Information Specialist, UNOCHA (Local position)

I. Position Information

Title: Information Specialist, UNOCHA Level: NOC Direct Supervisor: Head of Public Information unit, UNOCHA Somalia Type of contract: Temporary Appointment (Local) Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya Duration: Three Months Date of Issue:

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:

III. Functions / Key Results Expected

Create strategy and design complementary systems for improving real-time analysis on humanitarian needs, response and funding parity in Somalia:

? Consult with management on existing systems, products and needs of office. ? Perform extensive desk review on existing data sources identifying gaps in needs and response information. ? Design plan and schedule for production of weekly humanitarian snapshot and supplementary reports. ? Meet with key stakeholders for feedback and input on design plan, schedule and end products.

Enhance reporting on humanitarian response and needs of crisis-affected populations in Somalia:

? Design templates for collection of response information in close consultation with Clusters and Humanitarian Affairs Officers, ensuring tools work with existing systems and can be sustainably managed. ? Through coordination with Clusters, Field Offices, Public Information Unit and Information Management Unit collect, verify and aggregate response information. ? Track funding trends across Sectors and by key agencies. ? In close collaboration with Food Security Nutrition Analysis Unit, Field Offices and Clusters analyze humanitarian needs of crisis-stricken areas in Somalia.

Inform emergency planning through the analysis of needs and response information determining gaps and identifying humanitarian implications:

? Through careful analysis of collected data and information, identify geographic and sectoral areas in need of humanitarian response and those Clusters that are inadequately funded. ? Prepare various written outputs, e.g. submission for daily reports, final report and supplementary graphics. ? Brief head of agency on key findings and determine appropriate venues for sharing results and necessary actions. ? Conduct ad hoc analysis upon request on specific areas or issues, focusing primarily on the rapidly changing environment, broadening the scope to include regional issues and analysis of how such factors impact on vulnerability and the humanitarian situation in the context of Somalia.

Ensure professional design of reports along with standalone graphics and maps to supplement existing information products:

? In consultation with graphic designers and GIS officers, determine optimum presentation for report and graphics and maps. ? Manage design and consolidation of information for graphic outputs. ? Manage dissemination of reports, graphics and maps generated. 5. Develop and maintain coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders.

? Analyse trends and the environment related to the current crisis. Provide real time information for key stakeholders.

? Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc, in the area of humanitarian information management.

? Provide substantial assistance in the implementation of inclusive, field level humanitarian coordination mechanisms, including liaison with relevant UN operational agencies NGOs.

6. Supports the OCHA Head of Office in close cooperation with Deputy Head of Office focusing on achievement of the following results:

? depth review of specific country coordination mechanisms

? Identify gaps and undertake thorough research into the causes and impact of displacement on the civilian population; draft and/or review internal and external fact sheets, briefing papers and reports; and maintain and update a web-portal on displacement for partners.

IV. Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of the Inter-Cluster Working Group activities, strengthening overall coordination across Clusters and increasing awareness of cross-Cluster activities and possible synergies leading to timely and cohesive response to the Somalia emergency.

V. Competencies Corporate Competencies: • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNOCHA • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies: • Builds strong relationships with partners, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback. • Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to emergencies. • Ability to work independently, with efficiency, competency and integrity with people of different national backgrounds. • Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian assistance • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills. • Proven report writing skills

VI. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) preferably in Social Sciences (Information Management), Business Administration (Information Management or Computer Science), Management (Information Management or Information Systems), Geographical Information Science, Geography, Information Management, or a related field.

A combination of relevant academic background (at least a first level university degree Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in information management or a related field; experience both at the national level and international level in large organizations with dispersed operations and/or in the public and private sector preferred. Experience in an operational UN Agency

Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and the working language of the duty station

“Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit electronic application by visiting http://jobs.undp.org/.

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