Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other persons of concern, thereby enabling actions to protect and to empower persons of concern. The Strategy stipulates investing in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making. The strategy envisages data and information management functions in UNHCR carried out in a complementary and inter-linked manner between Headquarters Divisions and Services, Regional Bureaux, Country Operations and key external partners, including persons of concern.
Under the supervision of the Snr DIMA Coordinator/Head of Service/ Deputy Director or Deputy Representative or other designated manager, the Senior Information Management Officer is responsible for coordinating and supporting information and data management activities in the relevant offices, as well as supporting the activities in other offices and Divisions. Within the team working with data and information management issues, they are key to leading and motivating their team of data and information management staff at the global/ regional/ country level; to facilitate coordination among staff working on information and data management activities in the relevant locations; and to function as a liaison with divisions, field and partners on data related issues.
Information and data management staff are responsible for coordinating, planning, supporting and delivering on data and information activities for all UNHCR operational contexts, responses and populations of concern, including providing coordination and leadership in partnerships on data with all stakeholders including persons of concern. They serve the entirety of UNHCR staff and activities, including protection, programme, operations, external relations and executive management for evidence-informed planning, advocacy, and coordination. They are key in ensuring multi-stakeholder, multi-sector, and multi-country activities are provided with robust and meaningful data and information to support planning, funding and advocacy efforts. This includes both internal and external assessments, regional and country-based planning and monitoring activities such as the COPs, GCR implementation, RRPs, HNOs, HRPs, and Cluster Plans.
Information and data management covers the assessment, design, implementation and evaluation of data an information management related activities. This includes assessment of the information landscape; definition of information and data needs; design of data and information activities, including data collection, analysis, storage and dissemination; implementation of data and information management activities; and monitoring and evaluation of data management activities. The focus is largely operational and protection data and analysis – but not exclusively as IMO activities can involve back office data such as HR and Financial as well – related to support results-based planning, monitoring and reporting implemented by UNHCR and by its partners.
Depending on if they are located in HQ, regional or country offices, the role of the data and information management staff is to provide the necessary quality assurance and technical support for the full range of the data and information management and analysis activities to countries and regional offices; to ensure these processes are in accordance with technical standards for data and information management; and to undertake regional or country data and information management (definition, collection, analysis, storage and dissemination) activities. In addition they are responsible for coordinating HQ and external support to the country and regional offices, to liaise with relevant bodies on relevant matters; to monitor the quality of data and information management activities in country/regional or HQ; to design and implement global, regional or country-based data strategies and systems; to ensure data and information activities are implemented in accordance with data privacy policies, global data sharing agreements and data protection regulations; to communicate the status, value and importance of data; to provide the data, information and analysis needed for global analysis; and to identify risks and opportunities based on insights derived from data.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
Coordinate data and information management activities at the Regional/Country or HQ level:
– Lead and/or support the relevant data and information management team and activities.
– Design or contribute to the development and implementation of information management strategies and systems.
– Communicate the status, value, and importance of data and information.
– Provide support to development and compliance with standard, norms and policies related to data and information management.
– Support the collection, storage, management and protection of data by global, regional and country offices.
– Support consolidation of data systems, including the interoperability of operational data and systems.
– Ensure consistency of data and results for country, global and regional analysis.
– Identify risks and opportunities based on insights derived from data.
– Liaise with HQ/regional/country, external and internal partners on data and information management efforts and mechanisms, including OCHA, IOM, WFP, UNICEF and national and regional institutions.
– Lead or take part the relevant information and data (internal and external) on refugee and related issues.
– Improve data quality through field support, capacity building, monitoring and feedback.
– Ensure and promote data security, data protection and responsible data-sharing.
Support offices with data and information management:
– Support data management activities such as surveys, secondary data reviews, targeting and vulnerability assessments, indicator definition, population data, profiling, analysis, GIS, data visualisation, maps, official statistics and other data and information management activities.
– Support the analysis of primary and secondary data for interpretation and evidence-informed decision making.
– Monitor the quality of data and information management activities in country and regional offices for integrity, veracity, reliability and credibility as well as compliance with standards and norms.
– Analyse needs and capacities for data management activities and provide recommendations for meeting gaps.
– Provide training support to regional offices and operations.
– Support assessments and situational analysis process with analytical frameworks, data collection, and analysis (standards, methodologies).
– Support planning process (standards, methodologies) quality assurance and technical advice on Theories of Change and indicators, as well as with data management and analysis methods.
– Support monitoring by providing quality assurance and technical advice to the monitoring methodologies, data collection and analysis.
– Review and assess country or region-specific data systems and needs, recommend and support accordingly.
