UNDP Jobs - 55563- Geographic Information System / Information Manage

Geographic Information System / Information Management Officer

Location :

Kathmandu, NEPAL

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2015

Application Deadline :

24-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Up to end of January 2016

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

With an office in Kathmandu and three Field Coordination Offices (FCO) in strategic regional locations, the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) is collectively well-positioned to provide evidence-based coordination and information support to the UN Country Team (UNCT) and development partners. Field presence is an invaluable conduit to access local knowledge and for genuine dialogue with local and regional stakeholders. It promotes local-level collaboration between development partners and local stakeholders as well as a crucial insight on socio-economic challenges.

The RCO provides the necessary support, analysis and information to allow the Resident Coordinator (RC) to chair/co-chair key coordination fora by identifying priorities and setting agendas. The RC can take the lead on common issues that require the UNCT to speak with one voice, and present a common position and/or view. On this basis, the RCO is also positioned to strengthen collaboration within and between development partners and promote more comprehensive and multi-faceted programming as well as use of technical expertise. Partnerships are critical to leveraging all the interests, knowledge and resources necessary to achieve collective results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNRCO and in close collaboration with the Coordination Analyst and the BOGs Coordinator the Geographic Information System/Information Management Officer (GIS/IM) will support the UNRCO information management needs. The GIS/IM Officer will prepare various cartographic and information service needs. S/he will be responsible for the GIS data management, cartography, spatial analysis and data preparedness. The GIS/IM Officer works in close collaboration with field coordinators The GIS/IM Officer also works in close collaboration with the team members from other units of the UNRCO.

Summary of Key Functions:

Support to the RCO, UNCT, and IASC by providing GIS and Info-graphic products and services
Support to the information and knowledge management for conflict reduction and stabilization enhancement analysis, planning and programming
Key information and analysis collected and disseminated
Maintain various GIS data and map products as required
Provide support for capacity building for various UNCT and IASC partners as required and
Information made available to DFID project and support coordination as designed and implemented

1. Support to the RCO, UNCT, HCT by providing GIS and Info-graphic products and HCT services

Collect, produce and maintain spatial and related information as required;
Ensure the development and production of thematic and reference maps and related mapping documents to effectively support the RCO, UNCT, IASC, IDPG and partner organizations based on cartographic needs and priorities;
Identify requirements for spatial analysis and products;
Prepare and distribute maps in various formats (hard-copy from small to large format printing, digital and web-compatible);
Work closely with RCO/UNCT to develop a wide range of maps for the different missions, simulation exercises and national and international workshops/seminars;
Regularly update maps for websites and disseminate maps to government counterparts and other stakeholder;
Facilitate the efficient use of geospatial information and derived information products within the UN and with partners;
Generate other development and humanitarian related maps as required; and
Update and assimilate global mapping standards, policies and procedures.

2. Support to the information and knowledge management for analysis, planning and programming

Support and enhance the information base in the analysis, planning and programming, through standardized, geo-referenced data, compilation of available data through the development of an on-line interactive GIS;
Support tracking of relevant data Who, What, Where, When (4Ws) of project and related activities through the RCO for all UN agencies and their partners;
Support the development of system of social tensions and risk mapping, violence incident tracking and support district-level risk mapping.

3. Key information and analysis collected and disseminated

Member of the Information Management Working Group (IMWG), support development of standards and data sharing protocols;
Liaise closely with relevant stakeholders to support more coherent information management and analysis system;
Together with other relevant staff of the RC Office, design and implement a structured dissemination plan for all information products and services (e.g. reports, data, maps) through, for example, hard copy, websites, Facebook, twitter etc.;
Manage the system design, data entry and use of standardized systems to support development initiatives. These standardized databases include but are not limited to 4Ws, Dev Info, di-Monitoring, UNDAF, Outcome Tracking tools and mapping of the donor transparency initiative;
Provide training to staff in the RC Office on information systems and standards and keep the team abreast of latest information technology;
Support the development and ensure regular maintenance and running of the joint UNCT website. This includes technical support and maintenance of UNCT website making lively, well organized website with varied and interesting information.

4. Maintain various GIS data and map products as required

Responsible for managing map store and product catalogue;
Maintain a map center at UNIC for wider dissemination of the map products;
Responsible for managing various GIS data layers systematically and
Coordinate with various agencies including government to acquire spatial/non-spatial datasets as required.

5. Provide support in capacity building of various UNCT and ISAC partners as required

Support the UNCT members and partners, to identify their cartographic needs and advise on the GIS products and mapping services;
Organize training to RCO staff and partners on effective use of GIS;
Support the UN Information Group for its UNCT activities and requirements, including national forum such as National GIS society, GIG, NRSS , NPC/GIS etc. and
Support UNCT and IASC partners to collect data.

6. Any other related duties as reasonably requested by the RC or the Head of the RC Office

Any other - as may be requested by head of RCO, Senior Management.

Impact of Results

The GIS/IM Officer will be expected to develop, implement and maintain the RC OFFICE Information Management Strategy under the leadership of the Head of RCO and provide support to field coordination offices in the use of information management applications and procedures.

S/he will be expected to contribute to overall increased efficiency of the RCO office including improved decision making, better information management and client services. This in turn will result in management and generation of accurate, up-to-date and timely geographic information products and services that will collectively support the development and pace build aims of UN and the Government of Nepal

S/he will be instrumental in developing and updating a joint UNCT website through technical administration and media campaign strategy.

Competencies

Promotes sharing of knowledge and experience, and actively works towards continued personal learning and development;
Displays harmonious and cooperative spirit to colleagues
Strives for supportive working environment and positive thinking
Good practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, propose new approaches which expand the range of projects;
Builds strong relationships with all partner, focuses on impact and results and responds positively to critical feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Proven networking, team building, organizational and communication skills;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Ability to work systematically and handle confidential materials with desecration
Ability to work in a multi-culture environment; and Proven team-working skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Geography, Social Science or other relevant field; preferable in Geographic Information System, Computer Science.

Experience

Minimum of Seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant, professional experience in information management or in any related field of expertise.
Strong practical experience in GIS and cartography
Previous experience with UN/GIS in a UN organization is an advantage
Knowledge of current GIS software (ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine)
Knowledge of related software system (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Google Maps API, MS Access VBA, MYSQL Programming and other spatial database )
Knowledge on remote sensing image processing, knowledge on various GIS and related open source tools and techniques

Language Requirements:

Proven communication skills in writing and spoken in English and Nepali.