Information Management Officer, P-3. ECA, Addis Ababa. Open until 2 April 2011

Job Title:
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office:
ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period:
3 March 2011-2 April 2011
Job Opening number:
11-IMA-ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA-18710-R-ADDIS ABABA


United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC), Food Security and Sustainable Development Division (FSSDD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The Information Management Officer directly reports to the Coordinator of ACPC.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Coordinates the ACPC Knowledge Management, Provides advisory services on recordkeeping practices including needs and business process analysis; organization and maintenance of ACPC information assets; records preservation and disposition; and information management policies and procedures, with an emphasis on technological applications & undertake outreach activities.
• Researches, analyses and evaluates new applications of information technology to archives and records management and makes recommendations for their deployment.
• Participates in record-keeping improvement projects, contributing to feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation and in the evaluation and testing of record-keeping application improvements and new systems; provides user support.
• Manages records accession and disposition functions by applying the life-cycle concept to information assets, including appraisal by liaising with records-originating offices regarding the transfer and/or disposal of their records; assures that retention schedules, registration and physical aspects of records transfers meet established standards; oversees space management and commercial storage contracts; supervises General Service staff in implementing related tasks; and performs records appraisal.
• Manages archival processing activities by overseeing adherence to preservation, international bibliographic, description, database standards and environmental friendliness; produces descriptive inventories; prepares mark-up of descriptive inventories for electronic dissemination; and makes recommendations regarding the planning and prioritisation of preservation and description programme requirements.
• Performs and supervises reference functions by advising internal and external users about records holdings and accessibility; maintaining communications with other information management networks and records and archives specialists; supervising retrieval and reproduction activities of General Service staff.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g.draft background papers, analysis, sections reports, studies and policies inputs to publications, etc.
• Evaluates adequacy of existing records management and reference tools. Implements new technologies in information management to ensure that tools developed for efficient access to information are accessible to staff throughout the Organization.
• Maintains access and declassification standards by liaising with records-originating offices/offices of interest regarding access to security-classified materials and implements access and declassification determinations.
• Participates in developing client outreach strategies and their implementation. Conducts programmes of outreach and user education to improve client use of desktop information resources; uses judgement of relevant institutional needs to develop presentations appropriate to client audience; develops publicity materials to facilitate outreach.
• Provide substantive support to consultants and staff members in meetings, conferences and other such activities, including document preparation and presentation.
• Assists in programme administration, including provision of assistance to or supervision of contractual employees and General Service staff, formulation of consultant and institutional contracts and subsequent implementation, development of the programme budget, etc.
• Provide advice to the Centre in the area of information and knowledge management.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of information management, archival, record keeping and record disposition. Knowledge of electronic data maintenance, including appraisal, conservation and migration management; records preservation and description. Ability to conduct research and provide recommendations on information management trends. Ability to demonstrate conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills and conduct independent research and analysis including familiarity with or experience in the use of various research sources such as internet, intranets and other databases, identifying and assessing issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. Good knowledge of different aspects of climate change. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence and ability to apply judgement when faced with difficult problems or challenges; plan own work and manage conflicting priorities remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in archival, information science, information systems, social science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in modern archives management, record keeping, library, information management or related area.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Assessment Method

Competency based interview and other assessment method

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
- Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive examination.
- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.