BACKGROUND
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 for the rights of people in need
• promote preparedness and prevention
• facilitate sustainable solutions.
In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 46/182 designed to strengthen the United Nations' response to both complex emergencies and natural disasters. In addition, it aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the UN's humanitarian operations in the field.
Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous and most violent, crisis-ridden countries in the world with a continued deepening and geographic spread of the conflict. Violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights Law (HRL) occur regularly - including targeted killings, forced recruitment, and attacks on health and education facilities.
At the same time, Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes, flooding, drought, landslides, and avalanches. Over three decades of conflict, coupled with climate change, environmental degradation, and insufficient investment in disaster risk reduction strategies, have contributed to the increasing vulnerability of the Afghan people to cope with the sudden shock of natural disasters and increased risks posed to livelihoods. On average, each year, around 230,000 people are affected by natural disasters. Destruction of shelters, crops, food stocks, and damage to household and community assets such as water and sanitation infrastructure result in the need for emergency support to protect people from the elements.
Position Purpose
Under the supervision of the International IMO, and overall direction of the Head of the Information Management and Public Information Unit, the IMO will be expected to support the implementation and maintenance of OCHA’s global Information Management Strategy.
Data Analysis
- Data Visualization
Content Management
- Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping
Coordination
1.) Data Analysis
- Supports the design, development, and manages the content of databases, spreadsheets, and other data tools; documents and ensures the quality of high-value humanitarian data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability; supports the consolidation of operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis
- Supports the evaluation and analysis of location specific datasets through meaningful statistical techniques; participates in the development and revision of data standards; understands, documents, and ensures the quality of high-value humanitarian data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability. Supports assessment and needs analysis activities, including humanitarian needs overviews, secondary data reviews, preliminary scenario definitions and multi-cluster initial rapid assessments; supports the management of platforms and tools that support data collection and analysis such as Kobo Toolbox and Open Data Kit (ODK)
- Ensures strict adherence to OCHA Data Responsibility Guidelines and statistical disclosure control (SDC) protocols to protect sensitive community and partner data.
2.) Data Visualization
- Assists in the design, production and maintenance of interactive dashboards (primarily Power BI), updating of information products such as reports, charts, and infographics by turning data into graphical products to convey messages and a storyline; develops advocacy materials including posters, presentations and other visual materials; supports the production and updating of high-quality map products and online services;
3.) Content Management
- Manages content on relevant web platforms, undertakes quality control for the platform and ensures content is current, comprehensive and follows relevant metadata standards; works with external counterparts on related web platforms such as agency and cluster websites and OCHA-managed platforms to facilitate cross-site search and interoperability.
4.) Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping
- Assist with the maintenance of spatial baseline and operational datasets in accordance with relevant standards and guidance; support the production and updating of high-quality map products and online services; 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
5.) Coordination
Supports the coordination of the information management working group in accordance with IASC guidance to facilitate humanitarian information exchange and the promotion of data and information standards; engages with counterparts in government to ensure that information activities are coordinated and consistent with national standards and practices; provides training and expertise on the use and development of information management tools and platforms to OCHA staff and humanitarian partners; advocates for the use of data standards and common platforms, and for the open exchange of information.
- Any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
- Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None
Core Competencies
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking
- Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for OCHA
Education
- Master’s Degree in information management, information systems, social sciences, or related field is desired,
OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in business management, information systems, social sciences, or a related field is required in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience.
Experience
- Minimum 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in information management, information systems, web management, data management, geographic information systems, and mapping, data visualization, data analysis and other related areas
- Extensive knowledge of common data processing (Excel) and graphic design (e.g. Adobe Suite or equivalent) and mapping software (QGIS, ArcGIS) is required. Experience with Power Query language / DAX, Power BI, XLSForm, SQL, R statistical software and Python is highly desirable.
- Experience managing information in disaster response or complex emergencies is desirable.
- Experience in United Nations or Non-Government Organization, preferably with at least two years with a Un Organization or an International NGO is desirable.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply
The post is limited to Afghan nationals only
Language
- Fluency in oral and written English, Pashto, or Dari is required.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNOCHA fixed-term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
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 a similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.