Information Management Officer(UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)-Career opportunity in USA

Job title:Information Management Officer – Data Manager (P3)
Organization: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: United States of America
Deadline: 25 Nov 2013
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
        Provides advisory services on data management practices including needs and business process analysis; organization and maintenance of UN information assets; and policies and procedures, with an emphasis on technological applications. -Researches, analyses and evaluates new applications of information technology and makes recommendations for their deployment.

        Participates in data management improvement projects, contributing to feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation and in the evaluation and testing of new systems; provides user support.

        Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for new systems.

        Develops training materials and user manuals; trains staff in the use of data management systems.

        Act as the lead data manager for OCHA’s data and analysis project, including managing and distributing standard reference data, (including taxonomies, code lists, and geodata), negotiating with information providers to establish and maintain data feeds (manual or automated); approving the release of sensitive data; monitoring the flow of data through the systems; ensuring data freshness (e.g. reacting when expected data does not arrive); coordinating the response to exceptional conditions, such as errors in incoming datasets; and oversees top-level configuration management of outward-facing system components (defining users, organisations, categories, etc.).

        Outreach to internal and external data entities to develop partnerships and data sharing relationships. Research innovative methods and techniques for analysing and visualizing data in support of reporting.

        Performs and supervises reference functions by advising internal and external users about data holdings and accessibility; maintaining communications with other information management networks and specialists.

        Evaluates adequacy of existing data tools. Implements new technologies in information management to ensure that tools developed for efficient access to information are accessible to staff throughout the Organization.

        Participates in developing client outreach strategies and in their implementation. Conducts programmes of outreach and user education to improve client use of desktop information resources; uses judgement of relevant institutional needs to develop presentations appropriate to client audience; develops publicity materials to facilitate outreach.

        Assists in programme administration, including provision of assistance to or supervision of contractual employees and General Service staff, formulation of consultant and institutional contracts and subsequent implementation, development of the programme budget, etc.

        Performs other related duties, as required.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Knowledge of and proven experience in data management/information management required with experience in managing data across organizations; experience in integrating disparate information systems; ability to analyze and articulate the information management requirements of complex situations; demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of business activities/issues. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data management, information systems management or related area. Strong experience managing data across large organizations required. An understanding of OCHA and the humanitarian context an advantage. Demonstrated advanced knowledge of common data-exchange formats including CSV, XML, and JSON. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and coordinate with multiple stakeholders in a complex data environment. Demonstrated experience in technical communication. Experience with the following a plus: the Java and Python programming languages, relational databases, the CKAN open-data portal.

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in information management, data management or related field. An advanced university degree in international relations, social sciences or related field may be accepted with proven experience in information-related competencies listed above. A first level university degree in information management, data management or a related field with additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Other Skills: Advanced computer skills and proficiency in the use of relevant software particularly MS Office and database applications.

How to apply:
Check the attached job announcement for the requirements before submitting an application.

In order to apply please provide the following documents:

Cover Letter
Personal History Profile (visit https://inspira.un.org to generate a PHP)
Last two completed Performance Appraisal (or two Reference Letters for external applicants)

Then submit the application package to:

Sarah Telford at telford@un.org with copy (cc) to Chad Hendrix at hendrix@un.org