Background

UNDP in Sri Lanka is reorganizing internally and moving to an integrated collaborative business model. Internally, an energetic and innovative team will converge around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders will require a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for Delivering Together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

Post Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Business Development & Resource Management Specialist (NOC), the Data Visualization Specialist is entrusted with the creation of online and offline infographics based on the communications and engagement work performed by the UNDP CO in Sri Lanka. The incumbent provides professional services to develop and implement a data visualization plan for programme and project findings and accomplishments of the UNSDP programme in Sri Lanka.

The expected material outputs in this category of the Data Visualization Specialist include infographics in English, GIFs, and social media cards, and other visual and graphics resources related to the promotion and visibility of UNDP’s work in the programme country.

The incumbent is also entrusted with conducting the necessary background research, and follow-ups for the design and content while tailoring and packaging key messages to be communicated in the creative illustrations to suit a wider audience(s) as well as ensuring compressed quality for uploading and sharing on the various internet venues.

The Data and Visualization Specialist works in close collaboration with the Integrated Management Team, Programme, Operations and project staff in the Country Office and UNDP HQ, as required.  S/he would also establish close collaboration with counterpart and donor community ensuring the availability graphics and other visualization tools that may lend credence and visibility to the work of UNDP in programme and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

  1. Support the development and implementation of a data and visualization development plan conducting of background research work and follow ups for design and content to ensure validity of published information
  2. Support the creation of technical infographics on and offline based on UNDP programme work in Sri Lanka
  3. Ensures data and visualization support to maintenance of web sites, data bases and knowledge management systems and social media
  4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

 

  1. Support the development and implementation of a data and visualization development plan conducting of background research work and follow ups for design and content to ensure validity of published information
  • Collection of information, preparation of content for the web sites
  • Extraction of data from various sources.
  • Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources;
  • Arrangement of briefings and regular meetings with other UN agencies in the CO and with national and international media to ensure the validity of data being extracted as well as the reliability of sources.
  • Prepare relevant budgets related to the implementation of a data visualization plan.

2. Ensures support in the creation of technical infographics on and offline based on UNDP programme work in Sri Lanka

  • Proposes tools and resources in the creation of online and offline infographics.
  • Monitor the use of these tools and resources to ensure their adequate application and ensuring quality of outputs.
  • Provide editing service for modifications and adaptations to better align with UNDP’s overall communication strategy.
  • Researches and produces visual graphics to document programme activities targeting different audiences.
  • Work on GIF and social media cards.

3.  Ensures data and visualization support to maintenance of web sites, social media pages data bases and knowledge management systems focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Data entry updates and high-quality CO web sites in line with corporate branding requirements;
  • Follow-ups for the design and content while tailoring and packaging key messages to be communicated in the creative illustrations to suit a wider audience(s).
  • Compressed quality for uploading and sharing on the various internet venues
  • Prepare relevant reports.

     4.   Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

  • Identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned on data visualization techniques as well as support the strengthening of UNDP’s communities of practice.
  • Participation in training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:             

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Level 1.1: Support the preparation of information for advocacy

  • Supports in identifying opportunities for advocating UNDP’s mandate

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases

  • Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis

  • Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

  • Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate

Level 1.1: Research and information gathering

  • Collects, and disseminates information on UNDP focus areas

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Level 1.1: Research and analysis

  • Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Research and provision of information

  • Responds positively to new approaches

Client Orientation

Level 1.1: Maintains effective client relationships

  • Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
  • Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
  • Responds to client needs promptly

Core Competencies:

  1. Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  
  2. Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
  3. Self-development, initiative-taking
  4. Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
  5. Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
  6. Creating synergies through self-control
  7. Managing conflict
  8. Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
  9. Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree on Communications and or Journalism  with a specialty on Data Extraction Visualization and/or Web Design.

Experience:

5 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations and administration.  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) as well as exposure to Photoshop and other media software. Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and national languages of Sri Lanka.