Database and Information Management Expert

Closing date: 16 Jan 2011
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
Duties and responsibilities

The expert will be supported by the project database, geo-spatial information management and, IT officers and will be working under the general guidance of the FAO Officer-in-Charge for Somalia, the direction of the Chief Technical Advisor and the direct supervision of the Information Management and Capacity Building Coordinator, and will be responsible for developing a structured database management system and managing all SWALIM information management and dissemination processes. He/she will specifically undertake the following:

•Design and implement a data system application to efficiently link and manage SWALIM thematic databases (HYDATA, HYDROMET, SWIMS, IIMS, soils, land cover and land use and land suitability), geo-spatial datasets and data catalogues (AGRIS and Geo-Network). The application shall provide functionality for storing, updating, processing and accessing the data.
•Lead the development and implementation of the application in consultation with the information management coordinator and closely consult the water and land resources coordinators to ensure it functions as required and specified. Modify the application where necessary and test its applicability to ensure it conforms to the specifications and, prepare the necessary technical documentations for the application.
•Responsible for transferring the application and SWALIM databases to SWALIM field offices, Somali line ministries and its regular update and, create a database repository for transfer to FAO headquarter in Rome.
•Develop Terms of Reference and supervise all outsourced database system application development work to ensure that contracts follow specifications and deliver functional application components on time.
•Oversee all SWALIM information management processes including software and hardware functionality, data cleaning and processing, databases updating and theme group information management support.
•Support the database and IT officers to properly manage SWALIM Intranet and website and, manage all intranet and website related tasks including updating of website resources, updating of web data services (AGRIS, Geo-Network, weather and river data, FRRMIS), ensuring availability at all times of web services, responding to users’ requests and monitoring site performance and usage.
•Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements
Candidates should meet the following:
•Advanced university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Computer Science, Database Management, ICT or equivalent.
•Five years professional experience in database management, of which at least three in a senior position.
•Proven experience in developing database and information management applications including geo-spatial databases and web based applications.
•Knowledge of open source technology information management systems
•Ability to work under minimum supervision with excellent communication skills (English language)
•Work experience in East Africa, particularly in Somalia, and/or in a complex emergencies.

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit a covering letter quoting Vacancy Announcement No. FAO/SWALIM/10/01 along with their current Curriculum Vitae and completed FAO Personal History form (available at: http://www.faoswalim.org/downloads/PHF form.doc), photocopies of certificates, name, address and e-mail address of three referees. E-mail is the preferred means of receipt and the application letter should be sent to swalim@fao.org Envelopes should also clearly be marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL - FAO/SWALIM/10/01 and sent to the following address:

The Human Resources Office,
FAO Somalia, Ground Floor,
UN Somalia Ngecha Road,
off Lower Kabete Road, Spring Valley,
P. O. Box 30470 - 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya

Applications must be received by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Only short listed candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be contacted.

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