Information Management and Data Analytics 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.

The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region consists of mostly middle-income countries with various degrees of political, socio-economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. Over the last couple of years, the region has seen an increase in compound risks from diminishing civic space, the erosion of social cohesion, continued challenges to the rule of law and human rights, elite capture and corruption, increased stigmatization of minority groups, social conflict between communities and extractive industries, divisive narratives and hate speech, cross-border and ethnic tensions and armed conflicts.

Unresolved status of enclaves, disputed territories and contested border delimitations across the region are also endemic issues that have led to sporadic violence in the past decade and created a persistent risk of escalation. Ongoing armed conflicts are also resulting in significant displacement, extensive damage to critical infrastructure, and undermined social cohesion in the areas worst affected by the conflict, while continuing to affect community security and safety, and limiting access to basic services.

In order to address the need for continued and systematic analysis of contextual risks in the Europe and Central Asia region, the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is scaling up its capacity for data analytics and use of the UNDP Crisis Risk Dashboards (CRD) tools with the support of UNDP Crisis Bureau. The CRD is an online platform for data aggregation and visualization, aimed at facilitating the identification, tracking and analysis of contextual risks by the UNDP IRH and potentially the wider UN system.

The IRH and Crisis Bureau are seeking to recruit an Information Management and Data Analytics Officer who will lead on key aspects of the CRD design, particularly in Central Asia region. The UNV will also support data analysis, management and visualisation, as well as the elaboration of a monthly newsletter in support to UNDP Offices in Europe and Central Asia.

The UN Volunteer will work under the supervision of the Regional Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Specialist of UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH), in the key functions listed below. He/she will also work closely with the Crisis Risks and Early Warning team of the UNDP Crisis Bureau, as well as in collaboration with the Peace and Development Advisors across the region.

Summary of key functions: • Conflict Data Capture, Management and Analysis • Data Visualization, Reporting and Application • Technical Support

Data Capture, Management and Analysis: • Identify key data gaps for informed crisis risk tracking in the Europe and Central Asia region
• Propose a strategy and implementation plan for capturing the required primary and secondary data • Develop a process for and understand primary and secondary data gathering • Identify and integrate additional primary and secondary data into the Crisis Risk Dashboard(s) as required by evolving needs, including the development, implementation and management of new indicators and corresponding data that are associated with the crisis risk model; • Propose revisions and improvements to the overall design framework and data requirements for the risk tracking system, using, as the key tool, the Crisis Risk Dashboard (CRD) and ensure content is current, comprehensive, and follows relevant metadata standards;

Data Visualization, Reporting and Application: • Produce and update information products such as maps, charts, and infographics by turning data into graphical products to convey messages and a storyline, as well as support strategic and operational decision-making; • Explore ways of presenting crisis risk profiles and early warning more effectively by using visual representations (charts, graphs, tables and diagrams) through the CRD; • Provide technical assistance in translating data and other programme information into easy visual representations, in accordance with data visualization best practices; • Consolidate operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis and design and implement sustainable information management and dissemination systems for data collections for the CRD, where required. • Elaborate regular newsletters in support to UNDP Country Offices and the UN System in the Europe and Central Asia region.

Training and Technical Support: • Provide substantive input on information management toward the development of guidance and training materials in support of the IRH application of the CRD and data management, analysis and visualization. • Provide maintenance and end-user technical support in issues relating to the CRD information management use, including troubleshooting for data entry and access to the existing database; • Provide technical assistance in order to build capacity of staff on how to integrate data visualization approaches into their work as well as how to update and monitor existing dashboards.

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Client Orientation
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Empowering Others
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Judgement and Decision-making
• Knowledge Sharing
• Leadership
• Managing Performance
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Vision
• Working in Teams

data analysis, information management, information systems, geographic information systems (GIS), database development, visualization, or other related areas; • Strong experience in conducting primary data collection, research and analysis, particularly in crisis contexts; • Experience managing information in international development or humanitarian context as well as relevant experience within the UN system is highly desirable; • Strong knowledge of best practices for data visualization and dashboards; • Experience in providing excellent client/customer services; • Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the management of information in an international development or humanitarian context; • Ability to conduct data collection through triangulated approaches using various methods, both online and offline • Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; • Ability to quickly establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural backgrounds and languages. • Work experience in Europe and Central Asia region is desirable. • Very good writing skills (English language).

Turkey is an upper middle-income country, with highly-urbanized cities and well developed infrastructure systems. Most of Turkey is assessed to be at security level 1-Minimal. Security level 2 Low applies to Ankara and Istanbul.
Seismic activity remains one of the primary hazards in Turkey. Turkey’s population of nearly 81 million is almost entirely Muslim. Turkish is the official language. English predominates as the second language. The post will be located in Istanbul, which has a population of around 15M people, and straddles the European and Asian continents.
Istanbul is a UN Hub for the Europe and Central Asia Regional Offices of several UN agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women among others. There is a lively and large group of international community. Istanbul International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport have direct connections with all European, Central Asian and global cities. Istanbul provides modern services and entertainment opportunities and an elaborate medical services system. Healthcare is exceptionally good with various public and private hospitals with experienced doctors and medical staff, some of whom speak English. No specific vaccination is required to enter Turkey. Considering the rapidly changing pandemic situation in Istanbul, travellers should consult the receiving entity or the partner UN Agency, or UNDSS about the latest travel requirements/restrictions.