Information Management Officer (NO-A), Juba, South Sudan #100622 – Fixed Term Appointment (For South Sudanese Only)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Education

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the overall direction and guidance of the Education Specialist/Cluster Coordinator, the IM Officer (Education Cluster) will manage the IM function of the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group at the national and sub-national level and provide support in data collection and management for the Education section.

They are responsible for ensuring IM processes effectively contribute to a well-coordinated, strategic, adequate, coherent, and effective response by participants in the Cluster that is accountable to those who are affected by the emergency. In their effort to enable an efficient and effective response to the humanitarian crisis, the IM Officer (Education Cluster) is responsible for managing the collection, analysis and sharing of information that is essential for the national and sub-national Cluster participants to make informed, evidence-based, strategic decisions.

They are also responsible for developing tools for data collection, cleaning and compiling data, and providing regular snapshots of results achieved within the UNICEF education programme.

Key function, accountabilities and related duties/ tasks

The post holder is responsible for supporting the information management (IM) function to enable the effective functioning of the Cluster at national and sub-national levels, and the achievement of the core cluster functions, throughout the Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) to facilitate a timely and effective Cluster response. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting data collection and management related to the UNICEF education programme.

The postholder’s main tasks and responsibilities will include but not be limited to

Coordination and representation for the Education Cluster

• As a member of the coordination team, contribute to the effective roll out and monitoring of the core cluster functions (as outlined by the IASC Reference Module) and to the Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HNO, HRP and CCPM).
• Support the Cluster IM function and coordinate with others within the function to ensure effective communication, reporting and engagement.
• Actively engage with other IMs through relevant IMWGs, including participating in the Cluster IMWG and representing the Cluster on the inter-cluster IMWG as relevant at National and sub-national level groups.
• Promote harmonized and coordinated approaches to IM across partners, AoRs/ Clusters/ Sectors/ Working Groups and OCHA at National and sub-national level
• IM function support for the Education Cluster and the UNICEF Education section.
• Implement an IM strategy and data collection and analysis plan at National and sub-national level for the Education Cluster and UNICEF Education section that consider the information needs of stakeholders and that are compliant with standards and protocols for ethical data and information management and that is aligned with the national level IM strategy and plan.
• Implement regular secondary data reviews and primary data collection including designing questionnaires using appropriate tools.
• Conduct data processing including organizing, cleaning, triangulating, evaluating, and validating the data.
• Analyse data to meet identified information needs of sub-national Cluster Group members and other stakeholders as well as by the UNICEF Education team.
• Create accurate, quality, and timely information products that are in line with agreed style guides.
• Disseminate information and information products through appropriate channels.
• Maintain and ensure the accessibility of a common and shared secure storage system.
• Gather feedback on IM products and use to make improvements.

Needs assessment and analysis for the Education Cluster

• Working collaboratively with other members of the Cluster at national and sub-national level, contribute to the planning and implementation of needs assessment and analysis, including joint assessments and analysis, as requested.
• Collect information on economic needs, markets, and price monitoring to support the equal consideration and use of all programme delivery modalities (in-kind, cash, voucher and services) as relevant at sub-national level.
• Work with sub-national Cluster participants to identify information gaps, agree and implement ways to bridge those gaps by providing technical support to partners.
• Analyse needs assessment data to provide required information for the HNO including estimating People in Need (PIN).
• Contribute to the comparison and alignment of joint needs analysis findings with other AoRs/ Clusters/ Sectors/ Working Groups and participate in developing reports as relevant at sub-national level.
• Strategic response planning for the Education Cluster and the UNICEF Education section.
• Implement partner presence mapping at national and sub-national level for the Education Cluster and UNICEF Education section.
• Contribute to strategic planning, response prioritization and the development of the HRP or other response plans as relevant, including the formulation of objectives, indicators and targets, prioritizing response modalities and activities, identifying and quantifying inputs and the curation of data.

