National Information Management Officer

Background

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This position-specific job opening is being published for the position of Information Management Officer in Almaty, Kazakhstan, under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Operations and Advocacy Division, OCHA Geneva, supporting the information management activities of the Humanitarian Advisory Teams (HATs) in South Caucasus and Central Asia. The National Information Management Officer will ensure content management, data analysis and data visualization, as well as information management coordination. S/he will receive technical and substantive support and guidance from OCHA HQ in performing her/his functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within limited delegated authority, the Information Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Content Management: Manage content on relevant web platforms, undertake quality control for the platforms and ensure content is current, comprehensive and follows relevant metadata standards; work with external counterparts on related web platforms such as agency and cluster websites and OCHA managed platforms to facilitate cross-site search and interoperability.
• Data Analysis: Support the design, development and manage the content of databases, spreadsheets, and other data tools; understand, document, and ensure the quality of high-value humanitarian data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability; support the consolidation of operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis.
• Support the evaluation and analysis of location specific datasets through meaningful statistical techniques; participate in the development and revision of data standards; understand, document, and ensure the quality of high-value humanitarian data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability.
• Support assessment and needs analysis activities, including humanitarian needs overviews, secondary data reviews, preliminary scenario definitions and multi-cluster initial rapid assessments; support the management of platforms and tools that support data collection and analysis such as KoBo Toolbox and Open Data Kit (ODK).
• Assist with the maintenance of spatial baseline and operational datasets in accordance with relevant standards and guidance; maintain a repository of spatial data and ensure that the data are documented and accessible to all humanitarian partners through local and/or online services.
• Maintains good relationships with statistics offices and geographic departments of Central Asian and Caucuses countries to promote data sharing and transparency.
• Develop strong links with GIS staff in other organizations to promote coordination and information sharing among organizations.
• Data Visualization: Assist in the production and updating of information products such as reports, charts and infographics by turning data into graphical products to convey messages and a storyline; develop advocacy materials including posters, presentations and other visual materials; support the production and updating of high-quality map products and online services.
• Establish and maintain an information network at the national level to facilitate humanitarian information exchange and the promotion of data and information sharing protocols, in particular those developed and endorsed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.
• In collaboration with the Field Information Services Section (FIS), apply global information management standards, policies, and procedures to guide related activities within the Office.
• Surge support for several weeks to large-scale emergencies in the region to assist in the set-up of emergency information management structures and tools.
• Support the of the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction in Almaty on IM-related matters, including trainings and capacity building.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of organizational information infrastructure, including hardware, software and application systems. Knowledge of relevant programming language(s) 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. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 

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.

Communication

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and respond appropriately. Asks questions and exhibits interest in having two-ways communication, tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning & Organizing

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusts priorities as required, allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work, foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary, uses time efficiently

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, Computer Science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering, earth science/or other related field is required; or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian information management, GIS, database management/Administration (familiarity with PHP, HTML, DRUPAL, etc.), data visualization, or data analysis is required.
• Good knowledge of GIS systems and supporting software ESRI ArcMap10.2 and experience in the development and management of spatial/geographic data layers are required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Access, MS Excel, MS Power-point, MS Word) is required.
• Experience in the design and development of surveys, including user requirements, form design, survey implementation, data entry, data cleaning and analysis is desirable.
• Experience working with the UN or other international organizations is desirable.

Language requirement:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is required. 

Other skills:

• Proven abilities in data collection, compilation, analysis and reporting with ability to write in a clear and concise manner and effective oral communication.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work with multi-cultural teams and international professionals.
• Availability and fitness for travel, including on short notice.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNOCHA rosters 

Note: UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. 

Non-discrimination

UNOCHA has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 

UNOCHA is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Scam warning

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