Undertake data and information management activities at the Regional/Country or HQ level with other relevant staff
– Lead technical components of data management activities (definition of needs, data collection, analysis, storage and dissemination)
– Provide and recommend tools and systems needed for information and data management activities.
– Provide information and data management coordination products such as 3Ws, joint analysis frameworks, data and information dissemination platforms.
– Consolidate country and regional data and information for country, regional and global analysis including comparative analysis and socio-demographic trends and situational analysis for country, regional or RRP plans.
– Take part in country or regional planning processes (COPs, regional RRP, regional migration response plans, etc.).
– Analyse trends concerning changes at the outcome and impact levels.
– Develop internal and external information management products such as indicators, templates, maps and dashboards.
– Ensure data is curated and stored in data registries and libraries in accordance with standards.
– Ensure data is used in accordance with the defined purposes.
– Lead or support geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, targeting, surveys, indicator definition and other data management activities.
– Provide population movement tracking systems and other population data systems.
– Support solutions for meeting `communication with communities¿ information and data needs.
Work in close collaboration with:
– All staff to further data literacy and assist in interpretation the data.
– Registration staff regarding the use of individual and personally identifiable data collected or managed by UNHCR.
– Programme staff on the data and information aspects of assessment, targeting and monitoring (three most data driven aspects of the OMC).
– Cluster coordinators and partners on data and information needs in UNHCR-led cluster operations, including HNO and HRP processes.
– Inter-agency staff on the development, coordination and monitoring of responses plans.
– Protection staff on the design, implementation and analysis of protection and case monitoring systems;
– Operations coordinators and reporting officers on the design and delivery of data and information management products for internal and external consumption;
– Sectors technical experts on the methodologies, formats, storage and dissemination of sectoral data and information, including cross sector analysis.
– Senior management to understand and serve their information and knowledge needs.
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Geography; GIS; Information Management; Social Science;
Statistics; Demography; Data Science: Physical Science;
Engineering; Economics; Computer Science; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
7 years in information management, data or statistical field, 5 years in international context, 3 years in humanitarian or development situation. Experience with data sharing, data management and data analysis to support policy formulation and implementation.
Desirable
Knowledge of national and international statistical systems; knowledge of international protection, human rights and international humanitarian law; experience in data collection and analysis in field situations; knowledge of GIS and geospatial systems and techniques.
Functional Skills
IM-Statistics Analysis
DM-Open Source Software & Data
DM-Population census and econometrics
DM-Protection Data Management Systems
DM-ArcGIS (Geographic Information System)
DM-Cartographic Skills
SP-Design tools such as Global Positioning System (GPS)
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources and Approaches
PG-Needs Assessment and Response Analysis
DM-Metadata Creation & Management
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
DM-Data collection methodologies
DM-Data Management
DM-Database Design & Development
DM-Data Interoperability
DM-Data governance, quality assurance and preservation
DM-Development of and revision of data standards
DM-Qualitative data analysis
DM-Quantitative data analysis
DM-Data science methodologies
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
The incumbent should have demonstrated experience in both refugee and IDP operations, have the ability to analyze and use data to make sound judgments, have a proven ability to articulate complex issues in a simple and convincing manner to internal and external stakeholders, and have an ability to draft clear, concise documentation on such issues.
The incumbent should have demonstrated an ability to proactively address problems and to propose solutions. The incumbent will have demonstrated an ability to work successfully as part of a team and be able to speak convincingly to external stakeholders. S/he will liaise closely with DIMA in the Bureau.
The incumbent should have solid management skills supervising rather a big size of the team with proper delegation, coaching and capacity development competencies. Experience with training and development of capacity development plans would therefore be a particular advantage.
Under the direct supervision of Assistant Representative (Protection), the Senior Information Management Officer will be responsible to manage the IM unit and for the production of high-quality information management products to inform the Operation’s strategy and activities and inform decision-making by senior management. S/he will have in-depth familiarity with the latest IM tools, including GIS, technologies, and policies, and have demonstrated strengths in analyzing data and presenting it with convincing visuals for maximum impact.
S/he is expected to have excellent knowledge and understanding of the Result Based Management framework and its monitoring aspects. S/he will work closely with the Protection/Solutions and other relevant units and as such will need to be a demonstrated team player.
The incumbent’s desirable skills: good communication, excellent interpersonal skills, excellent teamworking skills, client oriented and excellent managerial skills, stakeholder management skills.
