National Database Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

Bangladesh is rich in natural resources with diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. Like other developing countries, Bangladesh is also facing tremendous pressure on the conservation of forests and natural resources. The forest department has undertaken several initiatives to reduce pressure on the existing forest resources. The country is also obliged to report to international platforms like UNCCD, CBD, IPCC, etc. on the progress it made in the restoration and reduction of the degradation of natural resources. In doing so, the country is trying to develop a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS). The forest department has already conducted the first national forest inventory during the period 2016-2019. Now it is planning for the 2nd cycle of the inventory. With the support of the Sustainable Forests and Livelihoods (SUFAL) project of the World Bank, the 2nd cycle of forest report assessment has been planned. The forest inventory will generate metadata of the forest resources that will be analysed and comprehensive reports will be generated which will give a full picture of the country’s forest resources. In addition, the project also envisions developing the national land cover map and preparing forest management plans for forest divisions and protected areas. It will also prepare an updated report on the National Forest Reference Emission Level. All the information generated from the process will help the country better manage the forest resources with a functional monitoring system in place.

Reporting Lines

The National Database Management Specialist is a SC 8 position who will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Project CTA, and in close collaboration with national and international consultants in the project team, and the technical backstopping of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) at FAO Bangkok.

Technical Focus

The National Database Management Specialist will be a part of a national team to provide technical assistance in the areas of managing metadata, visualization of the report, and implementation of forest-related projects, specifically for database management tools.

Tasks and responsibilities

● Work closely with the Forest Management Plan Preparation Specialist to ensure BFI data is adequately prepared and incorporated into forest management plans; ● Oversee the review of the current Bangladesh Forest Information System (BFIS) and make recommendations for improving it modules and management; ● Oversee the development/upgradation of new BFIS modules according to FD needs; ● In close collaboration with the national counterpart personnel, design/upgrade a database structure that is fit for the purpose of archiving, querying, and making accessible datasets collected by the Forest Department (FD); ● Develop a multi-user functional database management system for FD forest monitoring and assessment data; ● Develop a process for producing plot reports to support field teams in locating plots and updating their data; ● Compile all data from field data collection teams for archiving into a central database; ● Identify outlier data and perform other data cleaning steps and update the database as needed; ● Review existing manuals and guidance documents regarding national forest inventory data and suggest improvements; ● Revise and update a database maintenance manual to ensure the sustainability of the forest data information and archiving systems; ● Provide training to the national team in the development and maintenance of the database and formulating SQL/MS Access queries; ● Report any technical problems related to the data and database faced by the International Consultant and national team; maintain a log of identified issues and recommendations for addressing them; and ● Assist in any other tasks under the project at the instruction of the FAO Representative, the LTO and Team Leader..

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

● Post Graduate degree in Computer Science/ System Administration/ Database Development and Administration/ System Analysis/ or other related IT field is required ● A minimum of six (06) years of relevant experience with online information systems and website design and maintenance. ● Working knowledge (level C) of English and Bangla; ● National of Bangladesh

FAO Core Competencies

● Results Focus ● Teamwork ● Communication ● Building Effective Relationships ● Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

● Excellent knowledge of Database software: MS Access, Python, SQL, R, etc.; ● Extent and relevance of academic achievements in subjects relevant to IT development; ● Relevant experience related to forest inventory database preparation and maintenance; ● Have experience in dealing with forestry data, community information, and preparing report; ● Demonstrated experiences in developing countries; ● Demonstrated initiative and ability to deliver results within deadlines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.