Background   UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.   UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The situation in Darfur remains complex and ever changing. Darfur is divided into five states of North, South, East, Central and West Darfur with El Fasher, Nyala, El Daien, Zalingei and El Geneina respectively being the capital cities of each state. The region remains largely characterized by insecurity and low level inter communal conflicts for the vast majority of the population. A third of Darfur’s population continue to live in displacement camps and whilst evidence suggests a small number returning to their original lands, the lack of adequate protection is making this movement temporary. Conversely, the recent internal clashes and fighting in different areas of West, South and North Darfur have contributed to an increased number of IDPs.

The economic and political crisis at the national level, the revolution that followed and 25thOctober 2021 military takeover, have had an impact on the already fragile situation in Darfur, increasing violence and vulnerability at the community level, weakening social cohesion and adding to the existing challenges that the United Nations, its partners and communities face. The civil unrest has further weakened rule of law and protection mechanisms leading to increased incidents of inter-communal clashes that have resulted in deaths, injuries, other human rights violations and increased vulnerability of civilians and a security vacuum as the removal of government officials weakened the authority and leadership at state and locality levels and as security forces were re-deployed to Khartoum.

Following the signing of a Constitutional Declaration on 17th August 2019 between the Sudan Transitional Military Council and the Forces for Freedom and Change, with the mediation support of the African Union and the Government of Ethiopia, the Prime Minister requested that Sudan be declared eligible to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) on 25th September 2019. In his request, the Prime Minister asked that funding be made immediately available in the three priority areas identified for Darfur, namely Rule of Law; Durable Solutions; and Peacebuilding at the community-level. The rationale behind this request was to promote stabilization and peace consolidation in Darfur with proposed interventions aiming to tackle the causes of violence by working on the findings of conflict drivers. These had been identified in the “Special report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the strategic review of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur” (special report) (S/2018/530) and Security Council resolution 2429 (2018). Subsequent discussions with the Government of Sudan endorsed the three priority areas identified for PBF funding: (i) rule of law, (ii) durable solutions, and (iii) peacebuilding at community level.

UNDP continues to provide comprehensive support to early recovery and development in Darfur, in the context of the various agreements to settle the conflict and enhance the development of the region. The UNDP programming in Darfur is coordinated through the five Field offices based in El Fasher, El Geneina, Nyala, Zalingei and El Daen. To support the functionality of these offices, operations and ICT related capacities are critical.

In this context, the position of ICT support services for the five field offices is central to ensuring smooth business operations and continuity, including horizontal linkages

Duties and Responsibilities  

With support of UNDP Country Office in Khartoum, the ICT Associate  for Darfur Regional Offices  will undertake the following:

Summary of key functions:

Implementation of ICT management strategies and systems Effective functioning of the hardware and software packages Support to networks administration Provision of administrative support Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Supports implementation of ICT management strategies and systems, focusing on achievement of the following results for the Five Darfur Field offices: Provision of inputs in implementation of ICT annual plan and Standard Operating Procedures in ICT services Assist the five Field offices of Darfur in Information Management in compliance with corporate information management practices, guidelines and technology standards that enhance the Field Offices’ effectiveness and ensuring that the users computing needs are met Perform other hands-on IT support work as required by the Darfur Field Offices

Ensures effective functioning of the hardware and software packages, focusing on the achievement of the following results for the Five Darfur Field offices : Performance of specific technical functions, including changing of hardware electronic components (disks, memories, network wiring, power sources, etc.) and routine repairs. Assistance in the installation, upgrade and configuration of laptops, printer, photocopies, computer systems in accordance with current UNDP standards and policies, including operating system and standard desktop applications such as Microsoft Office suite applications, anti-virus programs on a timely basis. Assistance in the hardware relocation, monitor material for preventative maintenance and maintain of supply material for computer and peripheral equipment Support the Country Office as first and second level backstop, to troubleshoot day to day on standard UNDP software and hardware issues in the five Darfur Field Offices Provides over the phone and in-person client support for all network, personal and network printers and desktop related computer hardware and software matters and comparable technical support to staff in different locations as needed

Supports networks administration, focusing on achievement of the following results: Response to user needs and questions regarding network access. Provide user and application support, trouble-shooting and monitoring of network connectivity. Ensure that the UNDP desktop and network resources are protected from malicious virus attacks and run countermeasures in the event of the attacks Assistance with monitoring designated ICT unit's network connection and file server(s) to provide a stable and responsive environment,  provide troubleshooting and technical support, as required Provides administrative support, focusing on achievement of the following results: Provision of advice on and assistance to maintain documentation of in-house and corporate systems. Keep log of reported problems Assist and research in procurement of new ICT equipment for the five Darfur Field Offices, present technical specifications and information on best options at both local and international markets Maintenance of an up-to-date inventory of the software and hardware. Maintenance of the inventory and stock of supplies and spare parts in cooperation with the Management Support Unit and Procurement Teams at the Country office. Provision of ICT support to key events.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the five Darfur Field offices, focusing on achievement of the following results: Participation and assistance in the organization of training for the staff on ICT issues. Provide lessons learned and best practices in ICT. Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.   Competencies