Resource mobilization for the Education Cluster

• Monitor and analyse the national and sub-national Cluster financial situation and support financial tracking.
• Support and advocate with Cluster partners for financial reporting on the Financial Tracking Service (FTS).
• Support evidence-based advocacy and resource mobilization by providing accurate, relevant and timely data, information and information products

Implementation and monitoring for the Education Cluster and the UNICEF Education section

• Implement and maintain a National and sub-national Cluster monitoring plan and associated databases, including a response monitoring (3/4/5Ws) database that is in line with and contributes to national level databases
• Implement and maintain a National and sub-national UNICEF Education section monitoring plan and associated databases, including a response monitoring database that is in line with and contributes to UNICEF standardized reporting needs.
• Ensure the National and sub-national Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group monitoring plan, and 3/4/5Ws include programme delivery modalities (in-kind, cash, voucher and services).
• Support national and sub-national Cluster members to contribute timely and qualitatively to periodic monitoring reports on Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group and OCHA platforms.
• Support national and sub-national Education staff members to contribute timely and qualitatively to periodic monitoring reports.
• Support monitoring in the areas of information flows, dissemination, processing, analysis and dissemination for the Education Cluster and UNICEF Education section.
• Contribute to quantitative and qualitative gap and coverage analysis to identify spatial and temporal gaps, overlaps and coverage of the sub-national Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group humanitarian response.
• Monitor adherence to relevant sector quality standards, regulations and codes at sub-national level
• Operational peer review and evaluation for the Education Cluster
• Participate in the annual cluster coordination performance monitoring (CCPM) exercise and annual review.
• Contribute to sectoral and broader humanitarian evaluations

Accountability to affected people for the Education Cluster and the UNICEF Education section

• Be accountable to affected populations by encouraging the meaningful participation of affected people, maintaining an effective feedback mechanism and handling complaints appropriately, by ensuring data about the most vulnerable is systematically collected and analysed, and by encouraging partners to work accountably.
• Ensure the inclusion of cross cutting issues (age, child protection, disability, gender, gender-based violence (GBV) mitigation and response and HIV & AIDS) in Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• Adhere to child safeguarding and PSEA policies including procedures for challenging and reporting incidents.
• Strengthen national and local capacity for the Education Cluster and the UNICEF Education section.
• Support or implement actions to strengthen local and national leadership and capacity by encouraging participation of local and national actors in the IM activities of the sub-national Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group and providing support to partners to overcome technical and operational challenges in participating in IM activities.
• Implement an IM capacity assessment and capacity development plan for sub-national Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group partners and the UNICEF Education section.

Impact of Results

The IM Officer (Education Cluster) supports the IM function within the Cluster at National and sub-national levels, providing better visibility and clarity on needs and gaps, enabling evidence-based and targeted decision-making, fundraising and advocacy, and contributing to an effective Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group. As an essential part of the coordination function, effective IM contributes to the predictability and accountability of humanitarian action, in line with the aims of the cluster approach and IASC principles, and ensures that the humanitarian response is well-coordinated, strategic, adequate, coherent, effective and builds the resilience of the affected population. This also contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to fulfil its commitments as Cluster Lead Agency, in line with the CCCs.

QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES 

Education:

A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Information Management or Information Systems, GIS Information Technologies, Computer Science, Statistics, Social Sciences or another subject area relevant to Information Management or to the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group.

Formal training in AoR/ Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group Information Management or an advanced university degree are considered an added advantage.

Experience:

A minimum of one year of professional experience in information management, data management, geographical information systems, assessments, situation analysis and/or PM&E with the UN and/or NGO is required.

Experience in demonstrating strong information management skills in a professional context is essential for this post.

Experience in a humanitarian context is required.

Experience working in the humanitarian coordination system is considered an asset.

Extensive work experience outside the humanitarian sector which is relevant to this post may be considered in lieu of humanitarian experience.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and the official UN language of the duty station are required. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset.

Functional Competencies (Required)

Core Competencies 

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with Others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drives to Achieve Impactful Results (1)
• Manages Ambiguity and Complexity (1)

Technical requirements

Humanitarian architecture, cluster approach and core functions

• Key process and features of the humanitarian programme cycle (HNO, HRP and CCPM), the humanitarian reform process and the transformative agenda, the Humanitarian-Development Nexus and the Grand Bargain Commitments.
• IASC Guidance Note on Strengthening Participation, Representation and Leadership of Local and National Actors in IASC Humanitarian Coordination Mechanisms, IASC Results Group 1 on Operational Response, (2021).
• IASC Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at Country Level (2015).
• IASC Guidance Note on Using the Cluster Approach to Strengthen Humanitarian Response (2006).

