Associate Information Analyst - Database Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work and travel anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Under the supervision of Deputy Chief JMAC, the UN Volunteer Associate Information Analyst will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the JMAC in the preparation of a structured database, integrated analytics and visual materials (i.e. conducting research and developing specific data visualizations).
• Perform social media analysis, data and meta data analysis to incorporate in daily JMAC products, including the weekly, monthly and quarterly statistics of incident trends.
• Maintain, update and continuously enhance the JMAC database, and any contribution to SAGE platform; risk models and matrices, composite indices and frameworks that draw on internal and external sources.
• Monitor news and track information relevant to the JMAC on any social media platforms.
• Organize documents on SharePoint for easy access, perform physical and electronic archiving of documents.
• Define procedures and train JMAC personnel in the operation and utilization of SAGE and the database system and other required automated tools.
• Support the adoption of JMAC information exchange standards and promote data and information sharing within the parameters of security protocols with other components.
• Support continuous process optimization and data infrastructure improvements in close relationship with the other substantial components and the Mission Information Manager.
• Management of confidential information provided by different resources and sources.
• Design and administer surveys that ensure systematic cross-pillar input to JMAC discussions.
• Manage online applications to administer JMAC information and RFI tracking.
• Liaise and coordinate with other members of the JMAC.
• Support continuous process optimization and data infrastructure improvements.
• Draw basic mapping with online tools and work closely with GIS officers of the Mission.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Deputy Chief / Chief JMAC including integrated analysis and situation monitoring.

Results/Expected Outputs - Build a solid and sustainable network of contacts within key stakeholders in his/her professional environment, work collaboratively with other components of the Mission; - Demonstrate intellectual rigor and discipline and sound reasoning; - Perform coordination/integration in the JMAC team and work constructively with the Joint Operation Center in charge of situational awareness; - Manage a solid database and help produce comprehensive analytical reports on incidents, including comprehensive analysis generated (pictures, maps, data, analysis, etc.).

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in modern information management, data analysis, data-mining, geo-data and data management and visualization, computer science, archives management, record keeping, library, information management or a related area. Certified IBM Database Operator i2 Analyst’s Notebook is highly desirable. Excellent drafting and editing skills and ability to produce forward-looking analytical products on security developments. Experience in information collection and management. Experience in a conflict or a post-conflict situation in Africa is an asset. Previous exposure to the work of JMAC and/or analytical think tanks is an asset.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.