Senior Information Systems Assistant

UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An international organization is seeking a Senior Information Systems Assistant in Kuala Lumpur. This role involves providing IT support within the Automated System for Customs Data. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of ten years of experience in information systems analysis and programming. Proficient English and Malay language skills are required. This temporary position offers a unique opportunity to contribute within a prestigious international setting. Application deadline is January 29, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of experience in systems analysis and programming.
• Experience in supporting international organization technical cooperation programmes is a plus.
• Knowledge of programming languages related to customs and international trade.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for computer information systems and databases.
• Assist in the development, programming, testing, and implementation of new computer systems.
• Guide and train new/junior staff; supervise day-to-day work.

Skills

Information systems analysis

Programming

Technical writing

Database management

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

UN established IT technologies

Job description

SENIOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSISTANT (Temporary Job Opening) UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Kuala Lumpur National GS-7, General Service

Locally recruited position. Speaks English, Malay. Application deadline: January 29, 2026. Closing soon. Apply.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The incumbent reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Asia.

Responsibilities

• Provides support for computer information systems, databases and applications in assigned area; performs complex troubleshooting for various applications.
• Participates in the development, programming, testing, debugging and implementation of new computer application systems releases, modules and functionalities; conducts version management.
• Designs and develops computer application systems and programs, typically using more than one programming language as well as UN established standards for IT technologies and tools.
• Installs computer application systems software and hardware according to technical specifications; monitors applications systems using appropriate monitoring tools and produces monitoring reports.
• Manages, designs, creates, produces and maintains technical documentation for relevant computer application systems and products; manages and administers changes to technical documentation in accordance with prevailing change management and operation procedures.
• Assists in developing/refining support and operations procedures for relevant computer applications systems, including programming requirements and recommendations to users for the programming interfaces.
• Serves as team leader in projects dealing with the planning, specification, design, development, implementation and maintenance of simple computer application systems; liaises with users to define and specify requirements; builds, tests and modifies prototype computer application systems; performs installation and maintenance of computer applications systems in user offices.
• Contributes to feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation and testing of computer application systems improvements and new computer application systems.
• Assists in the identification of user computer application systems needs, including business process and document workflow analysis, organization and maintenance of document repositories; identifies classification schema, retention and archival procedures; designs and develops workflow systems; conducts research on document/information/knowledge management computer applications’ tools, procedures and standards.
• Provides support on ASYCUDA computer application systems development matters, including security and data backup and recovery.
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff; plans day-to-day work and supervises other staff as required.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of organizational information infrastructure, including hardware, software and application systems. Knowledge of relevant programming language(s) related to customs and international trade and digitalization and ability to use programming skills to develop information systems. Knowledge of system development workflow and document flow processes, ability to conduct research and gather information from a wide variety of standard and non-standard sources. Ability to respond to changing requirements and assignments, ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to perform a wide range of application software development and maintenance tasks under minimum supervision. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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.
• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum ten years of experience in information systems analysis and programming, systems administration and maintenance, software development, technical writing or related area, is required. The minimum is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience working in an automated customs environment is desirable. Experience in supporting United Nations or similar international organization technical cooperation programmes is desirable.

Languages

English and Malay are required. The United Nations working languages are English and French; for this job opening, English and Malay are required. The UN Language Framework details are available at languages.un.org.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a 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 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. 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.
• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of three months.
• 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.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The UN defines terms as follows: sexual exploitation means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes. sexual abuse means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature. sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with work or creates a hostile work environment. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality. The Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW, MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT REQUEST OR HANDLE INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.