Division of Information Systems and Telecommunications

Executive Office, 9 June 2009

The Division of Information Systems and Telecommunications (DIST) comprises the Business Solutions Service and the Infrastructure and Telecommunications Service.

The Business Solutions Service is responsible for the development and support of information systems, including the Management Systems Renewal Project (MSRP) and proGres (Project Profile refugee registration). These IT systems and their supporting infrastructure constitute the informational backbone of the Organization and are a key enabling tool for the Structural and Management Change Process.

The Division will finalize the Human Resources and Payroll modules of MSRP by the end of 2008. In 2009, it will be involved in the implementation of UNHCR's new results-based management system, Focus, and completing its interface with MSRP. Enhancements to PeopleSoft will also continue through an external partner.

UNHCR's registration database, proGres, is now in use in 161 sites in 54 countries. Field implementation of a new version of this database will continue in 2009, along with performance and usability improvements. The proGres/BioRegistrator fingerprint module, in use in six operations, will be extended in 2009. UNHCR also supports the use of proGres by some government partners.

The Infrastructure and Telecommunications Service is responsible for UNHCR's computing infrastructure, network development, field user support, and the expansion of global satellite and terrestrial communications. In 2009, the Service will seek to strengthen information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure through global commercial partners for the provision of standard services, including data networks, equipment supply and other support functions. DIST will continue to strengthen the ICT governance structures that are in place to prioritize new initiatives and to manage service delivery internally and externally through partners. DIST will also continue to decentralize ICT support functions to the field in order to provide support closer to the users, improve emergency response capacity, and facilitate activities with other field-based UN agencies.

The outsourced VSAT communication system will grow to meet the communication needs of field offices. The implementation of a terrestrial Wide Area Network service for field offices, which began in 2008 with pilot installations in three offices, will continue through 2009 with the connection of 77 more offices.

The transfer of technical staff to the newly created Field Telecom Unit in Dubai will be completed by end 2008. In 2009 a wide range of services in security-related communications and satellite based connectivity solutions will be provided to field and emergency operations.

DIST will continue to support the business units located in Budapest by deploying staff from Geneva. Any necessary ICT infrastructure modifications will be undertaken to support the expansion of the Centre and the consolidation of Headquarters in Geneva.

In 2009, UNHCR will expand the support of the two Global Service Desk hubs in Geneva and Kuala Lumpur. These hubs provide a single point of contact for all UNHCR technology users. The use of commercial partners for service desk support is under review. In 2009, DIST will increase the amount and type of ICT training opportunities for staff.

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