ICT Associate (GIS)

Contract

This is a LICA-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-6 contracts.

Background Information - Afghanistan

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Background Information - Job-specific

Project Information

Following the political events in Afghanistan in August 2021, the subsequent economic collapse has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis putting over 24 million people in immediate need of aid. To provide immediate short-term livelihood opportunities and deliver urgent essential services in rural and urban areas, UNOPS is working with funders to implement a large-scale community resilience program. The initiative aims to reach an estimated 1.1 million households, or 7.5 million Afghans, with livelihoods and income support. In addition, 9 million Afghans in some 6,200 rural communities and 8 cities will benefit from improved access to essential social services through strengthening the capacity of community institutions in inclusive service delivery.

Job-Specific Information

Under the direct supervision of the ICT Specialist, the ICT Associate will support the operationalization, maintenance and update of the MIS platform. They will also provide support and training to various Facilitating Partners (FPs) and private contractors on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS).

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

1. Monitoring and Evaluation
2. Geographic Information System
3. Analysis and Reporting
4. Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Building

1. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Agree on frequency of data collection and data uploading to the MIS Platform.
• Populate the MIS platform with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data as collected – ‘live’ dashboard.
• Provide quality control and data verification function for all data entered into the MIS platform, incorporating a feedback loop where required.
• Support the design and implementation of an analytical framework for the MIS platform.
• Regularly review and as needed revise the MIS operational and user manual, including rights and data protection guidelines.
• As needed organize and deliver ongoing support and training to users on the MIS platform.
• Undertake site visits for the M&E in accordance with the M&E Plan.

2. Geographic Information System (GIS)

• Assist FP engineers and private contractor personnel in delineating community/project site boundaries and mapping them using GPS coding.
• In rural districts, ensure that the boundaries delineating the communities then cover all rural households in the district, within the given number of communities stated in the FP contracts.
• In urban areas/cities, ensure the project teams in identification and mapping of existing communities with CDCs, and gozars with gozar assemblies.
• Set-up and maintain a national-level mapping of all project sites, as covered, on the project website, showing the GPS coordinates of each community covered, its name and ID, subprojects undertaken, beneficiary numbers by component, etc.

3. Analysis and Reporting

• Through the MIS platform generate cross-tabulations to verify synergies and overlaps.
• Through the MIS platform generate analytical reports for the PIU, the Funding Partner, Project teams and M&E Community of Practice, including Value For Money analysis, GIS maps for projects, and summary highlights for communications.
• Support the M&E team to ensure project data is appropriately represented in internal (monthly, bi-annual and annual reports) and external reporting (public communication about project results and impact, and for the use of independent evaluation.
• Ensure MIS platform incorporates all project reporting requirements.

4. Communication

• Collaborate with the UNOPS Communications Team in the elaboration of projects communication and visibility strategy and implementation line that is in line with donors and UNOPS guidelines.
• Provide support to ensure that all communication material, press and digital, include verified data prior to publication.

5. Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Building

• Prepare and catalog project knowledge assets and project management tools in the project shared drive.
• Routinely review and refine archival procedures.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the ICT Associate directly impacts on the development and performance of the project. It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan, raising the profile of UNOPS in the global humanitarian context.

Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent will prepare at the beginning of the assignment.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Programming, or equivalent, is desirable but not required, and may be considered as a substitute for 4 years of work experience.
• GIS-related specialized prior training and/or certification is a distinct advantage.

b. Work Experience

• A minimum of 6 years’ of experience in MIS management/support of development projects is required with secondary school.
• Knowledge of UN systems, policies, norms for IT/ICT/database management would be an asset.

c. Languages

• Fluency (oral and written) in English is required.
• Pashto and Dari languages are desired.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local ICA

Contract level: LICA-6 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.