Information Management 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 role of the OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is to support and assist the UN Resident Coordinators, the Governments, the UN Disaster Management Teams, and the Humanitarian Country Teams (where they exist), to improve the overall preparedness and response mechanisms to act either upon natural disasters or protracted crisis. In practical terms, the office works with partners on: - fostering existing cooperation to ensure effective preparedness as well as response to crisis, - strengthening disaster management capacities, - optimizing information gathering, analysis and production of documents, - liaising with donors and facilitating the use of funding mechanisms, - working on early warning activities and creating advocacy campaigns in benefit of affected communities and vulnerable groups, - promoting the implementation of IASC and OCHA guidance’s on preparedness and response.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Information Management Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Information Management Officer will:

• Design, develop and manage databases, spreadsheets, and other data tools. • Consolidate operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis. • Support the evaluation and analysis of location specific datasets through meaningful statistical techniques. • Support assessment and needs analysis activities, including humanitarian needs overviews, secondary data reviews, preliminary scenario definitions and multi-cluster initial rapid assessments. • Manage platforms and tools that support data collection and analysis such as KoBo, Toolbox, and Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX). • Produce and update high-quality map products and online services. • Manage content on relevant web platforms, undertake quality control for the platform and ensure content is current, comprehensive and follows relevant metadata standards. • Work with external counterparts on related web platforms, such as agency and cluster websites and ReliefWeb Response to facilitate cross-site search and interoperability. • Produce and update information products such as reports, charts, and infographics, by turning data into graphical products to convey messages and a storyline. • Support field colleges and the regional office in establishing and maintaining an information management network in accordance with IASC guidance to facilitate humanitarian information exchange and the promotion of data and information standards. • Support with Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC) activities. • Train humanitarian partners and OCHA staff on the use and development of information management tools and platforms. • Provide internal support to the coordination staff. • Any other related tasks may be required or assigned by the supervisor. The UNV should be ready to be deployed as an OCHA staff on surge missions for durations of 2 weeks up to 2 months, elsewhere in the region and outside the region, as requested by the ROLAC Head of Office.

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.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active OCHA team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to OCHA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

o Manage information tools and services to produce information and analytical products to facilitate an understanding of the humanitarian situation in a regional context and specific country context as required. o Manage content on relevant web platforms including interactive dashboards that combine information from several different sources o Support field colleagues with Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC) to ensure products o Training sessions to humanitarian partners and OCHA staff on information tools and standards

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective are systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OCHA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OCHA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• 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;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

information management, information systems, web management, data management, GIS and mapping, data visualization, or other related area, is required. - Information management experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable. - Experience visualizing data from different sources into an infographic or map. - Excellent inter-personal, diplomatic and communication skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners. - Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of diverse cultural background. - Familiarity with the UN system.

Panama City is a family duty station, is classified “A” Duty Station and considered to be a safe place to live. The city has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities) and health supply of goods and services, with no major health hazards. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of surroundings and to be alert.

There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants. The country boasts beaches, mountains, and national parks in the rainforest. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about; however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien Province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria and dengue. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien Province and the San Blas islands.

Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%.

In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level '1 minimal' whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level '2 low'. The city is a communications hub, and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. OCHA ROLAC’s office is in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called 'Ciudad del Saber' where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as international schools, NGOs and research centres, etc.

The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation in the private market, including around the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. In terms of recreational activities, Panama is a regional commercial hub with many malls for shopping. Cultural events are limited but there are many restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.

Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, 'you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet.