Background

The UNDP Somalia Country Programme is focusing on post conflict recovery and consolidation of peace. The Programme is composed of the Rule of Law and Security, Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods, Governance and Human Development and Economics. The cross cutting areas/projects are HIV/AIDS, ICT, Human Rights and Gender.

The overall objective of the Inclusive Development for Poverty Reduction project under the Human Development and Economics (HDEU) Unit is to support the Somali administrations to identify the necessary interventions required to meet basic service delivery functions and attain the MDGs to promote human development and reduce poverty, strengthen institutional capacity and mobilize support for implementation. The project will support the production of the Somalia Human Development Report 2010 and the introduction of the human development course in selected universities. The project will also build and strengthen the foundations for a nationally-owned, participatory process to prepare MDG-aligned development strategies and strengthen institutional capacity to achieve development results by helping to build capacity of the Ministry of Planning and line ministries, to create awareness of the need for poverty monitoring and to support the establishment and institutionalization of the Zonal Statistical Offices and Planning and Monitoring Units in line ministries. The project will assist in piloting MDG-based planning and programming at the local level by strengthening macro-micro linkages for effective decentralization. The project will also support specific outputs on emerging policy issues that have a direct bearing on socio-economic development in Somalia.

The officer supports the HDEU team by providing statistical information in tabular and visual forms to facilitate effective planning and decision making and monitoring progress in human development and MDGs. In addition, the Officer provides GIS related services to the country office and other development partners. This includes compiling and analyzing spatial poverty related data in UNDP and other institutions and assisting in data harmonization and web based dissemination. He or she reports to the Statistical Specialist and works under overall guidance of the Senior Economist. In addition he or she works closely with all the members of the project team in order to realise the unit objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Establishing and maintaining databases for various socio-economic data
  • Administering and regularly updating the UN/UNDP database/repository
  • Producing poverty maps
  • Analyzing and compiling spatial poverty data
  • Building and updating monthly exchange rates and consumer prices

Functions / Key Results Expected

The following functions will be undertaken by the incumbent:

1.   Establishing and maintaining databases for various socio-economic data, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Development and provision of technical advice on information management methodologies which will assist field data collection for subsequent mapping and visualization
  • Support and assistance to process and compile socio-economic, poverty and location data.
  • Preparation of shape files for uploading to Devinfo/Sominfo.
  • Regular update and upload of data onto DevInfo database for monitoring MDGs and human development

2.  Administering and regularly updating the UN/UNDP database/repository focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Uploading of HDEU information on to the UNDP intranet as and when required.
  • Activation of the HDEU resource centre, update the contents regularly and anchor it to the main UNDP website
  • Support and assistance to establish a UN wide data sharing and harmonized platform in REDATAM, administer and regularly update the system and ensure accessibility to both UNDP and other UN agencies.

3.   Producing Poverty Maps, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Production of poverty maps from available data.
  • Preparation of thematic and analytic maps that support program formulation and implementation in the most efficient manner
  • Preparation and maintenance of descriptive maps that provide inventory of local resources such as infrastructure
  • Management of the development, quality control and reproduction of maps and other GIS products in appropriate formats to be used in reports and dissemination.
  • Provision of GIS information which includes maps in appropriate formats to be used in seminars and workshops 

4.   Analyzing and compiling spatial poverty data, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Development of a filing system for GIS products and ensure that all old and new shape files and maps are properly filed and stored in hard and soft copies
  • Useage GIS technologies to develop, convert and manipulate spatial data for use in the implementation and development of GIS systems for the Human Development and Economics Unit (HDEU) and the Statistical Working Group (SWG) as well as for use in UNDP and other UN agencies.
  • Using available data check the accuracy of GPS coordinates of settlements, water points, temporary nomadic settlements (TNS) and various facilities such as schools, health institutions, etc. for all surveys undertaken jointly by the HDEU and SWG and maintain an updated version of these coordinates.

5.   Building and updating monthly exchange rates and consumer prices, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

  • Building, maintaining and updating on monthly basis of exchange rates and consumer prices and other economic data and produce monthly summaries
  • Performing any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
6.   The results from the above functions will comprise the following, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Harmonised, accessible and updated data repository for all UN agencies
  • Monthly summaries of compiled data
  • Updated and functional HDEU resource centre
  • Poverty maps depicting poverty status in Somalia disaggregated to lowest administrative units possible
  • User friendly and web accessible macro-economic and socio-economic database
  • Regular update HDEU of information on UNDP intranet.

Impact of Results

  • Creation of a platform for easy access to data produced by UN agencies thereby avoiding duplication of resources and efforts in data collection, processing, analysis and dissemination
  • Harmonized data systems, data collection methods, concepts and definitions
  • Awareness of the statistics products and activities of UNDP to the Somali stakeholders and the international community
  • Improved availability of spatial data in form of maps and other formats, e.g. Tabular and graphical
  • Enhanced and accurate reporting due to availability of data

Competencies

Corporate Competencies
  • Demonstrate integrity by modelling the UN values and ethical standards.
  • Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
  • Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Treat all people fairly without favouritism.
Functional Competencies
  • Promote knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.
  • In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues.
  • Actively work towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, act on learning plan and apply newly acquired skills.
  • Seek and apply knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UNDP.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Build strong relationships with partners, focus on impacts and result for the clients and respond positively to feedback.
  • Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responding to field based emergencies.
  • Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
  • IT competencies in Word, Excel, Power Point and internet.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:         

  • Secondary education and diploma in statistics or economics are required.
  • University degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) or geometrics or economics, statistics or related fields with relevant experience is desirable.

Experience:       

  • Should have at least 3 years experience in data processing, analysis and mapping utilizing popular statistical and mapping software packages (e.g. SPSS/ArcGIS etc.)
  • Should have field experience in the use of GPS for mapping
  • Should have experience in the application of Microsoft Office software packages (Word, Excel, Access) and handling web based management systems
  • Experience in managing and updating website content
  • Experience in management of data harmonization systems with special emphasis on data quality control
  • Familiarity with the UN system is desirable

Language :        

  • Strong written and spoken English skills required. 

Terms of Service

This is a non-staff contract under the Service Contract modality of hiring of the UNDP. Individuals engaged under a Service Contract serve in their individual capacity and not as representative of a government institutions, corporate body or other authority external to UNDP. The incumbent shall not be considered as staff of UNDP, the UN common system or the government and are therefore not entitled to any diplomatic privileges or any other special status or conditions.