training courses within governmental organizations is desirable.
• Experience working in an international environment is desirable.
• Experience in technical ICT programming with Java, Linux and Oracle, is desirable.
• English is required at UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Either Arabic or Spanish or Russian or French or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable at UN Level I for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.