I. Position Information
Title: Geographical Information System (GIS) Associate, UNOCHA Type of Contract: Fixed Term Appointment (Local) Level: GS-7 Direct Supervisor:Information Management Officer Duty station:Mogadishu, Somalia Duration: One Year (Renewable) Closing Date: Fixed Term
II. Organizational Context
Given the current crisis in Somalia, OCHA has to scale up support immediately to support the Humanitarian Coordinator in mobilization and coordination of an effective and principled humanitarian response. OCHA is particularly concerned about vulnerable communities and those at risk due to current drought and conflict. Under the leadership of the UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator for Somalia, OCHA maintains an office in Nairobi and a field presence inside Somalia; the primary objectives of OCHA Somalia include the following:
- 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. Under the overall supervision of the Information Management Officer, the GIS Associate works closely with Clusters and units within UNOCHA Somalia to support the collection, storage and analysis of humanitarian information.
III. Functions / Key Results Expected Summary of key functions:
Data Collection and Analysis Mapping by providing GIS support Preparation and update of Somali reference maps Develop GIS products for stakeholders Facilitation of knowledge building and management Knowledge Transfer
Perform data collection and analysis, focusing on 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).
Provides mapping and GIS support, 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.
• Support the maintenance of an inventory of UNOCHA produced maps and geo-datasets and, where possible, those available from other humanitarian partners.
Preparing and updating Reference Maps of Somalia
• Production and update of reference maps for Somalia based on available data. • Preparation and maintenance of descriptive maps that provide inventory of local resources such as infrastructure. • Management of the development, quality control and production of maps • Provision of GIS information and maps in appropriate formats to be used in seminars and workshops.Supporting the IMO in developing GIS products for stakeholders • In close collaboration with the Information Management Officer, determine the primary data and mapping elements required internally and externally to support humanitarian decision making. • Develop and maintain a client-oriented approach with all relevant stakeholders to help identify their mapping requirements to ensure that information and maps are relevant for planning.
• Regularly review and seek feedback from clusters to regularly review product suitabilityEnsures 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.
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Provision of training and advice to OCHA staff on Information Management issues and products. • Regularly review and seek feedback from clusters to regularly review product suitabilityEnsures Knowledge transfer focusing on the achievement of the following results • Provision of training and advice to OCHA staff and partners on mapping systems such as google earth, GPS.
IV. Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the Country Office including improved business results and client services. Forward-looking ICT management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision.
V. Competencies and Critical Success Factors
Functional Competencies:
Building Strategic Partnerships
Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things Documents innovative strategies and new approaches
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
Promoting Organizational Change and Development
Level 1.1: Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions
Design and Implementation of Management Systems Level 1.1: Data gathering and implementation of management systems Uses information/databases/other management systems
Client Orientation
Level 1.1: Maintains effective client relationships Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients Responds to client needs promptly
Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management Level 1.1: Gathering and disseminating information Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems
Core Competencies:
Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment Self-development, initiative-taking Acting as a team player and facilitating team work Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively Creating synergies through self-control Managing conflict Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member. Informed and transparent decision making
VI. Recruitment Qualifications
Education: • Secondary education with specialized certification in statistics or economics. • University degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) or geometrics or economics, statistics or related fields with relevant experience is desirable but it is not a requirement.
Experience: • 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in data processing, analysis and mapping utilizing popular statistical and mapping software packages (e.g. SPSS/ArcGIS etc.) • Should have field experience in the use of GPS for mapping • Experience in managing and updating website content • Experience in management of data harmonization systems with special emphasis on data quality control • Familiarity with the UN system is desirable Language Requirements: • Fluency in oral and written English is essential
“Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit electronic application by visiting http://jobs.undp.org/.
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