Technical skills: excellent knowledge of GIS, KoBO, Activity Info, PowerBI, DataVisualization skills, data analysis skills. As well as fluency in the English language, both written and read.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
UNHCR and UN agencies jointly run JMS Level 1 medical clinic and satellite located in ICON. S/M on special prescription should travel with sufficient quantity. Medical facilities in Kabul include German Clinic, French Medical Institute for Mothers & Children (FMIC), Blossom Health Center and Iqarus International (AMC). COVID-19 MTF was established in ICON. Outdoor air quality is a health concern in Kabul. The degree of exposure and concentration of air pollutants can be detrimental to breathing problems, development of chronic diseases and deterioration of health status in individuals with chronic diseases. Air pollution contributes to comorbidities that are known to worsen outcomes among those infected with COVID-19. air pollution can impair lung development in infants and children; increase probability of preterm birth and delivery of new-borns with low birth weight. office provides air purifiers both in the office and accommodation. Health problems contributing to years lost to illness, disability, or premature death in the country include diet, tobacco use, high fasting glucose and high blood pressure; as well as environmental risks such as pollution and water-borne disease. Road crash, conflict, terror are major causes of injuries. security situation is unstable, volatile, unpredictable with rise 2020-2022.
Nature of Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Representative (Protection), the Senior Information Management Officer (IMO) is responsible for overseeing, coordinating and supporting data and Information Management (IM) activities in the country office and field offices. SIMO supervises Data and Information Management unit consisting of eight staff including two international staff.
The Senior Information Management Officer is responsible for coordinating, planning and delivering data and information management activities for UNHCR Afghanistan operation in line with the IM strategy objectives; 1) Ensure evidence basis for UNHCR programmes in Afghanistan; 2) Monitor protection situation in Afghanistan to inform protection response and advocacy for solutions; 3) Deliver reliable, accessible, relevant, appropriate and timely data and information 4) Building national capacity in data information management and analysis. The SIMO will serve UNHCR activities and units, including protection, programme, operations, external relations, clusters and executive management for evidence-informed planning, protection analysis, advocacy, and coordination.
The SIMO is key in ensuring multi-stakeholder, multi-sector, and multi-country activities are provided with robust and meaningful data and information to support data analysis, planning, funding and advocacy efforts. This includes both internal and external assessments, regional and country-based planning and monitoring activities such as the multi-year/annual planning, RRPs, HNOs, HRPs and Cluster Plans.
The SIMO covers the assessment, data analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of data and statistical related activities. This includes assessment of the information landscape; definition of information and data needs; design of data and information activities, including data collection, analysis, storage and dissemination; implementation of data and information management activities; and monitoring, data protection, innovation of information management systems and tools, and evaluation of data management activities including analysis to support results-based planning, monitoring and reporting implemented by UNHCR and by its partners.
The SIMO should have technical expertise in the use of corporate tools – Kobo, ODP and RIDL and streamline tools and analysis of the huge amount of data available.
Data management activities include population data management and statistics; assessment and results data collection and analysis; indicator definition and guidance; statistical analysis; data collection methods including survey design, geographical and geospatial analysis; estimation and triangulation; data anonymization and storage; production and dissemination of data and information products; use of specialized tools, and capacity building of staff and partners.
The SIMO provides the necessary quality assurance and technical support for the full range of the data and information management and analysis to country and field offices; to ensure these processes are in accordance with technical standards of data and information management life cycle (definition, collection, processing, analysis, storage and dissemination). In addition, the SIMO are responsible for coordinating with DIMA/RBAP, HQ and external support to the country and field offices, to liaise with relevant bodies on relevant data and statistical matters; to monitor the quality of data and information management activities in country/regional or HQ; to design and implement country-based Information Management strategies and systems; to ensure data and information activities are implemented in according with data privacy policies, global data sharing agreements and data protection regulations; to communicate the status, value and importance of data; to provide the data, information and analysis needed for global analysis; and to identify risks and opportunities based on insights derived from data.
Living and Working Conditions:
Afghanistan is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. Movement by all personnel is restricted, coordinated and monitored by the security officers. UNHCR in Kabul is located within the ICON Compound on the Supreme road of the Police district 9. It occupies 40 MOSS compliant rooms for staff accommodation with each room having its own washroom and other facilities. Offices are within the ICON compound. No visits except in UN compounds and Embassies which is frustrating, stressful to cope. A daily radio check is mandatory. All movements is strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air and no road. A 4-week R&R cycle, staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to face situations when required to be locked down in compound bunkers for an extended period due to security incidents.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
BA: Computer Science (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Engineering (Required), BA: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Required), BA: History (Required), BA: Information Management (Required), BA: Information Technology (Required), BA: International Development (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Philosophy (Required), BA: Physical Sciences (Required), BA: Social Science (Required), BA: Statistics (Required)
Certifications
HCR Operational Data Management Learning Program – UNHCR
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit https://bit.ly/3HztK1H
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 16 February 2023 (midnight Geneva time)
