Data Management Officer

Volunteering IT & Telecom Medical & Health Teaching & Training

Overview

Support evidence management, data analysis, and capacity building for children and adolescents in The Gambia.

You have:

• Strong expertise in data management and analysis, including methodologies, tools, systems, and related technical domains; experience working with the UN or other international development organizations is an asset.
• Proven experience in evidence generation, documentation of good practices and lessons learned, and development of high quality knowledge products for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to design and apply knowledge management methodologies and tools that enhance information sharing within the Country Office and with external partners.
• Strong command of online collaboration platforms and digital tools to support effective internal and external knowledge exchange.
• High standards of accuracy and professionalism in document drafting, editing, and production, with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with experience engaging and managing relationships with a wide range of partners.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with communication for development approaches is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt in complex and challenging environments, including within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of the national context, with proven experience working with country level partners.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

For over 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

The Gambia is the one of the smallest countries in Africa and has border almost entirely with Senegal except the west part with the Atlantic Coast. The total population in 2024 is 2.42 million with the female population being approximately 1.24 million, representing 51% of the total national population. With 272.7 people per square kilometre, this makes it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, especially considering its small land area of just 10,689 square kilometres. Most of the population (65.08 percent) is concentrated around urban and peri-urban centers.

The Gambia Country Programme 2024 – 2028 focuses on strengthening child and adolescent related evidence generation, analysis and dissemination as well as stronger positioning of UNICEF as an advocate of a strengthened children and adolescent evidence generation and analysis system in The Gambia. It is within this context that a Data Management position has been established in the Programme team. This position will ensure the operationalization and implementation of the Country Programme’s ‘evidence and knowledge management’ strategy; to support the successful delivery of the Country Programme and inform its advocacy strategy and strategic partnerships.

Under the supervision of the PME Specialist, the primary function of this position is to strengthen children and adolescent evidence generation, analysis, dissemination and utilization by UNICEF and partners; to effectively advocate for and support the promotion of child rights in The Gambia. The incumbent will further focus on strengthening information/data collection, statistics and data analysis systems, knowledge management and capacities within Country Office and amongst partners, and to improve reporting, evidence-based planning and advocacy.

Under the supervision of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (or delegated supervisor), and working closely with all sections, the UNV Data Management Officer will:

1. Strengthen children and adolescents’ evidence and identify relevant data gaps • Contribute to identifying key data and evidence gaps related to children and adolescents. • Support improvements in the availability and use of data, including survey and administrative data. • Contribute to strengthening national data systems, including efforts to improve data integration and interoperability. • Provide technical support to ensure data responds to programme and policy needs.

2. Manage data and evidence consolidation and dissemination • Support the consolidation, organization, and quality assurance of data and evidence. • Ensure data is consolidated and easily accessible for UNICEF and partners. • Contribute to the use of data for planning, advocacy, and reporting. • Assist in preparing timely and quality reports and analytical outputs.

3. Strengthen capacity for data and evidence use • Support capacity-building activities for staff and partners on data collection, analysis, and use. • Contribute to strengthening tools, processes and practices for evidence generation and utilization. • Provide day-to-day technical support to enhance data use in programming and decision-making including training and guidance on data collection, analysis, and dissemination where required.

4. Strengthen knowledge management practices and learning • Support in documenting and sharing of lessons learned, good practices, and innovations within the Country Office and with partners. • Contribute to strengthening knowledge management systems, tools, and practices within the office and with partners. • Promote the use of evidence and learning to inform programme planning and implementation and decision-making.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Core Values • Diversity and inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible. • Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority. • Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause. Core Competencies • Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way. • Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well. • Drive for results: Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm Functional Competencies • Formulating Strategies and Concepts • Persuading and Influencing • Learning and Researching • Analysing • Applying Technical Expertise • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

• Strong expertise in data management and analysis, including methodologies, tools, systems, and related technical domains; experience working with the UN or other international development organizations is an asset. • Proven experience in evidence generation, documentation of good practices and lessons learned, and development of high quality knowledge products for diverse audiences. • Demonstrated ability to design and apply knowledge management methodologies and tools that enhance information sharing within the Country Office and with external partners. • Strong command of online collaboration platforms and digital tools to support effective internal and external knowledge exchange. • High standards of accuracy and professionalism in document drafting, editing, and production, with excellent written and oral communication skills. • Strong organizational and coordination skills, with experience engaging and managing relationships with a wide range of partners. • Excellent interpersonal skills, with cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with communication for development approaches is an asset. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt in complex and challenging environments, including within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. • Strong knowledge of the national context, with proven experience working with country level partners.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Banjul, the capital. The Gambia is situated at the tip of the West African coast and has a total surface area of approximately 10,360 square kilometres. Apart from the 48 km stretch at the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is landlocked by Senegal. The climate consists of a tropical hot rainy season from July to September and a cooler dry season from October to June. The Gambia is a unique and culturally diverse country with a total population of 2.42 million. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment.

English is the official language. Mandinka and Wolof are the main local languages most widely used in the country. The Gambia is relatively peaceful, and the people are warm and friendly. Precautions should nevertheless be taken to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Free-lance tourist guides (locally known as bumsters) are common in tourist areas especially in hotels. The entire country is in security level 2 – Low.

The national currency in The Gambia is the Dalasi. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the official rate at selected branches of commercial banks. Only few major hotels that accept credit cards as means of payment.

Taxis are available at all places in the city. The most common form of travel is shared taxis yellow taxis) and private or tourist cabs (green taxis). The condition of roads in the city is poor. Driving standards are low with poor traffic discipline. Firearms, illicit drugs, and pornographic material are banned while homosexuality is strictly unwelcome in the country. Customs officials may inspect suitcases for prohibited items.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

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Potential interview questions

Added 14 days ago - Updated 8 hours ago - Source: unv.org