GMS RFID Operations Support Assistant

Vacancy Announcement No: UPU/14/G6/FT-NC/53 Title: GMS RFID Operations Support Assistant Grade: G6 Type of contract Fixed-Term (Non-Core) Appointment Duration:  three years	Publication Date: 20 May 2014 Application Deadline: 30 June 2014 (13 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications   Organizational Unit: Operations and Technology Directorate (DOT) Quality Measurement Unit Duty Station:  Bern Switzerland Scheduled date for taking up appointment:  as soon as possible
Organizational Context: With its 192 member countries, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. Under the supervision of the Global Monitoring System (GMS) Expert, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting participating countries and partners with the operational and technical activities within the GMS project. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for providing specific technical input into the development of the GMS Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Network and investigate new project activities.
Main duties: 1 Operations life cycle support (70%): - Configures and tests Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) equipment prior to its installation. - Follows up the full cycle of installation of RFID equipment (prepares documents and correspondence to UNDP procurement officers and Global Monitoring System (GMS) country managers, providing information and all necessary elements to have the equipment cleared through Customs; liaises and coordinates with suppliers, country and site GMS expert/manager to ensure equipment is operational on time). - Monitors and maintains installed RFID equipment through a network management system (performs preventive maintenance). - Liaises with PTC and suppliers to follow up software problems/repairs and changes. - Assists end users by performing advanced technical support and demos or training. 2 Reporting (15%): - Administers the database with the relevant information concerning GMS RFID. - Prepares monthly activity performance reports, technical reports and data sets for delivery to stakeholders on a regular basis. - Undertakes analysis of registry usage data and establishment of monitoring processes. - Updates operational documentation related to GMS RFID network. 3 Technical project development (15%): - Informs the GMS Project Manager (expert) of the latest developments in the RFID industry and related applications. - Assists the GMS Project Manager (expert) with RFID-related procurement processes. - Consults with UPU members and external stakeholders on new project developments. - Anticipates customer needs and potential solutions to support needs identified in those inquiries. - Drafts detailed proposals for RFID applications within postal networks.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education: Secondary or equivalent professional or specialized studies in telecommunications or computer tech-nologies (a first-level university degree, Bachelor or similar, would be an asset).
Experience: With secondary or equivalent professional or specialized studies in telecommunications or computer technologies, a minimum of six years' experience in RFID operations.
Technical knowledge:  - Very good knowledge of configuring, installing, monitoring and maintaining RFID equipment. - Very good knowledge of EPC global standards and related communication protocols. - Good knowledge of network administration. - Very good knowledge of technology projects, with practical experience, preferably at interna-tional level. - Knowledge of RFID industry in terms of portfolio of products/new technologies and services.
Skills and abilities / competencies: - Customer/service and results oriented. - Oral and written communication skills. - IT/IS oriented and open to new technologies. - Problem solving skills. - Sense of professionalism. - Ability to work with multicultural teams.
Language skills: Proficiency in English or in French. Knowledge of the other language would be an advantage.
Additional Information: Candidates must ensure that they provide relevant contact details so that they can be contacted at any time, to prevent them from being excluded from the selection process. This position will be governed by the Rules governing non-core staff of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union. Please note that this is a locally-recruited position, restricted to Swiss nationals and/or legal residents of Switzerland.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) 82'248.00 CHF
The conditions of service are governed by the Staff Regulations and Rules of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. All applications must be received by the closing date as stated in the vacancy announcement. All applicants employed by postal entities and applying for a vacant position in the Professional (P) or Senior (D) category must be recommended and submitted through the competent postal authority. Applications not satisfying this criterion may not be considered. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Applications from women and member states are particularly encouraged. The UPU promotes diversity and work-life balance.
For further instructions regarding the online application process, please visit the UPU internet page at:http://www.upu.int/en/resources/vacancies