Programme Officer (Information Management), P-3. OCHA, Geneva. Open until 31 January 2012

Programme Officer (Information Management), P3
Department/ Office:
Office For The Coordination Of Humanitarian Affairs
Duty Station: GENEVA


Posting Period:
2 December 2011-31 January 2012
Job Opening number:
11-PGM-OCHA-21947-R-GENEVA


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



Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Geneva, Switzerland. The Programme Officer reports to the Chief of the Information Services Section.

Responsibilities

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

. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects in the area of humanitarian information management, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow - up actions with an emphasis on standards development.

. Performs consulting assignments in the management of information in disaster preparedness, disaster response and early recovery, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.

. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources, including in the area of natural hazards, social vulnerability and disaster management.

. Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.

. Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.

. Prepares various written and infographic outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, maps, graphs etc.

. Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
. Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

. Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

. Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the management of information in complex emergencies, disaster preparedness, disaster response and early recovery. Knowledge of the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in humanitarian contexts. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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 when faced with difficult problems or challenges; 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.
COMMUNICATION: speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two - way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
CREATIVITY: actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
CLIENT ORIENTATION: considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Arts, Business Administration, Disaster Management, Emergency Management, Geographic Information Systems, Information Management, Information Systems, Professional Studies, Social Sciences or a 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 of progressively responsible experience in managing information in a disaster management, emergency management, humanitarian crisis, peacekeeping or related context is required. Relevant experience managing information in a conflict or disaster context at the international level is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment Method

Selected eligible candidates will be required to undertake a technical test and complete a case study on the management of information in a natural disaster and complex emergency. Short-listed candidates will then be invited to undertaken a competency based interview.

Special Notice

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. For this post the staff member will be required to travel extensively to and within developing countries, often into highly stressful environments (civil strife and/or natural disasters). Deployments, which are often at short notice, can be for up to eight weeks at a time away from the assigned Duty Station. The staff member will be required to periodically register for OCHA’s Emergency Response Roster and be available to deploy with United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams if required. Extension of the appointment is subject to the availability of the extra-budgetary funds.

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.

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.