Jobs Info

This post is funded for a finite period of one year and may be subject to extension. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

               

This position is located in the Data Services Section of the Information Services Branch (ISB) in the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Information Management Officer, Data Manager, ports to the Statistician for the Humanitarian Data Exchange.

OCHA is the 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 effort.

               

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

�Provides advisory services on data management practices including: needs and business process analysis; organization and maintenance of UN information assets; and policies and procedures, with an emphasis on technological applications.
�Researches, analyses and evaluates new applications of information technology and makes recommendations for their deployment.
�Participates in data management improvement projects, contributing to feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation and in the evaluation and testing of new systems; provides user support.
�Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for new systems.
�Develops training materials and user manuals; trains staff in use of data management systems.
�Acts as the lead data manager for the Humanitarian Data Exchange platform , including managing and distributing standard reference data, (including taxonomies, code lists, and geodata), negotiating with information providers to establish and maintain data feeds (manual or automated); approving the release of sensitive data; monitoring the flow of data through the systems; ensuring data freshness (e.g. reacting when expected data does not arrive); coordinating the response to exceptional conditions, such as errors in incoming datasets; and oversees top-level configuration management of outward-facing system components (defining users, organisations, categories, etc.).
�Conducts outreach to internal and external data entities to develop partnerships and data sharing relationships. Research innovative methods and techniques for analysing and visualizing data in support of reporting.
�Performs and supervises reference functions by advising internal and external users about data holdings and accessibility; maintaining communications with other information management networks and specialists.
�Evaluates adequacy of existing data tools. Implements new technologies in information management to ensure that tools developed for efficient access to information are accessible to staff throughout the Organization.
�Participates in developing client outreach strategies and in their implementation. Conducts programmes of outreach and user education to improve client use of desktop information resources; uses judgement of relevant institutional needs to develop presentations appropriate to client audience; develops publicity materials to facilitate outreach.
�Assists in programme administration, including provision of assistance to or supervision of contractual employees and General Service staff, formulation of consultant and institutional contracts and subsequent implementation, development of the programme budget, etc.
�Performs other related duties, as required.

               

Professionalism:Knowledge of data management/information management and demonstrated ability in managing data across organizations. Knowledge of integrating disparate information systems; ability to analyze and articulate the information management requirements of complex situations; demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant business activities/issues. . 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way 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.

               

Advanced university degree (Master�s degree or equivalent degree) in archival, information science, information systems, social science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

               

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in modern archives management, record keeping, library, information management or related area is required. Experience in data management, or related area, across large organizations is required. Experience with common data-exchange formats including CSV, XML, and JSON is required. Experience in negotiating and coordinating with multiple stakeholders in a complex data environment is required. Experience in technical communication is required. Experience with either of the following ; the Java and Python programming languages, relational databases or the CKAN open-data portal is desirable. Relevant data management experience in a humanitarian context is desirable.

               

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

               

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

               

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on �Manuals� hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.

Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

               

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 CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS� BANK ACCOUNTS.