Humanitarian principles, standards and guidelines

• Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action, (2020), UNICEF.
• The Sphere Handbook, (2018), Sphere.
• Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability, (2014), CHSA.
• Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief, (1994), ICRC.
• Accountability to Affected Populations: The Operational Framework, (2013), IASC.
• Principles of Partnership: A Statement of Commitment, (2007), ICVA.
• Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, Quality (AAAQ) framework: A tool to identify potential barriers in accessing services in humanitarian settings, (2019), UNICEF.
• Statement on the Centrality of Protection in Humanitarian Action, (2013), IASC.
• Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, (2008), Secretary General Bulletin.
• Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action, (2015), IASC.

EiE specific knowledge and skills

• Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies Minimum Standards for Education: Preparedness, Response and Recovery, (2010), (INEE).
• Global Education Cluster Toolkit for effective cluster coordination and information management during all phases of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle.
• Emergency scenarios, their impact on children, education systems and communities.
• Rationale for EiE as a first response.
• Elements of a quality EiE response in all phases of emergencies including preparedness and DRR, access and learning environments, teaching and learning, teachers and other education personnel and education policy.
• Inter-sections and overlaps with other clusters, sectors, approaches.
• Linkages with normative frameworks and policies relating to accountability to affected populations, inclusion and cross-cutting issues including age, disability, gender and gender-identity, the centrality of protection and SGBV.
• EiE linkages with the education sector, its position in the humanitarian-development nexus and with key development concepts and agreements including Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 4: Quality Education.
• Education sector analysis and planning including the range of modalities for delivering education and linkages between different sub-sectors.

IM technical knowledge and skills

• Data planning skills including:
• Developing, or supporting the development of, and implementing an IM strategy and data collection and analysis plan.
• Data collection skills including:
• Conducting SDR using appropriate platforms and tools such as DEEP (the humanitarian secondary data review & analysis platform).
• Excel or any other relevant tool
• Designing and implementing primary data collection.
• Data processing skills including:
• Knowledge of data protection best practices, standards and protocols, regulations and legislation.
• Data analysis and management skills including:
• Aggregating data from multiple sources using a variety of tools such as Excel, CSV, SQL, KoBo, APIs etc.
• Analysing data to create information useful for strategic decision-making,
• Creating and maintaining databases using MS Excel, MS Access or other databases.
• Communication skills including:
• Presenting information clearly in accurate and accessible information products,
• Designing and creating static and data dynamic visualizations and dashboards using MS Power BI, Tableau, Adobe Suite and/or MS Office,
• Creating basic and advanced maps using GIS and map-making packages such as ArcGIS, MapInfo, QGIS, and the Adbobe creative suite,
• Storing, publishing and disseminating products through various channels
• Gathering and actioning feedback on IM processes and products.

Technical Knowledge 

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)

b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (the job group)

• Methodology of programme/project management
• UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies.
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically regarding children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, particularly concerning conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
• UN security operations and guidelines.
• UNSECORD training for members of the Security Management Team. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of;

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

IM Competencies

• Applies Humanitarian Principles, Standards and Guidelines (1)
• Applies Key EiE Concepts and Tools (1)
• Manages Education Programmes (1)
• Operates Safely and Securely (1)
• Demonstrates Commitment to a Coordinated Response (1)
• Promotes Cooperation and Collaboration (1)
• Demonstrates Accountability (1)
• Promotes Inclusion (1)
• Provides Reliable Support to the Cluster (1)
• Collects, Collates and Analyses Relevant Data (1)
• Handles and Stores Data Efficiently and Sensitively (1)
• Communicates and Disseminates Information (1)
• Monitors the Response (1)
• Strengthens National Capacity to Respond and Lead (1)

(See the GEC Competency Framework for Information Management for more information on the IM Competencies.)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

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