Geographical Information System Associate (4 positions) Job in Nairobi Kenya

Closing Date: Monday, 22 August 2011

Background

Given the current crisis in Somalia, OCHA has to scale up support immediately to support the Humanitarian Coordinator in the 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Data Collection and Analysis;
• Mapping by providing GIS support;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and management;
• Knowledge Transfer.

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).

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 through the use of archiving software and Geonetwork.

Ensures Facilitation of knowledge building focusing on the 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.

Ensures knowledge transfer, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of training and advice to OCHA staff on mapping systems such as GoogleEarth and Geo Network.

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.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Maintaining information and databases

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives;
• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing.

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

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

• Understandsthe 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;
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development:

Presentation of information on best practices in organizational change

• Demonstrates ability to identify problems and proposes solutions.

Design and Implementation of Management Systems:

Data gathering and implementation of management systems

• Uses information/databases/other management systems.

Client Orientation:

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:

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;
• Selfdevelopment 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education. in media relations, journalism, publishing, information management, GIS.

Experience:

• 4 years relevant professional experience, preferably in humanitarian/development work;
• Two years post masters relevant professional experience, preferably in humanitarian/development work;
• Expertise in Arc Map, Microsoft Office Suite including Access and Google Earth technologies;
• Excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism.

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.

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