Information Management Officer (TJO), P4 (Temporary Job Opening) at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - UNOCHA

Job Opening Number: 18-Information Management Systems-OCHA-106825-J- (X)
Location: Maiduguri
Department/Office: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Org. Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. 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 the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.
• This temporary job opening is being published for the position of Information Management Officer in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The Information Management Officer reports to the Deputy Head of Office/Head of Office, OCHA Nigeria.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Information Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Coordination:

• Establish and maintain an information management network in accordance with IASC guidance to facilitate humanitarian information exchange and the promotion of data and information standards.
• Work with first responders such as the UN disaster assessment and coordination team (UNDAC) and on-site operations and coordination centre (OSOCC) to ensure a smooth transition of information tools and services.
• Engage with counterparts in government to ensure that information activities are coordinated and consistent with national standards and practices.
• Provide training and expertise on the use and development of information management tools and platforms to OCHA staff and humanitarian partners.
• Advocate for the use of data standards and common platforms, and for the open exchange of information.
• Identify in-country activities that could benefit from remote information management capacity.

Coordinate remote IM support provided by other OCHA offices and non-UN actors. Information Management Unit and Integrated Team Management:

• Advise the OCHA Head of Office on operational information management, including strategic and immediate priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of a strategic approach to managing information around the humanitarian programme cycle, including supporting common information processes such as preparedness, needs assessment, strategic planning, resource mobilization, implementation and monitoring.
• Provide strategic and day-to-day management of the information management unit (IMU) and related staff, including deployment of surge and other short-term staffing.
• Take overall responsibility for the management of information and the production and dissemination of high-quality information products, tools and services.
• Liaise with external actors, including senior staff in humanitarian and development agencies, government and the military.
• Advise the head of office on strategic use of communications and information.
• Provide leadership and vision to the integrated information team. Enable a collaborative approach between different areas of expertise within the team, foster innovation, stimulate early adoption of tools and technologies, and support team building and capacity development through continuous coaching and training of team members.
• Oversee the drafting, stylistic design, editorial coherence and production of all information and reporting materials intended for external use, such as maps, infographics, reports, press releases, bulletins and situation reports.
• Recruit staff, taking due account of geographical balance; manages, guides, develops, trains and fosters teamwork and communication among staff under his/her supervision.
• Carry out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters, reporting on budget/programme performance and evaluation of staff performance. Performs other related duties, as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the management of information in complex emergencies, disaster preparedness, disaster response and early recovery; Ability to identify issues, analyse humanitarian trends and participate in the resolution of issues/problems;
• Ability to conduct data collection using various methods; Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and competence in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases;
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; 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; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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.
• 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.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in Information Management, Information Systems, Social Science or related field.
• A first-level University Degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in information management, information systems, disaster management, humanitarian affairs, or other related area, is required.
• Experience in managing information in disaster response or complex emergencies is desirable.
• Experience within the UN system or another international organisation is desirable. Experience in the region is desirable.

Languages:

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

Assessment:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
• IMPORTANT: Candidates found suitable and not selected for the announced duty station, may be selected for deployment to other duty stations. The selection will be for similar functions with similar requirements at the same level.