INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ANALYST , UNOCHA (LOCAL POSITION)

Location :	Nairobi, KENYA
Application Deadline :	23-Nov-10
Type of Contract :	FTA Local
Post Level :	NO-B
Languages Required :	English
Duration of Initial Contract :	One year
Expected Duration of Assignment :	One year (with possibility of extension)
Background
Over the past eighteen years Somalia has experienced a series of widespread conflicts and natural disasters (droughts and floods) resulting in massive death, displacement, the collapse of community support structures, and the decimation of livelihoods. An estimated 1.5 million people remained displaced at the end of 2009. In the first half of 2010 alone, some 169,000 people were displaced from different parts of the country, but especially from the capital Mogadishu. With continued violence and instability in parts of the country, weak governance structures and limited access to vulnerable populations in the south, Somalia continues to be characterized by a wide range of systematic human rights violations. These include on-going displacement, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, violations of rights of women and children and infringements on the rights of other vulnerable groups such as marginalised clans.   Given the challenging and worrying context of Somalia, UNOCHA will continue to play a key role to support the Humanitarian Coordinator in mobilization and coordination of an effective and principled humanitarian response. UNOCHA is particularly concerned that vulnerable communities and those at risk from natural disasters and conflict receive humanitarian assistance.   Under the leadership of the UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator for Somalia, UNOCHA maintains an office in Nairobi and a strong field presence inside Somalia; the primary objectives of OCHA Somalia include the following activities and objectives: Advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education and health for vulnerable communities including collection, analysis and dissemination of information and negotiation of access. Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian response in Somalia with UN Agencies and Programmes, National and International NGOs and Local Authorities/Communities as appropriate with focus on strengthening the Cluster Approach. Enhance a protective environment that respects the human rights of all, including IDPs returnees and minority clans. Support to the Humanitarian Coordinator in the management of the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF) and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and resource mobilization on behalf of the Somalia humanitarian community. Under the overall supervision of the Information Management Officer, the Information Management Analyst works closely with Clusters and units within UNOCHA Somalia to support the collection, storage and analysis of humanitarian information. The Analyst will be called upon to represent the Information Management Unit at appropriate forums.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions: Data Collection and Analysis Document Management and Information Standards Dissemination of Information Mapping by providing GIS support Facilitation of knowledge building and management 1. Seeks and Collects Data, Providing synthesized analysis, focusing on the achievement of the following results: Supports the Office in the collection of relevant information and data from key humanitarian partners, including Cluster Chairs, representatives of national governments, UN agencies, donors, local and international NGOs, in order to facilitate and maximize the exchange of information and data between humanitarian partners, and support the creation of appropriate information products for decision-making and humanitarian response. Promotes the collection, collation and standardization of baseline datasets. Compiles and disseminates these, in particular demographic and vulnerability data, in different formats (including GIS). 2. Promotes OCHA Standards in Document Management and Information Collection, focusing on the achievement of the following results: Assists with maintenance of document-archiving systems, including UNOCHA Field Information Management System (FiDMS) and managing system back-up, upgrades and migration, as needed, for digital archives databases.  Provides support, training and advice to relevant staff on use of document archiving systems and the use of meta-data standards. Ensures the implementation, where appropriate, of UNOCHA standardized information management tools, including document management systems, databases, and standardized websites.  Maintains databases based on existing templates (or develop if necessary, including user-friendly menu access and reports) to support humanitarian operations. Core databases include: Who does What Where, Contacts, affected populations, photograph and map archives. 3. Ensures Wide Dissemination of Humanitarian Information, focusing on the achievement of the following results Supports the Office in maintenance of the UNOCHA Somalia website, in accordance with the UNOCHA standard template. Prepares and maintain inventories of the information management systems, tools and products of the UNOCHA office and, where possible of other key humanitarian partners and perform and supervise reference functions by advising internal and external users on holdings and accessibility, and assisting in the administration of access and declassification activities. 4. Creates Timely, Detailed Mapping Products, focusing on the achievement of the following results Provides GIS support to the Office in general and Clusters assisting in the development of appropriate maps to support humanitarian decision-making and reflect humanitarian response. Supports the maintenance of an inventory of UNOCHA produced maps and geo-datasets and, where possible, those available from other humanitarian partners. 5. Ensures Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge transfer, focusing on achievement of the following results Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to the Office’s goals and activities. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Provision of training and advise to OCHA staff on Information Management issues and products. Impact of Results:   The key results have an impact on improving situation analysis and coordination based on needs analysis, 3W reports, maps and financing information. Increased dissemination of UNOCHA products to a wider audience. Expanded and enhanced data collection systems and tools for humanitarian information
Competencies
Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNOCHA Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Treats all people fairly without favouritism Functional Competencies:   Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNOCHA Practice Areas Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNOCHA Practice Areas Develops deep knowledge in Practice Areas Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to implement communications and publications strategies Ability to advocate effectively Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies Good knowledge of current development issues particularly those pertinent to UNOCHA’s Practice Areas. Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data Demonstrates strong IT skills Good team player and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to work with initiative (minimum supervision), efficiency, competence and integrity. Management and Leadership: Focuses on impact and result for the client Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
Education:           Masters degree in Information Technology, Information Management, GIS, Publishing, Media relations, Journalism or related fields. Experience:   Two years post masters relevant professional experience, preferably in humanitarian/development work with demonstrated written and oral communication, including substantive analysis and report writing. Expertise in ArcMap, MicroSoft Office Suite including Access and Google Earth technologies. Knowledge of Illustrator, database languages such as PHP and social media a plus. Language Requirements:                Fluency in oral and written English is essential;  Knowledge of a second official UN language is desirable
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.