Information and Knowledge Management Specialist

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, and the direct supervision of supervision of the SWALIM Technical Adviser. 

Technical Focus 

The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for Information Management activities at FAO SWALIM, including the development and maintenance of data and information systems, and the dissemination of information products and services. He/she will also support and deputize the ILWRM II Project Coordinator, contribute to project concept notes, proposals, and reporting, and enhance engagement with SWALIM stakeholders, including Somali ministries and other partners.

Tasks and responsibilities 

The Information and Knowledge Management Specialist will work in collaboration with the SWALIM team under the direct supervision of the SWALIM Technical Adviser. He will be responsible providing strategic direction and oversight towards the development and management of Information Management activities in FAO SWALIM, oversight the development, maintenance of SWALIM data and information systems, presentation, and dissemination of SWALIM information products and services, support and deputize the ILWRM II Project Coordinator  in implementation of project activities, contribute to project concept note and proposal development, project reporting, and better engagement with SWALIM stakeholders including Somali ministries and other partners.

• Manage, monitor and coordinate the day-to-day operation of the Information Management (IM) unit across Somalia, ensuring quality information management systems and products are in place; monitor and analyses IM program development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties and ensure follow-up actions are undertaken.
• Lead the design, planning and organization of knowledge management including the collection, organization, and access management of FAO SWALIM’s knowledge and information resources and provide necessary information management technical support to the line ministries and government institutions.
• Deputize the ILWRM II project coordinator in the overall coordination, management, execution, and supervision of the project in Somaliland and Puntland, and support the operations of the Somaliland and Puntland IMC, ensuring the IMCs are well resourced and supported to produce and disseminate quality information and knowledge products.
• Support the Puntland and Somaliland IMCs in development of data collection tools, information management and analysis, and development and management of information management systems for water and land resources.
• Support to organize and participate in the meetings of Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committees, workshops and seminars and provide substantive support to other consultative meetings and conferences, preparation of relevant documents and presentations.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with Somali counterparts including government ministries, donors, and other development partners to ensure effective coordination of SWALIM project activities with relevant ministries and agencies and represent FAO-SWALIM during program meetings and workshops.
• Provide technical support and coordination for the establishment of a weather and climate change monitoring data Centre at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Federal Government of Somalia and support the transition of SWALIM functions to the Government.
• Contribute to SWALIM’s projects development, monitoring, and management through: – Support in formulation and writing of projects documents and budgets for the different SWALIM donors; Monitoring the procurement and implementation of information technology and management components, both technical and financial, for timely delivery for the above projects, and development of project progress and terminal reports
• Oversight the development and update of SWALIM online and offline data services, databases, information systems and catalogues including the revamping of SWALIM project website www.faoswalim.org, Flood risk and response Information Management System (FRRIMS) frrims.faoswalim.org, Water sources Live-maps and Geonode in conformity with the FAO standards and requirements and guarantee optimum functionality and smooth operation.
• Update and implement the SWALIM information management policies and framework in line with FAO corporate guidelines and ensure adherence to the policy and framework in all internal and external information management processes including all stakeholder interactions.
• Implement data management systems for the telemetric stations including applications for checking equipment, downloading data, cleaning data and updating and retrieving data from the master databases and dissemination of the information generated.
• Coordinate the design, production and dissemination of FAO SWALIM information and knowledge materials (including technical reports, newsletters, bulletins, news briefs, posters, and banners) in consultation with the FAO communications officer.
• Engage in active marketing, promotion and support of FAO SWALIM information products and services to users including UN agencies, international and local NGOs, Academic Institutions, and community-based organizations.
• Manage the SWALIM client platform and monitor access to and use of SWALIM products and services, responding to client needs and collecting user feedback. Develop procedures to summarize monthly client requests including physical requests booked in the Client Management System database, and web statistics for all online systems.
• Support the line ministry capacity development activities including trainings and LOA’s management, facilitate equipping of FAO SWALIM field offices and Somali line ministry information centers with hardware, software, datasets and coordinate the field office activities.
• Develop and manage detailed work plans and activity budgets to ensure that the activities and outputs of the information and knowledge management theme as defined in the project document are achieved on schedule.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following: 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Advanced degree in computer science, information systems, related field, or a degree with over 7 years’ experience.
• At least 5 years of previous experience in design, creating and managing complex database systems, knowledge & information management experience. Prior work experience with complex emergencies would be a distinct advantage
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2402537