Information Management Specialist

The current conflict in Yemen has resulted in wide-spread humanitarian crisis, and has left 80 per cent of the population (21.1 million people) in need of assistance.  The impediments on commercial imports to Yemen have led to severe lack of basic items. Should this situation continue to the point that basic commodities, are not imported and therefore not available in the market, the current humanitarian crisis will deteriorate even further.

In order to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, the restoration of regular commercial cargo flows into the country is essential.  UN Security Council resolution 2216 (2015) decided that Member States shall take necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer from or through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned. In order to facilitate the unimpeded flow of essential commercial items, to Yemen, the UN has been requested by the Government of Yemen to provide a monitoring and inspection service that ensures that commercial cargo entering Yemen’s territorial waters is compliant with UNSCR 2216 (2015).  

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been requested to operationalize and manage a mechanism to oversee the monitoring and inspection services. 

The position is located in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti, and will be supervised by the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) Project Manager.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Data Management:

• Determine the primary data and information elements required, internally and externally, to support the clearance process for commercial vessels destined for Yemeni ports.
• Design, develop and manage databases, spreadsheets and other data tools.
• Update the reporting products and ensure the quality of high-value data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.
• Consolidate operational information on a regular schedule to support analysis, design and implementation of sustainable information management and dissemination of data collection.
• Develop and implement proper backup, restoration, data validation, and security procedures to ensure data integrity, availability and operational continuity.
• Propose and implement upgrades to the database webpage, data entry and data storage systems.
• Upgrade the IM guidelines on using the database, ensuring clarity, and explicitly in terms of using the UNVIM database, reporting products, vessel tracking, weekly, monthly Sitrep and Operational Analysis.
• Contribute new ideas for improving the design of the data engine, quality and timeliness of current issues.
• Develop new methods of communicating UNVIM-related communication and transform them into web-based products.
• Compile technical data inputs and evidence to answer stakeholder inquiries as promptly as possible.

Data Analysis:

• Act as a focal point/central instrument for the collection, analysis and dissemination of information relevant to verification, monitoring and inspection activities.
• Organis e, design and implement the evaluation and analysis of datasets related to verification, monitoring and inspection processes.
• Develop data standards and advise on the UNVIM cargo trends on quantities cleared and discharged by categories year-on-year and month-on-month.
• Deliver periodic trend analysis of food and fuel vessel delays prior to berthing to inform management and stakeholders.
• Participate in the development, implementation and management of new indicators, together with its accompanying data, to be included in clearance process datasets.
• Understand, document and ensure the quality of high-value data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.

Visualization/Reporting:  

• Produce and update information products such as maps, charts and infographics by converting data into graphical products to convey messages and a storyline as well as support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Prepare and update presentations with the latest, updated information on UNVIM operations for a variety of meetings.
• Prepare critical statistics and analyses for  management, and assist the Reporting Officer in producing briefing notes.
• Work collaboratively with the Reporting Officer to produce reporting templates and procedures as well as reports, such as situation reports and briefing papers for partners, other UN agencies, head offices, government, donors and other stakeholders.
• Revise the method of correspondence and communication between data management staff and external stakeholders.

Training/Technical Support:

• Provide training on data collection and input, information systems and standards to colleagues, which may include visit of field offices to provide training and technical support as well as online training.
• Provide maintenance and end user technical support in issues relating to the database use and administration, including trouble-shooting for data entry and access to the existing database.
• Provide technical support to operations staff in G-Suite application.

Web Management:

• Provide technical lead in the development of the reporting module and report automation.
• Provide support on on-going maintenance, design and development of content on vimye.org and other relevant web platforms.
• Provide overall quality control for vimye.org and ensure content is current, comprehensive and follows relevant metadata standards.
• Build/implement and/or update a web application for the project, which should include the following features: content management system, news items, easy to use navigation system, document repository, statistics.
• Performs other related duties, as may be assigned by supervisor.

Education Experience Language requirements:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) preferably in information management, information systems, social science or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in database development, information management, information systems, web management, data management, data visualization, or other related areas is required.
• Demonstrated experience in GIS and/or Information Management and/or data visualisation in an international context is required.
• One (1) year of experience in information management within the international development/humanitarian/INGO/UN/Diplomatic context is desirable.
• Command of website content management systems, PHP, Java Script, WordPress, Durpal and database management software SQL Server, My SQL or PostgreSQL would be an asset.
• Prior experience working in R or Python is desirable for Data Visualization and Statistical Analysis would be an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French or Arabic is desirable and would be an advantage.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28691#3